How long after procedures can I take a flight or get on plane?
If I have a breast lift and implants along with tummy tuck and lipo how long after can I take a flight out of country?
Ideally, you should wait a month after any significant surgery to fly in order to reduce your risks of blood clots in the legs that can break off and go to your lungs and even cause death. If you must fly, choose an aisle seat and walk around a lot.
This is a very common question especially after Tummy Tucks. First, consider discussing this matter with your surgeon. Normally, after you are healed, recovered and able to lift luggage after such extensive/ multiple surgery(s) as you have described it is OK to fly (6 to 8 weeks). If you have to fly sooner medications can be given/ prescribed to decrease your risk of DVT/ PE like Lovenox or Xeralto.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Flying After Tummy Tuck and Lipo - In general I do not recommend that patients fly for at least a month after any type of significant cosmetic surgery until they are completely healed. You will increase your chance for having an embolism from prolonged flights, if you are not completely recovered.
The safest answer, in my opinion, is to wait six weeks. By that time your incisions (and muscle tightening) will be well healed and there will be no significant restrictions on your activity. Overseas travel can be strenuous and is best done when you don't have any physical limitations. At that time you'll also be long enough away from surgery that issues that could arise from the surgery itself are improbable. The last thing you want while in a foreign country is to try to resolve a medical issue. Minimizing the risk of developing blood clots is a valid concern while flying long distances especially in the early post-operative time period. Consider taking an aspirin the morning of travel but discuss this and your travel plans with your surgeon as he will have your best interest in mind.
Wait a minimum of 10 days after surgery before flying. Concern is risk of blood clots in the legs. You are having multiple complex procedures and need close follow up for first 2-3 weeks. Of course follow your surgeon's advice.