Flying prior to surgery. Is it safe?

Question

I am due to go on holiday 2 weeks before my surgery, returning exactly a week before my rhinoplasty operation. Is it reasonably safe to travel on a short haul flight (3 hours) this close to surgery?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is safe to fly  before your surgery. We have many patients that fly in for their surgery in our practice, stay in town for one week, and then fly home. For many before-and-after closed rhinoplasty examples, please see the link below to our rhinoplasty  photo gallery

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Flying should be safe. The only potential risk is that both flying and surgery are risk factors for clotting in the legs (DVT). This should be relatively low risk if you don't have other predisposing factors to blood clots. For a more specific answer, you should discuss your specific situation with your chosen surgeon. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Flying prior to rhinoplasty surgery should not be an issue. During longer flights, it is a good idea to get up and walk frequently (every 1 or 2 hours) to help with circulation in the legs. Additionally, it is important to keep hydrated. Both of these help to reduce the incidence of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) in the legs which can also be a problem during surgery, especially with longer operative times (duration of surgery).

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I operate on many patients from outside California and outside the United States who come to our clinic just before surgery. None of these individuals have ever had any problems secondary to their travel.

Flying prior to surgery. Is it safe?

Answers (4)

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