Breast augmentation (breast implants), is a common cosmetic surgery all over the world, and one which is increasingly becoming a procedure that people travel to access in another country. 

There-fore, one of your top concerns will be when it’s safe to fly after you’ve gone under the knife. 

There is no universal rule for whether it is safe to fly after breast augmentation, but there are several things to bear in mind. 

In this article, we’ll discuss whether it’s safe to fly after breast augmentation, as well as some helpful hints for ensuring a pleasant and stress-free journey.

How Soon Can You Fly After a Breast Augmentation

Understanding the Recovery Timeline after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast implant surgery demands significant recuperation time. Flying after breast augmentation surgery requires knowing the healing timeframe.

The first few days following surgery are the worst, with breast pain, edema, and bruising. After a few days, drainage tubes may be removed.

After surgery, relax and avoid heavy activities for a week. Lifting large things, particularly baggage, may strain your chest muscles and slow recuperation. After a week, your surgeon will assess your progress and remove stitches and bandages.

You may feel better and begin mild activities in the second week following surgery. Avoid lifting, pushing, tugging, and activities that boost your heart rate and blood pressure. Your surgeon may suggest a special support bra to decrease swelling and support your body while it heals.

During the third and fourth weeks following surgery, you may be ready to resume most of your routine activities, but avoid straining your chest muscles. 

Your primary source of advice should be from your surgeon and health professional when deciding when is the right time to fly.

Factors to Consider when Deciding When to Fly After Breast Augmentation

Flying after breast augmentation surgery depends on numerous aspects. Key elements include:

Recovery: Your healing process is the most significant aspect of flying after breast augmentation. Before flying, check with your surgeon and follow their postoperative advice. This might take weeks or months, depending on the procedure and your body’s recovery process.

Travel Distance: Flight duration is another thing to consider while flying after breast augmentation surgery. Short-haul flights may be faster than long-haul flights. Before flying on a lengthy journey, check with your surgeon since they might cause blood clots and discomfort.

Airplane air pressure might influence breast augmentation recovery. Air pressure changes might hurt your chest, particularly after surgery. Flying following surgery may need a few weeks to acclimatize to air pressure.

Baggage Limits: While flying after breast augmentation, consider baggage and carry-on limits. You may not be able to move big baggage or carry-on bags, which might delay recuperation and create difficulties.

Risks and Complications of Flying Too Soon After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Traveling too soon after breast augmentation surgery might delay healing and exacerbate problems. Flying too soon after surgery might cause these issues:

Blood clots: Long flights may raise the risk of life-threatening blood clots. Flying too soon after breast augmentation surgery increases the risk of blood clots owing to changes in blood flow and mobility.

Traveling exposes you to germs and bacteria, increasing your risk of illness following surgery. Bacteria on planes may infect open wounds and cuts.

Plane travel may cause breast swelling and pain. Following breast augmentation surgery, flying might worsen edema and pain.

Flying too soon after breast augmentation might impede recovery. Delayed healing might cause capsular contracture or implant malposition.

Implant displacement or rupture: Flying too soon after breast augmentation surgery might relocate or burst your implants due to pressure fluctuations and vibrations. Further procedures and problems may result.

Preparing for Air Travel After Breast Augmentation: What to Pack and Expect

Post-breast augmentation flight travel takes particular caution. Pack and anticipate these items while flying after breast augmentation:

• Comfy clothes: Wear loose, comfortable attire that doesn’t constrict your mobility or chest. Avoid tight waistbands and materials.
• Supporting bra: Wear a comfortable bra to support your breasts throughout flying. Compression or sports bras may minimize swelling and pain.
• Medications: Bring your antibiotics and painkillers. Pack them in your carry-on luggage for convenient access throughout the journey. Be aware of the rules around traveling internationally with medication.
• Ice or heat packs: Bring cold or heat packs for flying pain. Pack them so they won’t leak or harm your clothes or baggage.
• Carry a small travel pillow or cushion for the trip. The cushion may support your back, neck, or breasts by placing it between your chest and the seatbelt.
• Hydration: Drink lots of water when flying. Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate.
• Mobility aids: Inform the airline if you need help with crutches or a wheelchair.

Final Words

You should think long and hard before booking a flight after having breast augmentation.

It is suggested to wait at least two to three weeks after surgery before traveling to reduce the chance of problems and guarantee a safe and successful recovery, however, this may vary by person and procedure. 

You may expect detailed postoperative instructions and timelines from your surgeon, including when you will be able to resume routine activities like flying.

If you follow these rules, do your homework, and stay alert during the flight, you can reduce your exposure to danger and have a more pleasant experience. Before booking any trips following breast augmentation, check in with your physician.