Flying After Rhinoplasty or Chin Augmentation, Planning an Urgent Trip Within a Month
When you feel confident and ready for surgery, it is time to make the change you want. But what can you do if you have an urgent trip, whether it is a holiday with friends or family or a business trip?
Swelling from the wounds, how things look and how your face settles may make you worry about whether you can travel. Some people may also not want anyone to comment on their new look, whatever the reason. This article has the answers.
How Many Days After Plastic Surgery Can You Fly?
Each time you fly, the air pressure changes and becomes lower as the plane climbs, which may affect the surgical wound in some patients. Airlines set conditions for people who have had surgery and ask for a medical certificate for the benefit of the patient. According to airline information, if you have had plastic surgery or any operation, you need a medical certificate that clearly states the treatment. Airline guidance pages include:
After plastic or aesthetic surgery such as rhinoplasty, chin augmentation or breast augmentation, wait at least 5 to 7 days after breast augmentation and 7 to 10 days after facial surgery such as rhinoplasty or chin augmentation before flying, and check with your surgeon and the airline’s rules before you book.
After rhinoplasty or chin augmentation, you may not need to worry about missing an urgent trip with your friends. This also applies to international patients who come to S45 Clinic for plastic surgery. After rhinoplasty or chin augmentation, some people can travel home after 1 day of recovery (tell the doctor so they can advise you on looking after yourself after surgery).
Even if you have a trip within 1 month, your face usually starts to settle during recovery and any swelling starts to go down (depending on each person’s body), so you can plan your trip with more peace of mind.
If you are travelling abroad and your face or facial structure has changed so that it does not look like the photo in your passport or visa, you may need a medical certificate (Fit For Air Travel) stating that you have had plastic surgery, to show to officials.
How Many Days Should You Rest After Rhinoplasty or Chin Augmentation?
Doctors generally recommend resting for at least 2 to 3 days to let the swelling ease and to watch for any complications. If you have had rhinoplasty or chin augmentation and need stitches removed, the doctor may recommend that you rest until the stitches are removed before you travel.
If a problem with a rhinoplasty or chin augmentation wound happens when flying or travelling long distances, it can partly be caused by incorrect self-care.
Looking After Yourself After Rhinoplasty and Chin Augmentation
After plastic surgery you may get bruising and swelling, which is normal, such as
a swollen face. To look after yourself:
- Apply cold compresses to your nose after surgery, and keep doing this for at least 48 hours to help the blood clot and reduce swelling.
- Avoid sleeping on your side. Use a neck pillow to keep your head raised, and take care not to knock or rub your face against the bedding, for at least 2 weeks.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 2 weeks.
- Avoid exercise for at least 1 month.
- Take medicines as prescribed by the doctor.
- Choose healthy food to eat after plastic surgery.
- After chin surgery, rinse your mouth with C-20 SOL mouthwash or clean water after eating to stop food getting stuck on the stitches.
- Avoid dental treatment for at least 1 month after chin surgery, depending on the assessment of the treating doctor.
S45 Clinic, a clinic for rhinoplasty and chin augmentation, where our doctors offer individual consultations before you book facial reshaping
