Travel after cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, varies widely with the procedure. However, certain principles must be addressed related to this topic. This issue depends on several factors. First of all, some patients are within driving distance of the surgical facility.
Some patients come from further away and may need to fly into the area and fly home. Travel exposes the patient postoperatively to trauma and the risk of hematoma and possibly infection.
If the patient lives within a short distance of the office then one to two weeks of no travel is preferred. For example, if the patient plans a trip away from home after the procedure, it is recommended at least two weeks before they take that trip.
Breast Augmentation
If the patient requires several hours of driving or a flight to get home, we request they stay within the office area for one week. This will allow us to evaluate the patient postoperatively and determine suitability to return home from a long drive for a flight. However, they must understand that a return to the office may be necessary if needed. We also follow our patients for a minimum of a year usually at several month intervals. If the patient lives in the area this is not a problem.
If, however, they come from a distance we try to coordinate follow-up visits as conveniently as possible. We have detailed postoperative instructions preceded by extensive preoperative teaching. In the immediate postoperative period, we apply a compression garment which is then changed into a suitable bra consistent with our postop care.
Therefore, the answer to the question varies from patient to patient and where they live. The goal is to minimize the patient’s exposure to trauma that can be precipitated by travel.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
