Is a long-haul flight 6 weeks after mommy makeover enough time?

Question

Hi, my surgery is booked for 28th April and I have a long haul flight from Australia to Ireland 6 weeks later, Is this enough time? I will be flying business class to be more comfortable.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Assuming an uncomplicated recovery you should be able to fly 6 weeks after your mommy makeover.

Sepehr Lajevardi, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Hi Vickey, You should be fine to fly at 6 weeks post op. If your wounds have not fully healed you should discuss this with your surgeon to ensure they are happy for you to fly and suitable follow up care has been arranged for you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It all comes down to the procedures performed during the MM and how you are recovering. If the surgery was uneventful, you should be recovered by six weeks so that a long plane ride would not be detrimental to your health. You board certified plastic surgeon will be the best one to offer an opinion as he/she will know how you are healing. Ask your surgeon to provide a letter to the airline attendant so that you may be allowed to stand and walk the aisles when the caution signs are not lit.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear VickeyT,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Flying long-haul 6 weeks after a mommy makeover can be possible for many people, especially with careful planning and if you’re healing well – but it really depends on several factors, including your specific procedures, your overall health, and how your recovery progresses. 
Here are key considerations: 
Is 6 weeks enough? 
In general: 
•	Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before flying long-haul after major surgery – so you’re right on the threshold. 
•	Flying business class is definitely helpful, as it gives you more space and comfort, and makes it easier to move around. 
However: 
•	If you had a tummy tuck or liposuction in the legs/abdomen, there’s an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) when flying long-haul, especially within the first 6-8 weeks. 
•	Your energy levels and swelling may still not be fully resolved at 6 weeks. 
•	Sitting for long hours can also extra exacerbate swelling, especially in the abdomen and lower limbs. 
What to do: 
1. Talk to your surgeon
•	This is non-negotiable – they know your body and procedure best. 
•	Ask specifically about DVT risks and whether they recommend blood thinners for the flight. 
2. Consider compression garments and stockings. 
•	These can help with swelling and DVT prevention. 
3. Plan to move around on the flight. 
•	Walk every hour or two. 
•	Stretch and move your legs frequently. 
4. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on the flight. 
Six weeks is borderline – it may be okay for a healthy person with a smooth recovery, especially flying business class, but it’s not guaranteed. Your surgeon’s clearance is essential, and you should prepare for risks like swelling, fatigue, and DVT.

Pawel Stachowicz, MD · Answer

On average after six weeks most patients are of the restrictions.
Nevertheless, one has to be prepared that sometimes things take longer. For example, even a minor wound healing delay (not a long term problem) can be tricky to take care of while on the move.
Travel insurance could be a good idea perhaps just in case.
Traveling before 4 weeks or so I find quite risky. One of the potential issues after any major surgery is clotting in the leg blood vessels, certainly increased by cramped airline seating. Additionally even a minor problem can be frustrating when one has to rely on ER visit away from their surgeon.
My advice to all patients:-perform your surgery at the location where you can stay sufficient time to recover (it is never “just 1 week”)-make sure your surgeon has admitting privileges at a local hospital for added safety-during consultation before surgery ask for a specific ways that you can contact your provider afterwards if there are any urgent questions- for example my patients can text me directly-planning to recover after major surgery during vacation is a best way to ruin the vacation :)
During any long distance travel: wearing compression socks, getting up and walking frequently, elevating legs if possible and baby aspirin (if there’s no contraindications) would be good preventive steps.
This question brings up an important aspect of traveling for or after elective and cosmetic surgeries in general.It might be tempting to go to “Miamis” of the world in order to save money&hellip;It is Important to remember that: after care, regular follow up, quick intervention if there is a problem are essential to a good long-term result and safety. I am contacted on a regular basis by patients who had their surgeries performed elsewhere and then traveled back after a week or so. They have questions or may need help and original place doesn’t even answer their phone calls&hellip;Finally, other costs: hotels, tickets, food also add up quickly, often surpassing cost of surgery locally.

Eric Maiorino, MD · Answer

You should be ok to fly 6 weeks after surgery with limited risks (other than some continued soreness) at that point after surgery with a baseline risk for DVT (risk is usually elevated for 30 days after surgery) but would speak with your surgeon about your planned travel to make sure nothing in your medical history would be concerning. Enjoy the trip!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, you should be fine to fly for 8 hours six weeks after surgery with normal recovery.  Be sure to get up and walk around when able and rotate and pump your ankles regularly when seated.  You may also want to wear compression stockings in flight.  I encourage you to speak to your surgeon about your plans as well.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Six weeks seems like a very conservative and appropriate amount of time to heal up before traveling after a major surgical procedure.

I think the minimum time for this type of surgery would be 2 to 3 weeks.

Discuss with your provider if you have further questions.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Immobility after surgery is the main cause of deep vein thrombosis. The risk is highest at 2-10 days after surgery but remains increased for 3 months or so. If travelling at 6 weeks, it would be wise to wear compression garments and to move around in the cabin hourly (or more often) to prevent venous stasis which may predispose to the development of a venous thrombus. Best wishes...

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