How soon after liposuction can I fly?

The related concerns about flying after liposuction involve the risk of getting a DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clot in your legs. The risk of getting a DVT is based on multiple factors.
Major factors directly associated with liposuction include:

– How much fat was removed total?
– How much fat was removed from each area treated?
– How many areas of your body were treated?
– How long did the surgery take?
– Which areas of your body were treated?
– Were other surgeries performed at the same time, such as a tummy tuck or breast augmentation?

The questions above relate to how much ‘injury’ your body has received. The surgery itself can damage blood vessels, the swelling and garments after surgery can compress blood vessels thereby slowing blood flow, and your soreness after surgery will likely keep you from walking around right away.  These factors will play a role in increasing your risk for a DVT.

Now, if you are getting lipo of your neckline and that’s it, the risk isn’t too high.
If you are considering getting lipo of your inner/outer thighs, waist, abdomen, and lower back – that’s a whole different risk level and you probably don’t want to be sitting stationary in an airplane.
If you do want to fly, you may need to look at your own personal risk factors for a DVT. Major factors increasing risk include:

– Being older than 40 (with the risk increasing with age)
– Having a history of cancer.
– Having a relative that had a DVT.
– Having a bleeding disorder.

Waiting until you are fully and easily mobile is advisable, and many surgeons will give you a medicine to help minimize the risk. Also, getting foot pumps that squeeze your legs while you sit is a good idea. In any case, your surgeon will be the best guide for your particular situation.