Travelling After Cosmetic Surgery
If you’ve recently had cosmetic surgery, or you’re planning to, chances are you’ve also thought about how soon you can get on a plane, head off on holiday, or simply return home if you’ve travelled for treatment.
While it’s completely normal to look forward to getting back to everyday life (or taking a well-earned break), travelling too soon after surgery can interfere with healing and increase your risk of complications.
In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to consider when it comes to flying, wound care, and even sun exposure after cosmetic surgery.
When is travelling safe after cosmetic surgery?
The timing of your return to travel depends on the type of surgery you’ve had and how smoothly your recovery is going. In general, short-haul flights should be avoided for at least 7 days following most cosmetic procedures, while long-haul flights often require a longer wait (around 4 to 6 weeks is typical). This is to reduce the risk of complications such as swelling, clotting (particularly deep vein thrombosis), and delayed healing.
Long periods of sitting can increase swelling and pressure in areas that are still recovering. After surgeries like tummy tucks, breast augmentation, or facial procedures, your body needs time to rest, and flying too soon can add unnecessary strain.
If you’re unsure when it’s safe to travel, speak to your surgeon during your follow-up appointment. They’ll be able to advise based on how your individual recovery is progressing.
Protecting your wounds
Even if you’re cleared to travel, your body is still in recovery mode, and taking care of your healing wounds should remain a top priority. Dressings should stay clean, dry, and secure, particularly during long journeys when access to clean facilities might be limited.
Be mindful of movement, friction, and pressure on surgical sites, especially when carrying luggage, sitting for extended periods, or navigating through busy airports.
Wearing any compression garments that you’ve been advised to use is important, even while flying, as they help with circulation and support the surgical area. Staying hydrated and taking short walks on the plane (where safe to do so), can also help reduce swelling and support recovery.
It’s wise to bring any medications, aftercare products, or spare dressings in your carry-on bag.
Sun and scars
If your travel plans include sunshine, it’s essential to protect healing scars from UV rays. Fresh scars are particularly sensitive to sunlight and can darken permanently when exposed too early, leading to long-term discolouration. This process, known as hyperpigmentation, is more likely to occur in the first few months after surgery when the skin is still fragile and producing new collagen.
Even if your scar looks healed on the surface, deeper layers of tissue may still be mending. Always use high-factor sunscreen (ideally SPF 50), keep scars covered when possible, and avoid sunbeds and prolonged sun exposure during your initial recovery period. Taking these small steps can make a big difference to how your scars look in the long run.
If you have any questions about when it’s safe to travel after surgery, or how to care for yourself while you’re away, Mr Nigel Horlock will be happy to advise you during your consultation or follow-up appointments.
