You’ll need to take extra care of yourself during your recovery, and part of that means not flying too soon. Here’s everything you need to know about flying after nosejob surgery.
Can you fly after rhinoplasty?
Yes, you can fly after rhinoplasty, but you’ll need to exercise caution and not take off too soon. Your delicate nasal tissues and sinuses are at their most fragile in the week or two after surgery, and the pressure changes and dry cabin air can make post-surgery swelling worse or even lead to bleeding. To avoid risking complications and putting the outcome of your surgery in jeopardy, it’s important to wait a little while before flying.
How long after rhinoplasty can you fly?
Most surgeons advise leaving at least 10 to 14 days before travelling by air after rhinoplasty surgery. That said, it varies from person to person and also depends on the kind of flight:
- Short domestic flights: these may be possible after 5 to 7 days, after your splint has been removed and the initial swelling has subsided
- Long-haul or international flights: these can increase swelling, dehydration risk and sinus pressure, so it’s best to wait at least three weeks before embarking on a long-haul flight
These are general guidelines and each person is different, so always get the go-ahead from your surgeon before booking a flight. If you’re a patient of Dr. Cuno, you can book a consultation to discuss your upcoming travel plans.
Why is flying too soon after rhinoplasty risky?
There are various ways flying too early after rhinoplasty surgery risks upsetting your recovery process:
- Cabin pressure changes: aeroplane cabins aren’t pressurised to sea level, meaning a pressure difference that can put stress on healing nasal tissues, leading to discomfort, sinus pain or even minor bleeding
- Increased swelling: the dry air and lower oxygen levels in the aircraft cabin risk making post-surgical swelling worse
- Risk of nosebleeds: pressure changes or dryness can both trigger nosebleeds in fragile post-operative blood vessels
- Graft or stitch disruption: in complex rhinoplasty surgery involving cartilage grafts, there’s a risk of cabin pressure or congestion trauma disrupting the delicate structures inside your nose
Remember, in the days and weeks after surgery, your nose is still healing even if you feel fine, so keep these potential risks in mind when considering whether to travel.
Images source: Freepik
What to do if you must fly shortly after surgery
Whether it’s an important work trip or a family emergency, there are times when you can’t avoid travelling. If that’s the case within two weeks of your surgery, here’s what to do:
- Get your surgeon’s clearance – never take off without confirming it’s safe
- Avoid long-haul flights if possible – shorter flights are easier for your body to cope with
- Carry a medical letter explaining your recent surgery, especially if the swelling or dressings are visible
- Be prepared for pressure-related discomfort, and never try to clear your ears or nose during take-off or landing (read more in our article on when it’s safe to blow your nose after rhinoplasty)
Tips for flying after rhinoplasty
If you’ve had the okay from your surgeon, there are a few things you can do to make your flight more comfortable during the post-surgical recovery period.
- Stay hydrated – drinking plenty of water will help counteract dry cabin air
- Use saline spray – this helps keep your nasal passages moist and congestion to a minimum
- Avoid heavy lifting – don’t lift your carry-on luggage into the overhead compartment – ask cabin crew to help
- Choose an aisle seat – so you can easily stand, stretch and stay mobile, helping your circulation and minimising swelling
- Wear loose clothing – this keeps you comfortable while being easier to remove without brushing against your nose
- Don’t forget your medication – if you’ve been prescribed painkillers or decongestants, bring them with you in your carry-on bag
- Apply a cool compress post-flight – this can help soothe swelling after you land
Images source: Freepik
Summary: prioritise healing before travelling
It’s perfectly possible to fly after rhinoplasty surgery, but you’ll need to give your nose a bit of time to heal. That generally means waiting one or two weeks before boarding a short-haul flight, and three weeks or more for long-haul travel. Always get the all clear from your surgeon before take-off, and plan your rhinoplasty around your travels rather than the other way round to make sure you have plenty of time to recover. Read more about timelines and what to expect in our article on recovering from rhinoplasty surgery. If you have travel plans, speak with a trusted specialist before scheduling your rhinoplasty. Book a consultation with Dr. Cuno at his clinic in Geneva for personalised advice to make sure your recovery and your flight go smoothly.
Images source: Freepik
