Staying close to the surgeon after a tummy tuck procedure for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery is preferred. Leaving the country can present problems with followup should a problem arise. (Kenneth B. Hughes, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
There are times to simply be safe and conservative, and this is one of those times.
Although there is a good chance that you could travel and have no problems, we have the studies to show that your risks for experiencing a problem (and it can be a significant one) are much higher with a tummy tuck than most other common cosmetic surgeries that we perform.
Couple this surgery with the known increase for developing blood clots when traveling soon after surgery, and you are putting yourself in a risky situation. Let your common sense rule, and be safe! (Brian Howard, MD, Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon)
Safety must always be the number one priority, so I would be hesitant to allow you to leave the county 2 weeks after a tummy tuck. Your tummy tuck drain may still be in place at 2 weeks, so you’d have to take care of the drain while you travel, find someone in a foreign country to evaluate you and remove it when it’s ready, etc.
I feel 4-6 weeks would be safer, and I would want to see you at least a couple of times after surgery before allowing you to travel.(James Knoetgen, III, MD, Fresno Plastic Surgeon)
Recovery after tummy tuck procedure
The recovery time after liposuction is around three days. It usually takes one week at least and as much as three weeks to recover from a tummy tuck. (Norman Bakshandeh, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgeon)
The recovery time necessary for a tummy tuck is typically about 2-3 weeks depending on the degree of muscle tightening, skin excision, associated liposuction, etc. The complications are uncommon, but do include issues such as blood clots which need to be treated promptly.
Travelling 2 weeks after tummy tuck surgery may or may not be an issue based on the degree of surgery and where you are travelling to. The bottom line is that your safety is more important than your time schedule and thus you should allow appropriate recovery time prior to travelling. Be sure you discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery. (David Bogue, MD, Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon)
As you have surmised, its an awful idea to plan a trip after such a big procedure. This would go for any other ‘big’ procedure where risks are real and known to occur with more frequency then we would like to admit. Have your surgery after any major plans or events that you cannot miss. (Curtis Wong, MD, Redding Plastic Surgeon)
More time for recovery is needed after tummy tuck procedure and liposuction.
I think planning on traveling 2 weeks after a TT and liposuction is pushing things a bit far. You could be setting yourself up for problems and if you have traveled you will be away from your doctor.
It makes more sense and is safer for you to plan a 6 weeks recovery before extended travel. (Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD, Boston Plastic Surgeon)
Traveling after tummy tuck procedure
There is a big difference between the recovery of lipo and that of a tummy tuck. Two weeks is cutting it too close in my opinion, especially for traveling abroad. (Ronald J. Edelson, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)
As you can see from the other surgeons who have responded to this question, there is no grey zone on this one. We are all in agreement that this is not wise and potentially very dangerous. Please take this very seriously and be cautious. (Erez Sternberg, MD, Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon)
Taking a long flight 2 weeks after a tummy tuck is not a good idea.
The tummy tuck procedure by itself carries a higher risk of deep venous thrombosis and possible pulmonary embolus than the procedures you had before. Long flights also carry the same risk. It is not a good idea to travel that soon after a tummy tuck. (W. Tracy Hankins, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
Extensive travel after tummy tuck
I would advise you to plan your surgery for when you will have more time before travel. Air travel is not recommended that close post surgery due to increased risk of blood clots. Also, you will need to go in for follow up appointments. (Mennen T. Gallas, MD, Katy Plastic Surgeon)
Traveling after a Tummy Tuck
My patients typically return to work 10 days following a tummy tuck so traveling two weeks after a tummy tuck is physically possible. You need to be flexible in your plans however. If you have any set backs whatsoever you will need to alter your travel plans. You also need to carefully consider where you are going.
If it is somewhere that you will be able to get good medical care and see a well trained plastic surgeon in case of problems arise, that is much less risky than if you are traveling somewhere that good medical care will be difficult to find. Finally, you must understand that you are at increased risk DVTs with prolonged sitting.
Please make sure that u get up and walk during your travel even on the plane at least every two hours. You MUST discuss this risk and the length of your travel with your surgeon beforehand. (Sacha Obaid, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck & Lipo Have Different Recoveries
There is a good bit of difference in the recovery periods of liposuction and a tummy tuck. Two weeks could be adequate for recovery after your tummy tuck, but, if you’re leaving the country, you shouldn’t count on it, and should allow more time for your recovery. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck With Lipo Follow-up More Extensive
Thank you very much for your question. It is good to hear that you had an excellent experiencce after your liposuction procedure. A tummy tuck with lipo is a different procedure and will require more follow-up than two weeks, even if everything goes perfectly. While you will be able to travel, you will likely have concerns or questions after this period of time which will need to be addressed. If you would like to keep your plans, I would recommend that you make arrangements with your surgeon to find a qualified surgeon in your destination to continue follow-up visits.
If you decide to postpone your travel, 4-6 weeks should get you to the point where most of your concerns and potential complications have been addressed. (Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS, Fairfax Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy tuck procedure and Travel
Not a good idea! Complications are posssible and can be exacerbated with vigorous activity and heavy lifting(suitcases). I would give yourself 4-6 weeks. Hope this helps. (Peter J. Simon, MD, Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon)
I would recommend against traveling out of the country two weeks after a tummy tuck and liposuction of the chin and torso if it is avoidable. Due to the repair of the abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis) patients typically and direct removal of skin and fatty tissue, patients have more discomfort than with liposuction alone.
In addition, drains are usually required. Although you do not need to be homebound and do not need to stay “around the corner” from your surgeon, I would not advise leaving the country before 3-4 weeks to allow for a more complete recovery. (Mark Schwartz, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)