Several different things affect how to answer this question. It’s important to realize that a tummy tuck does more than just get rid of fat and skin. It also strengthens the muscles that hold your stomach in place. How soon you can fly depends on how long these muscles take to heal.
Best case scenario, you should be able to fly about 10 days after your tummy tuck. But if you still can’t get out of bed or need help to stand, you probably shouldn’t fly for at least two weeks.
Read on to learn more on: How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Fly, How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Take A Bath and Tummy Tuck Recovery FAQs
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Fly
Many patients do not know how soon after plastic surgery they can safely travel and fly in an airplane. Because plastic surgery causes trauma to the body, it can be dangerous to get on a plane and endure the extreme altitude shift and forces that are associated with takeoff and landing. In some cases, flying could increase the risk of complications, and be quite uncomfortable for the patient.
Besides the altitude and the forces of the engine, airplanes are notorious for being harbors of viruses and bacteria. After surgery, immune system response may be lowered, and the likelihood of infection is increased, especially on a flight, no matter how long or short it is. Most surgeons would recommend that the patient stay grounded until the healing process is complete.
TIMELINE
For up to a week after the surgery, patient should not fly. This can be difficult for patients who have decided to travel long distances to undergo surgery. Patients who travel to undergo plastic surgery should expect to spend a week recovering from surgery before flying again. After a week, with the right compression garments, on a short flight, the patient should be fine, though most surgeons would still prefer that the patient take it easy at this time.
After a week, most surgeons will allow their patients to fly. However, the risk of blood clots is increased after surgery and when flying. If the patient is at risk of developing blood clots, he or she may have to wait longer to fly. Patients that are approved to fly should get up and walk around the plane when it is allowed.
During this time, it is still important not to be hefting heavy bags, running through the airport, or drinking alcohol. In general, most doctors would recommend that their patients wait a full month before resuming plane travel.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Possible side effects of traveling include infection, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, elevated blood pressure, and irritation of the wound site. Because flying on a plane is uncomfortable, there is always the concern that the wound site may be affected, especially in surgeries like breast augmentation and abdominoplasty. The rise in blood pressure is the most common side effect, and can also be a dangerous one, though the possibility of picking up a cold or other sickness while the immune system is depressed is definitely something to be concerned about and to safeguard against.
DANGERS
The biggest danger in flying is the risk of blood clots and thrombosis. Both of these are related both to the trauma the patient’s body has just endured, and the change in altitude. In order to mitigate these dangers, most doctors will recommend only taking a short flight and getting up to walk around as much as possible during the flight. The patient may want to alert the flight attendant to their concerns so that they are provided with a steady stream of fluids.
How Long After Tummy Tuck Can I Take A Bath
A tummy tuck (also called an abdominoplasty) focuses on reducing loose skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the underlying muscles, making the waistline slimmer and more contoured. When combined with liposuction, tummy tucks provide women with the confidence they need to wear well-fitted outfits and feel their best in all kinds of social situations in New Orleans, LA.
While tummy tuck surgery does produce gorgeous body contouring results, many people are concerned about recovery. During this time, it’s important to be extremely careful with your body. One of the questions we get at New Orleans Plastic Surgery is when patients can take a bath after the surgery. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michelle Eagan addresses this concern below and encourages patients to get an assessment to learn more about post-operative care.
How is a tummy tuck done?
A tummy tuck procedure is done using general anesthesia. Dr. Eagan begins by placing a thin incision along the lower abdomen just above the pubic hairline. However, some patients may require a less invasive technique based on their needs. Once the loose skin is removed, we may employ a liposuction technique to remove small fat pockets. Finally, Dr. Eagan will tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, creating a firmer midsection and flatter stomach.
What is involved with tummy tuck recovery?
All patients are informed about post-operative care before their procedure. This includes instructions about side effects, medications, and wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling. Patients should take time off from work after body contouring and avoid strenuous activities. Having a friend or loved one to assist with daily tasks will be extremely helpful, especially in the beginning when discomfort prevents you from standing upright or walking.
When can I take baths again?
Patients should not submerge their abdomen in water for up to six weeks after tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. This includes baths, swimming pools, and other bodies of water. Instead, take showers to wash the area with lukewarm water. We can provide information about gentle soaps and products you can use. When you’re not in the shower, keep the incision site clean and covered with a sterile bandage. This prevents complications, like infection.
A few tips about caring for incision site in the days and weeks after surgery in New Orleans:
- Check the site daily for signs of infection, like redness and swelling
- Avoid applying lotions or ointments to the wound unless directed by Dr. Eagan or the staff
- Do not stretch out the skin
- Avoid wearing constrictive clothing over the incision site
- Light, gentle massaging when cleared by Dr. Eagan can help improve swelling
How can I speed the healing process?
New Orleans Plastic Surgery can recommend several ways to make recovery easier. For example, nutritious meals are essential during recovery. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will keep your body nourished and encourage wound healing. Taking a multivitamin pill and vitamin C will aid in recover. Decreasing salty and processed foods will also improve the way you feel. When it comes to workouts, we recommend avoiding intense or athletic activities that damage the skin. Instead, go for gentle walks. This will keep you active without stressing the tummy tuck incision site. –
Tummy Tuck Recovery FAQs
In general, you need to keep a straight abdomen with slight bending while recovering after your tummy tuck.
You should avoid bending over too much (e.g. to pick up your child) for the first 4-6 weeks after your abdominoplasty.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T WEAR A COMPRESSION GARMENT AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
- Abdominal compression clothes help reduce swelling and bruising and protect your abdominoplasty wound by applying constant pressure on the surgical area.
- Seroma (fluid collection) and hematoma (blood collection) are more likely to happen if you don’t wear your compression garment after a tummy tuck.
WHY IS MY STOMACH NOT FLAT AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
- Swelling needs around 6 weeks to fully go away. Even then, a residual amount might remain a couple more months before it’s resorbed by your cells. Only then can you fully experience the full benefit of your tummy tuck.
WHEN CAN I WEAR JEANS AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
- In general, it is recommended that you wear light garment pants after your tummy tuck. Jeans can be too harsh on your wounds and can cause unnecessary pressure and injury.
- You can safely go back to wearing loose-fitting jeans around 2-3 weeks after your tummy tuck.
CAN I LAY ON MY SIDE AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
- After your tummy tuck, it’s recommended to sleep on your back for at least 4 weeks.
- Sleeping on your side might lead to accidental injury and will drive the inflammatory response toward one side of your belly causing it to swell.
WHY ARE MY THIGHS SO SWOLLEN AFTER TUMMY TUCK?
- After abdominoplasty, fluid seeps under your skin and accumulates in nearby areas, one of them being your thighs.
- Thigh swelling is a normal result of abdominoplasty.
HOW DO YOU GET OUT OF BED AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
- To get out of bed, you need to support your upper body with your arms (without tensing your stomach), rotate yourself, and then support yourself with your legs. Give you