11 Board Certified PS Weigh in onTravel After Surgery

As you can see, there are a variety of opinions out there, although all share a concern for blood clot formation.
http://www.realself.com/question/how-soon-can-i-fly-long-hau l-after-breast-enlargement

Recommendations for blood clot prevention in those travelling have been made by the AACP which is the definitive source of research and recommendation on blood clots.  Remember that the risk factors are not just the travel, but also the compression garment, possible dehydration, and the fact you had surgery and the blood is more "sticky."

http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/133/6_suppl/71S.fu ll#sec-55

Some is medical jargon, but anybody doing serious research should realize that prevention of DVT is the number one concern. 
Visit:
http://www.chestnet.org/about/awareness/DVTfacts.php

I read a post somewhere on these boards about a patient taking aspirin for travel as blood clot prevention.  This has never been an accepted treatment for blood clot prevention, and is in fact not recommended:

http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/133/6_suppl/71S.fu ll#sec-83

 

Dr. L, Thank you so much for taking the time to post this.  I look forward to reading all of it.  The body goes under so much stress during and after surgery I think it important that we patients fully understand all the risks and possible complications.

Thanks again!
Ruth

I take long flights routinely as part of my work in Italy.  I cannot imagine doing this in my current state.  As I write, 10 days following contouring liposuction, I am swollen and weak and feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck.  I am wearing a compression garment from my calves to my boobs.  I am severely anemic (diagnosed and getting treatment).    Air travel is hard enough in the absense of all this stuff.  Discomfort aside, I'm certain I wouldn't risk a blood clot - I have my hands full just managing the regular stuff much less the potentially fatal complications.  Thanks for posting this. 

Thank you so much for the information.  As I think you know I have a keen interest in this subject due to having several genetic clotting disorders.  I tried my best to read through the articles and while most of it is over my head, I did get that what my docs have me do prior to plastic surgery is right on target with the experts.  Namely come off the coumadin five days prior, and bridge (before and after surgery) with fondaparinux.  They are also right on target to admit me the day prior to my precedure in order to monitor and (adjust if needed) my INR levels and to keep me a day or so after a procedure to get me started on my meds and to make sure the anticoagulent medications do not cause bleeding.  Yea -team!!

Red

Hi Red.  Sounds like you have docs that are "on the ball."

The take-home message here is that they are recommending preventative treatments for virtually ALL patients in the form of Lovenox or LMWH. 

I think anybody having a TT, LBL, or the like requires serious consideration for preventative treatment, and travel adds to the importance of it.

Pulmonary embolism is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.  and the overwhelming majority of patients who suffer from leg clots, and worse, pulmonary embolism were never treated preventatively 

Here's a more user-friendly article BTW:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/blood_clot_in_the_legs/article_em.htm

An excerpt:

"Despite overwhelming evidence for the effectiveness of regimens for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, the concern over bleeding risks often dissuades physicians to comply with guidelines."