Flying Home After Surgery Abroad
You had your surgery in Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Miami, or somewhere else far from home. Now you have to get on a plane, swollen, sore, maybe with drains, and sit for hours. And then what happens when you land?
Bienvenida a casa, cariño (welcome home, sweetheart). Let's get you home safely.
Flying after surgery: the quick answer
Your surgeon decides when it's safe to fly. Many want you to wait at least a week or more, depending on your procedure.
On the flight, the big risks are blood clots and more swelling, so wear compression, walk every hour or so, drink water, and know the warning signs. And set up your aftercare at home before you leave for surgery, not after you land.
Before you book your flight home
Ask your surgeon when you're cleared to fly, and get it in writing.
Ask for copies of everything: your operative report, medications, and aftercare instructions.
Ask who you call if something goes wrong once you're home.
Line up your care at home, including your follow-ups and your post-op massage therapist.
On the plane
Wear your faja, plus compression socks if your surgeon recommends them.
Choose an aisle seat, so you can get up easily.
Walk the aisle every hour or so, and do ankle pumps and calf flexes every 15 to 20 minutes while you're sitting.
Agua y más agua: water, and more water. Skip the alcohol.
After a BBL, bring your BBL pillow and ask your surgeon how they want you to sit.
Drains? Keep them secured, and pack extra gauze and pads in your carry-on.
Keep your meds and paperwork in your carry-on, not your checked bag.
Despacio: slowly. Take your time getting on and off the plane, and ask for wheelchair assistance if you need it. No shame in that.
Why you're extra swollen after flying
Sitting for hours, plus changes in cabin pressure, can make swelling worse. Many women land feeling puffier and heavier than when they left. That's common, and it usually settles down over the next few days with walking, compression, and rest.
What I tell my clients: come see me once you're home and feel ready to ride in a car without being really uncomfortable. Gentle lymphatic drainage helps a lot after a long flight.
Warning signs after flying
Ojo, watch out: these can be signs of a blood clot.
Call 911 for chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or fainting.
Call your doctor right away for pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one calf or leg.
Por si acaso: just in case. Know where the nearest urgent care and emergency room are once you're home.
Here's your chisme for today: book your first post-op massage at home before you fly out for surgery. Good therapists fill up, and you don't want to be scrambling for a spot when you land swollen and sore.
No aftercare instructions?
If you came home without clear instructions, you're not alone.
Want the full game plan?
My book covers traveling for surgery too, from flying home to your first weeks back.
If you're flying home to Sacramento after surgery, I'd love to help you recover.
Not local? Reach out to me for a private consult over Zoom (small fee).
I'm a Certified Massage Therapist (CAMTC No. 39170), not a doctor. This post is for education, not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's instructions about when it's safe to fly. If you think you're having an emergency, call 911.
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