Can I Take a Flight Right After Having Minor Liposuction?
Minor liposuction procedures are becoming increasingly popular these days. Patients appreciate the impressive results they can achieve from small yet effective surgeries. Frequently, surgeons who offer minor lipo have patients who live in a different state or even a different country. So, can these patients return home on a flight immediately after their procedure?
What Is a Minor Lipo Procedure?
A minor lipo procedure is a small-scale surgery that treats a small body area. Some of the common areas for this type of surgery include the chin, armpits, and inner knees. Surgeons carry out the surgery using micro cannulas for a more precise result. The procedure takes very little time, and the patient can leave the clinic within a couple of hours.
Is Traveling by Air Risky After Liposuction?
In general, surgeons advise their patients not to fly immediately after any kind of surgery. The reason for this is the risk of the patient developing deep vein thrombosis and edema. Usually, a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) affects the legs. Therefore, if the surgeon performed the procedure on a different body area, patients may think they’re safe to fly. If the surgeon has treated an area like the inner knees, it’s best to avoid flying immediately after lipo. In the case of other minor procedures involving the upper body, flying is relatively safe. Nevertheless, most surgeons advise that patients avoid traveling by air on the same day as their procedure.
Also Read – Is It Worth Having a Minor Liposuction Procedure?
How Long Should I Wait After My Procedure to Fly?
Often, surgeons recommend that patients wait for a couple of weeks after surgery before flying. But in the case of minor lipo surgery, that’s usually not necessary. Many patients will be able to fly after 24 hours. Any flight within this timeframe should be short, though. It’s best to avoid a long-haul flight in the first few days following any kind of surgery. Before you fly after having liposuction, it’s imperative to get the go-ahead from your surgeon. They will be able to check to make sure that you are in a suitable condition to fly.
Can I Minimize the Risks of Flying After Minor Lipo?
If you’re planning a flight shortly after undergoing a minor lipo procedure, you should take steps to minimize the risks. You can do several things to guard against deep vein thrombosis and reduce the chances that you will get edema. These include:
- Taking walks up and down the aircraft aisle or moving the legs and feet regularly during the flight.
- Staying well hydrated by consuming plenty of water while in the air.
- Avoiding consuming any alcohol before or during the flight.
- Doing special blood flow exercises to promote good circulation around the limbs.
- Wearing your compression garment.
Your surgeon can offer you helpful advice about when you can fly after undergoing minor lipo surgery. Dr. Su at ArtLipo treats many patients who fly into Tampa to have both regular and minor liposuction procedures. Get in touch now for a consultation and to find out more about arranging your surgery.
