An increasing number of people are undergoing rhinoplasty. In fact, it is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery. In general, the recovery time for rhinoplasty is roughly two weeks and you can expect to return to your normal daily life at this time. If you are considering undergoing rhinoplasty or have recently undergone the procedure, you may have some questions regarding air travel. Here is everything you need to know about flying after rhinoplasty.
How Soon Can You Fly After Rhinoplasty?
In general, those who have undergone rhinoplasty should wait a minimum of one week (roughly 6 or 7 days) before flying on an airplane. The reason for this is that it gives your body enough time to heal. Ideally, however, you would wait ten to fourteen days until flying, but most patients can fly safely after one week. If you have travel plans, it is important to consult with your plastic surgeon before doing so to determine if you are fit to fly.
Flying too soon is a concern for two reasons. The first concern is bleeding. Although the majority of postoperative bleeding occurs in the few days after rhinoplasty, a small percentage of people do experience bleeding up to three weeks after their surgery. If you started to experience a large of amount of bleeding while on the plane, the outcome could be very serious. Secondly, due to the pressure on the plane, you could experience a sinus blockage. While this is not serious, it could cause a fair amount of pain. You can also experience congestion and dryness during flight.
Are Their Side Effects of Flying After Rhinoplasty?
You may experience an increase in swelling during and after the flight which will last for a couple of hours. This is due to the lack of air pressure. In some cases, this swelling could persist for three months.
Tips for Flying After Rhinoplasty:
- Nasal sprays and chewing gum can help minimize congestion in your sinuses and ears.
- Carrying a bottle of Afrin with you on the flight can help in the event that your nose begins to bleed.
If you are interested in undergoing rhinoplasty for a more confident you, consider Dr. Oakley Smith. He is one of the best plastic surgeons in the country and the only one in Ontario that concentrates exclusively in the area of rhinoplasty. Contact his clinic today for a consultation.