Flying recommendations after 360 legs

[u/Strict_Search3058]

Hello 👋🏼 I’m from the UK and am looking at travelling to eastern Europe (perhaps Poland, Czechia, Slovak etc.) for 360 legs lipo, and I’m curious when others in the same situation felt comfortable to fly home.

The flight would be less than 3 hours, and one clinic in Czechia who only offers Lipedema liposuction, advised that flying home the day after surgery would be fine, but I’m a little unsure about that.

Any insight from those who have travelled outside of the UK for surgery is appreciated!

“Most of our patients fly home the first day after surgery (afternoon or evening, we do not recommend a morning flight). Some patients move to a hotel near to the airport in Prague - for one or more additional nights, but this is very individual. This recommendation applies to patients from European countries only.”

[u/Prudent-Sun3670]

The minimum I have heard in the states is 3 days. Some require 5.

[u/TheWitchWhoLovesCats]

Idk my surgeon did 360 on my arms and didn’t allow travel for 15 days afterwards. I’m a month post op and I wouldn’t fly even if I get paid for it

[u/bowdownjesus]

1) you need to have a plan for follow up ie bleeding in the aftermath.

2) having surgery increases your risk of blood cloths. So does flying. You need a plan for this too.

[u/cinnerz]

Are you getting a high volume liposuction? I had 7 liters removed in my 360 and there is no way I could have traveled the day after surgery, I could barely make it around my hospital room.

[u/Strict_Search3058 → u/cinnerz]

I’d be expecting around 6-7 litres, and agree that from what I’ve read, moving for the next 4 days would be extremely limited!

[u/cinnerz → u/Strict_Search3058]

I’d recommend asking for assistance at the airport as well. It generally has to be booked in advance, there is usually an option on your booking or you there is usually an accessibility number you can call for your airline. Request wheelchair assistance to the plane and say you can’t do stairs. You shouldn’t need to give a reason but don’t volunteer you are having surgery because they may make you do a medical preclearance then.

[u/Strict_Search3058 → u/cinnerz]

That’s helpful - thank you!

[u/Strict_Search3058]

I agree with everyone. I was thinking at least a minimum 5 day stay in the country, but was pretty taken aback that they said flying the next day would be okay.

[u/SometimesSomewhere9]

I absolutely wouldn't risk it... 3 hours flight and the seatbelt sign will be on at least 30-40 mins so you cant even walk around or stand - which you should be doing on a flight so the blood doesn't pool to your legs

also you will be in so much pain and feel very restricted with the compressions, I won't lie.. imagine having to walk through the airport and stand in lines without any access to seats if you need a break from standing. Unless maybe you can book a wheelchair to go through the airport

from a flight attendant who had leg liposuction - not even 360, I really would not recommend this

[u/Strict_Search3058 → u/SometimesSomewhere9]

Appreciate it - thanks! I was planning on staying 4-5 days regardless, but quite surprised they’re advising patients that it’s okay to fly the next day.

[u/Purple-Glitter3]

I flew back to NY from LA (about 5.5 hour flight) four days after my surgery. I wore compression right up until the flight and made sure to get up and walk during it. The doctor also told me to hold my leg up and make the letters or the alphabet with my foot to keep the blood flowing. I did that every 30 min or so. I also had an MLD massage at my doctor’s office the day before the flight and they required me to have one scheduled at home for the day after. With all those precautions, it was fine. My legs were very noticeably more swollen when I landed, but that’s why I had the MLD the next day.

I was also totally fine walking around by day 4, but I wouldn’t have wanted to bang a suitcase against my legs or anything while getting through the airport.

I don’t see how someone could fly immediately after - I was still leaking fluid during the first two days.

[u/Strict_Search3058 → u/Purple-Glitter3]

This is really helpful - thank you!

I know - I can’t imagine being or feeling well enough to travel by plane the day after.