How soon after rhinoplasty can you fly?

Your questions answered by our surgeon, Lucian Ion, FRCS(Plast)

Asked on 08 May 2012

Question

I'm looking to have a rhinoplasty, and maybe a chin implant, please could you tell me, how soon after surgery can you fly?

Answer

The main consideration related to flying after surgery is in connection with the risk of deep vein thrombosis, or clots in the leg veins, a risk that increases after a general anaesthetic.

Typically, the risk is lower for facial surgery compared to surgery on the lower abdomen, pelvis and lower limbs, but it is estimated to return to normal within 4 to 6 weeks.

If you are contemplating short flights, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, 2 weeks postsurgery would be perhaps the earliest. For longer journeys, I would suggest that at least a month.

Mr Lucian Ion FRCS(Plast)
129 Harley Street
London
W1G 6BA