How Soon Can I Travel After Cosmetic Surgery?

There are certain considerations which people often take into account when planning their plastic surgery procedure, or they may have had cosmetic surgery and are keen to know how soon they can travel after surgery. Cosmetic surgery can be a truly life-changing experience, not only in terms of the enhancement of physical appearance but also a significant boost in self-confidence, which helps people to feel much better about themselves when in everyday social situations.

You may be super keen to have a relaxing holiday after certain procedures, including breast augmentation, liposuction, a Brazilian butt lift, or a mummy makeover. Other people may wish to attend a major event and want to know when it is safe to travel after cosmetic surgery.

We regularly treat patients from other parts of the UK, having heard about our fantastic reputation, and they often wonder when it is safe to fly back home after surgery. Here we present all the essential information you need to know about travelling after cosmetic surgery.

Travelling by car, train or plane

As a general rule, following any surgery, we advise anyone not to travel too soon after surgery. Cosmetic surgery is a significant undertaking, and it is important to give the body the time it needs to adequately heal before you return to your normal daily activities or restart going to the gym. We advise against travelling for as long as possible, or at least until your incisions have fully healed. Having said this, we understand that every patient’s circumstances are slightly different.

How soon you can travel after surgery will be determined by several factors, including the type of surgery you have had and the method of transport you intend to use after surgery. If you plan to travel by aeroplane, we advise against travelling by air until at least four weeks after surgery. This assumes that your surgery went well with no complications and you are healing as intended, assessed by attending your postoperative appointments.

If you plan to travel by car or train, it may be possible in certain cases to use these methods of transport slightly earlier after surgery if you have had some form of breast surgery, such as breast augmentation. However, if you have had major body contouring surgery, such as a Brazilian butt lift, you will be advised to avoid sitting on your buttocks for prolonged periods to avoid affecting the surgical results. In this case, you may need to wait at least four weeks before travelling again.

There are several standardised recommendations for a wide range of procedures, and your plastic surgeon will be able to give you customised recommendations after they have assessed you at an in-person postoperative review. Although we generally say it is okay to travel four weeks after surgery, your surgeon may advise you against travelling for a longer period depending on the type of surgery you have had and your circumstances. Always listen to your surgeon’s advice to help you get the best possible results.

How soon can I travel after surgery?

If you have been planning a beach holiday after surgery, there are several considerations to think about beforehand. You should avoid swimming in pools after surgery, although swimming in the ocean may be allowed after four weeks. If you plan to travel to a sunny location, cover the surgical sites fully. You should avoid direct exposure of the incisions to sunlight, as there is a risk of excessive scarring and possible hyperpigmentation if you fail to do so.

If you are planning a spa retreat, avoid booking a getaway until at least eight weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will advise against saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, tanning beds and swimming pools for at least eight weeks after surgery to minimise the risk of an infection developing.

Travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery

It is normal for patients to spend time researching the best Surgeon to carry out their procedure. In some cases, patients may have to travel far away from home for cosmetic surgery. This could be to a different part of the UK or even abroad to locations such as Turkey. Our recommendation is to always consider having surgery locally and as close to home as possible. We recommend this because it is important to receive proactive medical care throughout your patient journey, and this is particularly important during the early postoperative period. Complications may go undetected if you fail to have regular postoperative checkups. This may increase the risk of receiving substandard results.

RELATED: Why do people choose to have liposuction abroad?

Having the same surgeon monitor your care from start to finish is best as they have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure undertaken and your healing and recovery progress. You will be able to receive the best care and are more likely to achieve a smooth recovery with minimal risk of complications by choosing to have your surgery as close to home as possible.

RELATED: The Dangers of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism

Why choose Centre for Surgery?

Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best consultant plastic surgeons in the UK. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic is conveniently located in Marylebone in the heart of London. Call us today to schedule an in-person consultation at 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below. Our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators will act as your personal point of contact throughout your journey with us at Centre for Surgery.