Traveling After Plastic Surgery

by | Aug 20, 2015

Traveling After Plastic SurgeryAfter any surgery, most patients are eager to get back to their normal lifestyle as quickly and as safely as possible. This is no different for those who have had plastic surgery. Many of the patients we see here at the offices of Dr. Richard J Brown look forward to the time when they can resume their favorite activities, such as exercising and traveling after plastic surgery.

Related: Healing Tips After Plastic Surgery

We are often asked how soon after a surgery is complete is it safe to travel. There are some key factors that need to be considered when answering this question. Generally speaking, you should wait to travel by air or long distances until after your first post-operative visit. This is typically scheduled for 5 to 7 days after the surgery. Your surgeon will want to have a chance to look at how well you are healing and make sure you are good to go before you travel home to another state or take off on your next vacation. In many instances Dr. Brown will ask you to wait longer than a week to travel depending on the type of procedure you have.

For patients who are at high risk for developing a blood clot, it is recommended that you not travel until your surgeon gives you clearance.

Outside of long distance traveling, patients are free to travel by car for short trips that last under and hour even before their first post-op visit. A good rule of thumb is when you are off strong pain medication and can get up on your own without assistance, you are ready for short drives. Of course, you shouldn’t drive the car yourself until your surgeon gives you medical clearance.

Where Will You Go and What Will You Do?

Even when you are clear to travel long distances, it is important to consider where it is you will be traveling to and what activities will take place while you are there. A trip to California for a long weekend is totally different than taking off to a country that is halfway around the world. Though rare, should a complication arise, you will want to be able to get back to your surgeon right away.

Equally as important is considering what activities you will be involved in while traveling. It may be a good idea to discuss your travel activities with your surgeon if you are planning to travel long distances within the first few weeks after surgery. For example, too much exposure to the sun might have a negative effect on the coloration of your incision. Your surgeon will be able to give you advice and insight on how to travel safely after your plastic surgery.

More Questions About Traveling After Plastic Surgery

If you have specific questions about traveling after your plastic surgery, call the offices of Dr. Richard J. Brown at ​480-568-3804.

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