8 Travel Tips From A Plastic Surgeon After Getting Breast Augmentation

1. Prioritize Healing Time Before Departure

Dr. Landford always advises her clients to allow at least two weeks of rest before considering travel, especially air travel.

This period is crucial for minimizing swelling, reducing the risk of complications, and supporting your body as it adjusts to your new implants.

For longer trips or international flights, a recovery window of four to six weeks may be more suitable.

The key takeaway: Always clear your travel plans with your surgeon in advance. What might seem like a quick getaway could actually interfere with healing if you push it too soon.

2. Keep Moving

Long periods of sitting during your flight or road trip can hinder circulation and increase the risk of blood clots. Dr. Landford recommends that her patients plan to stretch regularly, walk short distances, and avoid lifting luggage or overhead bags. Even minor shoulder movements or leg exercises can promote circulation during travel. If you’re unsure of your activity level, consult your post-operative instructions.

3. Choose Comfortable, Functional Clothing

Post-operative travel requires clothing that accommodates limited upper body mobility and supports the healing process. Button-down or zip-up garments are ideal, as they do not require lifting the arms overhead. Your prescribed post-surgical garment or bra should be worn consistently. Underwire bras are generally discouraged for at least six weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.

4. Stay Well-Hydrated During Travel

Air travel, in particular, can be dehydrating, which may interfere with healing and exacerbate inflammation. Dr. Landford advises drinking water consistently throughout your journey. Opt for hydrating beverages such as water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-infused drinks. For optimal healing, avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine in the early recovery period.

5. Pack a Post-Op Travel Kit

If you’re still taking medication such as pain relievers, antibiotics, or muscle relaxants, make sure to keep them in your carry-on bag, along with your surgeon’s contact information. Dr. Landford also recommends traveling with extra dressings or gauze, a supportive pillow, and any comfort items that may ease your travel experience.

6. Listen to Your Body

While it may be tempting to resume full activity, it’s important to honor the pace of your recovery. Fatigue, tenderness, or discomfort should be taken seriously. Patients are advised to avoid high-impact activities, extended excursions, or carrying heavy objects during the initial healing phase. Prioritize rest and limit physical exertion.

7. Protect Incisions from Sun Exposure

Incisions, especially those that are still healing, are extremely susceptible to hyperpigmentation from UV exposure. When traveling to sunny destinations, patients should use a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Protective clothing, hats, and shaded areas are also strongly encouraged to protect scar integrity and overall skin health.

8. Plan Surgery and Travel Accordingly

If a trip is already planned before scheduling surgery, patients should consult with their surgeon to determine an appropriate timeline. Dr. Landford’s approach is always centered around optimizing patient outcomes, which includes proper postoperative rest. For those traveling from out of town for surgery, her office offers coordinated support for travel logistics and follow-up care.