Can You Fly After Getting Lip Filler?
When considering lip filler and flying, it’s important to understand the risks and how to travel safely. You can fly after lip filler treatment, but you must follow precautions to achieve desirable results and have a comfortable trip. Flying with a medical escort or on a sea level medical flight is the safest way to travel after lip filler treatment because it ensures you have access to medical care if a complication arises.
Can You Fly After a Lip Filler Procedure?
You can fly after getting a lip filler procedure, but doing so presents some risks. Learning about potential complications, talking with your doctor, and flying on a sea level flight or with a medical escort is the safest way to fly after getting lip fillers.
What Happens When You Fly After Getting Lip Fillers?
Dermal fillers require time to settle into your target area, and it may take several days to a couple of weeks for side effects to wear off. While flying after receiving lip fillers is generally safe, you should be aware of the following complications that could arise.
Bruising and Swelling
An aircraft’s recycled air and cabin pressure changes can lead to dehydration and inflammation in the body. Flying after filler treatment may exacerbate side effects like redness, swelling, bruising and discomfort. This is especially true for long-haul flights where you are at high altitudes for an extended period.
Blocked Blood Vessels
Changing air pressure can cause the filler material in your lips to develop pockets or air bubbles. Without treatment, air bubbles can block your blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your treated area.
Spreading Filler and Reduced Effectiveness
An aircraft cabin’s pressure changes may also cause dermal fillers to shift or expand, leading to uneven results. Flying after lip filler may result in an undesired appearance that’s challenging to amend. If you’re concerned about maintaining the results you desire, taking a sea level flight may be the best option. Sea level flights fly with pressurized cabins to maintain lower altitude levels, reducing the risks of dermal filler expansion and movement.
Blood Clots
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in one of the lower body’s veins, and it can occur in the legs, pelvis or arms. If the clot breaks apart, there is a risk of it moving to the lungs and forming a blockage known as pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT and PE require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications or death.
How Soon Can You Fly After Lip Fillers?
How long you can fly after lip filler treatment partially depends on how fast you heal, but most providers recommend waiting at least a week after filler treatment to take a flight. This gives your skin time to heal and your fillers time to settle in and produce your desired results. You can fly sooner than this if you fly with medical support. Medical professionals can monitor your condition and intervene if any complications arise.
Flying Safely After Lip Filler Treatment
The following tips can help you fly safely after lip filler treatment.
Talk to Your Provider
Talk to your provider before flying. Your provider can let you know if you are safe to travel, and they can recommend ways to maintain your desired results. You can also ask your provider about an anti-inflammatory cream to help reduce swelling or bruising.
Follow Treatment Aftercare Instructions
Practicing self-care can be challenging when you’re packing for a trip, navigating the airport and boarding a flight, but following treatment aftercare instructions is essential. Your provider may instruct you to do the following after you receive your injections:
- Drink water from a cup to avoid using a straw.
- Avoid applying pressure to your lips.
- Keep your treated area clean, and wash your hands before touching your lips to prevent infection.
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to your lips during the first 48 hours after treatment to ease bruises and swelling.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
- Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.
- Avoid foods high in sodium to help reduce swelling.
- Refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol.
- Avoid blood thinning medications.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
- Avoid sleeping on your face.
- Refrain from wearing makeup on or near your lips for at least 24 hours.
Fly With Medical Support
Flying with medical support can help you remain comfortable, avoid risks and address complications if they arise. You can schedule medical escort services to fly with a trained air medic on a commercial airline. An air medic provides compassionate care during your flight, helps maintain your comfort and intervenes if necessary.
You can also request a sea level flight if you need to fly within the first one or two days after treatment and are concerned about your dermal fillers spreading. Flying on a sea level flight prevents you from experiencing excessive cabin pressure changes that can cause fillers to spread.
Scheduling a medical escort to fly with you is the best way to incorporate self-care in your travels. A medical escort can help you board your flight and bring all of the supplies you need to remain safe and comfortable.
Remain Hydrated
Hydration is always important, but it’s especially crucial when flying. Drinking plenty of water can help you maintain the results you desire after treatment and minimize unwanted side effects, such as swelling.
Only Receive Dermal Injections From a Licensed Professional
Licensed health care providers with experience in cosmetic surgery or dermatology have the training and experience necessary to perform lip filler treatment correctly. Seeking treatment from a reputable provider you trust helps reduce the risk of unwanted side effects.
Contact REVA to Fly Safely After Lip Filler Treatment
If you’re considering getting lip fillers and traveling soon after your treatment, you should take the proper precautions to increase comfort and safety. Flying after lip filler treatment can cause complications, such as spreading filler material, increased bruising and swelling, low circulation in the affected area and blood clots.
Traveling with a medical escort or taking a sea level flight can help you fly with peace of mind. REVA offers medical escort services and medical sea level flights you can rely on, and we have earned several awards reflecting our dedication to safety. Our medical teams receive ongoing training so they can provide you with high-quality, compassionate care and help you reach your destination comfortably. Contact us to request a quote and learn more about our services.
