Although advice varies on the optimum time for flying after breast surgery, most surgeons advise that it should be avoided for at least one week. It's best to stay close to your plastic surgeon during this critical time frame as it's when most serious postoperative complications tend to occur.
Flying After Breast Augmentation
Because there is little physical movement during a flight, patients don't have much to fear about flying after surgery. But, to stay on the safe side, it can be useful to wait until a week after surgery so you can avoid any unexpected complications mid-flight.
It is recommended that you wait for the following durations before flying after aesthetic surgeries: Breast reduction: 2 weeks. Mastopexy (breast lift): 6 days. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): 2 to 4 weeks.
For other types of surgery, allow: 1 to 2 days after surgery where a plaster cast is applied – if you have a broken arm or leg, it'll affect where you can sit; for example, you won't be allowed to sit in an emergency seat and you may have to purchase an extra seat if you can't bend your knee to sit normally.
Although advice varies on the optimum time for flying after breast surgery, most surgeons advise that it should be avoided for at least one week. It's best to stay close to your plastic surgeon during this critical time frame as it's when most serious postoperative complications tend to occur.
A general guide to follow: Avoid flying within 2 days following arthroscopic surgery. Avoid flying within 2 weeks following open shoulder surgery, or fracture surgery. Avoid flying for 6 months following total hip replacement surgery.
Give yourself at least a week of recovery time before travelling. Flying is especially dangerous in the first few days following surgery. Choose travel accommodations, like an aisle seat, that allow you to stretch and move as much as possible during the flight. Be as active as you can before getting on the plane.
You will usually need to wait a minimum of six weeks after surgery before you can fly. This is because there is an increased risk of blood clots and complications after surgery. It's important to check with your treatment team before booking any travel.
Dr. Howland requires patients to wear their compression bra for several weeks at all times except when bathing to aid the healing process.
Myth: Breast Reduction Surgery Is Very Painful
In general, breast reduction surgery is significantly less painful than breast augmentation surgery.
Days 2 to 4
Getting up and moving around will help. You can begin showering again at this point; just remember to thoroughly and gently pat your incisions dry afterward. You may notice that your breasts feel tight and sit unnaturally high on your chest.
Clots are most likely to develop in the first week or two after your surgery, but you're at risk for about three months. You won't always notice symptoms, but if you develop a blood clot you might see: New swelling in your lower leg that doesn't go down when you elevate your leg.
One study estimates that 1 in 4,600 travelers will have a blood clot within 4 weeks of a long flight. According to Dr. Kahn, “the actual risk of a travel-related blood clot is quite small, and the average traveler doesn't need to worry about it.
When you get into high altitudes, especially while flying, the change in pressure can cause fluid to accumulate, much like in the previous example. When this happens, you get the same results – swishing, gurgling, or squeaking noises that go away. Feel free to contact your surgeon to talk it over if you need to.
Blood clots can sometimes form in your legs during air travel because you are immobile for long periods of time, often sitting in cramped spaces with little leg room. The clinical term for this type of blood clot is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The longer the flight, the more at risk you are for developing a clot.
After day 3, you should see slight improvements in swelling and tightness with each successive day. While some soreness may continue, this, too, should dissipate as the days go on. At 1 week post op breast augmentation patients are usually able to return to work, though this does depend on your job.
Light walking every day is beneficial
We would recommend white walks every day after surgery to promote blood circulation. This helps the healing tissues to recover more quicker. You should try to avoid doing too much too soon and build up gradually over time.
Inspect your incisions at least once a day to make sure they don't show any signs of redness, which could indicate infection. You should avoid lifting anything heavier than five pounds during the first two weeks after the procedure.
If you habitually sleep on your stomach or side, Dr. Orringer suggests that you consider practice sleeping on your back in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Typically, patients can safely resume their preferred sleeping style four to six weeks after surgery.
That being said, if you take enough time to recover and take the proper precautions, it is generally safe to travel after surgery. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about traveling after your particular procedure.
In addition, generally, after surgery and depending on it, it may be recommended to avoid air travel for a while because long hours of travel can increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the body's veins. But going back to what interests us, can you travel by plane with stitches? The answer is yes.