Can You Travel After Getting a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a procedure that works to tighten the abdomen and remove excess fat and skin to create a firmer, smaller stomach. While you might be considering a tummy tuck and flying, you should consult your surgeon. Flying after a surgical procedure can lead to complications if done improperly.
If you’re wondering how soon you can fly after a tummy tuck, you need to understand the recovery process and how to promote healing. Traveling with a tummy tuck can go well if you take it slow and follow your surgeon’s recommendations.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
Tummy tuck recovery will take weeks to months. After your procedure, it will take five to six weeks to get your energy back up, and it could be months before stomach numbness goes away. Your exact recovery will depend on your procedure and health. Understanding what to expect will help you plan for after the procedure so you can recover effectively.
Post-Operative Period
Right after your surgery, your health care team will monitor you in a recovery room until you’re sent home to recover safely. After getting home, you’ll likely experience pain and discomfort for several days.
Additionally, you’ll probably have drains to collect fluid buildup. These are removed around a week after your surgery. Once they’re out, you can begin your early recovery process with rest, compression garments and hydration.
Early to Mid Recovery Period
You’ll start to heal with rest and your health care team’s help. Follow all their instructions to prevent complications and promote healing. You’ll likely have follow-up appointments so your surgeon can watch your progress and spot any issues.
The healing process usually takes several weeks to months, depending on the procedure’s intensity and the patient’s body. As you wear your compression garment and rest up, you’ll slowly be able to travel, work and heal. Once your surgeon clears you for normal activities, you can expect to see swelling disappear after a few months.
Can You Fly After a Tummy Tuck?
Yes, you can fly after a tummy tuck — as long as your doctor clears you for flight and provides you with a fit-to-fly form. Tummy tucks are a surgical procedure, so you need to ensure you’re ready for flight before taking off. Your surgeon will consider your condition, recovery, flight length and potential risks when deciding if you can travel.
Typically, you can take short flights after your surgery. You can get on a plane after a tummy tuck for a short time, but you’ll need to limit movement to prevent complications.
How Long After a Tummy Tuck Can You Fly?
Everyone’s body is different. After your surgery, you’ll have to wait for your surgeon’s all-clear to fly — this will probably take a couple of weeks. The exact time you must wait to fly depends on your procedure, age, body and recovery. Still, you should take things slow right after surgery to prevent health issues.
You can usually fly a couple of weeks after your tummy tuck — this is also around the time you can return to work. After the first few weeks, your doctor will review your condition and see if you can fly.
Flying is a particular risk because it can lead to blood clots post-surgery. When you fly, you spend lots of time sitting in dry, recirculated air. Sitting with bent knees means blood pools in your legs instead of traveling back to your heart and out again. Meanwhile, your bent knees create less effective circulation since the path to your heart is no longer linear. This prolonged poor circulation period with minimal movement can increase your risk of blood clots. Combine this with dehydration, and you can increase your risk of health complications post-surgery.
Traveling After Getting a Tummy Tuck
Traveling with a tummy tuck requires some preparation. Plastic surgery in general involves a long healing process, and you need to adjust your travel plans to protect your health. Whatever your reason for traveling, you need to work with your doctor to find the best plan for travel without straining your body.
Here are some considerations for traveling after getting your tummy tuck:
- Ask your doctor: Make sure you’re cleared for travel by your surgeon before going anywhere. All modes of transportation can strain your body. Following professional recommendations is essential to get the best results and avoid complications. Your doctor will likely prescribe you medication to make healing more comfortable — if you’re approved to fly, make sure you can bring your medication with you legally.
- Move around: Whether you’re driving, flying or using other transportation, take breaks to get up and move around. Sitting for too long prevents proper circulation, creating a risk of clotting. Walk around and do some gentle stretching to get the blood flowing.
- Wear compression garments: If recommended, use compression garments to minimize swelling. These encourage healing and stop fluid from building up around the surgery site. Only remove your compression garment when showering or washing the garment to prevent issues. You should also wear compression stockings on flights to promote proper circulation.
- Avoid heavy lifting: Strenuous activities and heavy lifting are off-limits until your health care professional clears you. These activities can strain your body and the incision line. Keep this in mind when traveling with luggage.
- Take it slow: Avoid trying to travel or work right after your surgery. Your body will be tired, and you need lots of rest to heal correctly. Drink water, eat well and take your time.
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