Long after a Tummy tuck, is it safe to travel a few hours?

Question

I live in New York but I would like to have my tummytuck procedure done in Florida. How long after surgery would I be able to either take the short flight home or prehaps have someone drive me home from Florida?

Scott Farber, MD, FACS · Answer

We ask that our out-of-town patients refrain from traveling for a minimum of 10 days following their procedure. If you plan to travel, it is important to stand up and walk at least every hour. In most circumstances, my patients feel well enough to travel 2 weeks after their tummy tuck surgery.  By 6 weeks, given normal healing, patients are cleared to ease back into their normal activities. It is important to contact your Plastic Surgeon before traveling shortly after a cosmetic procedure and to follow their detailed advice following your surgery, as medical opinions may vary.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Our practice has patients travel from afar. Opinions on travel following a surgical procedure will differ amongst surgeons, and is best to discuss this with your surgeon. In our practice, we ask that you plan to stay for several days to weeks to observe and evaluate the surgical areas as well as your readiness for travel. Depending on which procedure you have, up to a few weeks or so may be necessary. I would certainly discuss this with your surgeon in addition to plans for postop care and evaluation.  Ensuring adequate oral intake and mobility is a must and proper postoperative care of the surgical sites and incisions is prudent. An evaluation postoperatively as well as prior to departure is usually done to make sure that all is well for your travel back.  Potential for compression stockings and/or anticoagulation may be advised by your surgeon.  Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The main risk (also one for passengers without surgery) will be the possibility of developing a clot in one of your deep leg veins, DVT, that could travel to your lungs (Pulmonary Embolism). Venous blood clot risk factors include sitting for prolonged times (for example prolonged plane flights or road trips) obesity, oral contraceptive use, sedentary lifestyle, familial clotting disorders. to minimize this from happening to you, I would keep hydrated, wear TED stockings, walk around often and frequently, keep your legs elevated if possible and mover your legs, ankles and feet often while sitting.You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon to see what is best for you. #flyingpostop#tummytuck#TT

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.I have a lot of patients fly in for surgeryFor tummy tuck I recommend 2 weeksThe best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. In my practice I always recommend to my patients to stay at least for two weeks after surgery to avoid unnecessary complications. Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This is something you'd have to discuss with your surgeon as each of us would have a different answer. Plan on staying at least 1-2 weeks after your procedure. Best of luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is always best to ask your surgeon what he/ she prefers. It is always nice to have at least one follow up with the surgeon a few days after surgery to ensure you are good to go home. All the best,

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. The answer will depend on a number of factors; your age and overall health, drain/vs drainless and recovery in general. Your Plastic Surgeon will request a minimum amount of time that you stay near by so that a follow up can be done and ensure all is well before you leave. For some, as little as 3-5 days, others will recommend a week or more.  You will need to have assistance with lifting and be careful to follow activity restrictions.Discuss this part of your plan with your Plastic Surgeon before proceeding.All the best

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I always recommend that out of town patients try to stay until 1 week after drain removal.   This generally means 2-3 weeks in the area of your surgery.    I wish you all the best.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

There are things to watch after tummy tuck.  It is not a good idea to rush back after such a surgery. Stay in Florida till you are healed enough. In most cases it will be at least take three weeks after surgery.   However there is increased risk of blood clots with prolonged travels after any surgery.  That risk is there even after 3 weeks.  Then there is question of follow ups.Consider all these things seriously before surgery.  Plastic surgery is a process and not a deed.

Long after a Tummy tuck, is it safe to travel a few hours?

Answers (14)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Enlarged & rounded mons pubis 2 years after tummy tuck? (Photo)

Is it possible my surgeon removed too much skin during my Tummy tuck?

1 months post op Tummy tuck, I have belly button problems. Any suggestions?

How much weight do I need to lose prior to getting a tummy tuck & how long will it take months? a year?

I am 5'3" and weigh 139 lbs. Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck now, or need to wait until I lose more weight?

Post tummy tuck my private area is drastically different, will it ever go back? Is there anything I can do?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS