Traveling After Plastic Surgery: Expert Tips on Sun Care, Scar Protection, and Compression Garments

Plastic surgery can be a transformative experience, giving you a body you’ve worked hard for and are excited to show off. But when it comes to traveling post-surgery, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure your healing continues smoothly—especially when it comes to protecting your scars from the sun, using proper scar care products, and staying comfortable in your new body.

How Long Should You Wait Before Traveling After a Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift, or Body Lift?

The time you need to wait before traveling after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure and how well your body heals. According to scientific literature:

1. For minor procedures (e.g., breast augmentation, minor liposuction), it’s generally recommended to wait at least 1-2 weeks before engaging in any long-distance travel .

2. For more invasive procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or lower body lift, it’s advised to wait 4-6 weeks before traveling. These surgeries require longer healing times due to their complexity and the risk of complications such as blood clots or poor wound healing .

3. Air travel and blood clot risks: After any major surgery, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases, especially during long flights. To reduce this risk, waiting 4-6 weeks before flying is often recommended. Wearing compression garments and moving frequently during travel can also help minimize this risk.

   
   

Disclaimer: No matter what, you should always consult your surgeon or a medical professional if you have even the slightest question about when it’s safe to travel after surgery. Every body is different, and your doctor will know best what’s appropriate for your recovery.

My Personal Experience: Traveling After Surgery and Managing Complications

I wasn’t too anxious about traveling after surgery—I had traveled so much before that it felt strange not to travel for a while. However, I did experience one major fear during a trip to Napa: my suture line opened. I vividly remember seeing a hole so deep in my side that I couldn’t even see where it ended, looking deep into the insides of my own body. It was shocking, and lifting my suitcase or doing anything strenuous became a huge concern, as I didn’t want to risk making it worse.

I immediately contacted my surgeon, who provided advice on managing the issue while traveling. The wound ultimately took nearly three months to fully close. While my doctor could have added sutures, they wouldn’t have promoted the natural tissue connections needed for proper healing, so I had to let it heal on its own.

This experience taught me the importance of listening to your body, being cautious, and being prepared for potential complications while traveling.

What to Do If You Experience a Complication While Traveling After Surgery

No one wants to think about complications while traveling, but it’s essential to be prepared, especially after plastic surgery. While most post-op recoveries are smooth, unexpected issues can arise—like when my suture line opened up. Here’s what you should do if you face a complication like this:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: It can be alarming to see something go wrong with your healing process, but the first step is to stay calm and assess the severity. If your suture line opens, like mine did, or if you experience significant swelling, infection, or unusual pain, take a moment to evaluate the situation before panicking.

2. Contact Your Surgeon Immediately: The moment you notice a complication, contact your surgeon. Describe the issue, send pictures if possible, and ask for specific instructions. Your doctor can guide you on whether it’s safe to continue your trip or if medical intervention is required.

3. Pack a First-Aid Kit: Having a basic post-surgery care kit on hand while traveling is a lifesaver. Include sterile gauze, antibacterial ointment, adhesive strips, and pain relief medication. These supplies can help you manage minor issues until you get professional care .

4. Know Where Medical Facilities Are: Research the nearest hospitals or urgent care centers before traveling. If you need in-person care, this preparation can save you time.

5. Adjust Your Travel Plans if Necessary: If a complication arises, don’t hesitate to adjust your itinerary. Sometimes, it’s best to cut your trip short and return home to heal properly. Having travel insurance can be a huge relief in situations like this, as it can cover unexpected cancellations, medical expenses, or changes to your travel plans without additional financial strain.

   
   

Sun Care, Scar Protection, and Compression Garments After Plastic Surgery

After dealing with complications, I also learned the importance of protecting your healing body, especially when traveling.

When traveling after plastic surgery, protecting your scars from sun exposure is crucial. Scars are particularly sensitive to UV radiation, which can cause hyperpigmentation or darkening that may not go away. This happens because melanin can accumulate in healing skin, especially in scars. UV exposure can trigger melanin production in scar tissue, resulting in long-term discoloration. Therefore, it's important to use sunscreen with SPF 50 and keep scars covered for at least a year.

Compression garments are equally important in the recovery process. I loved my Marena full-body compression suit, which didn’t slip or slide and provided the necessary support during long flights. The compression helped reduce swelling and aided in healing during recovery.

Drain Tip: After surgery, you may have drains in place to remove excess fluid. I found that using maxi pads around the drain hole worked much better than sterile gauze. The pads were far more absorbent and provided extra cushioning between the drain site and the compression binder I wore post-surgery. This simple trick kept me more comfortable during the early stages of recovery.

Packing Essentials for Scar Care While Traveling

Here’s what made it into my suitcase to protect my scars and ensure comfort:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+): I used Coola sunscreen, which is gentle on my skin and provides excellent protection. I reapplied it every two hours when outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, and was hypervigilant with scar protection for at least a year to prevent hyperpigmentation.

• Scar Gel and Tape: I relied on Mepitac scar tape available here, which stayed in place well and kept my healing scars protected. I also used this scar gel to hydrate my skin and help flatten my scars over time.

• Compression Garments: Compression garments are essential for healing and reducing swelling. I loved my Marena full-body compression suit found here for full support during long flights and road trips—it didn’t slip or slide like separate tops and bottoms. After my arm and breast lift, I also used a 3/4 sleeve compression garment with a built-in compression bra available here, which provided great upper-body support, though I wished the sleeves were longer due to my long limbs.

• Cute Coverups: I also packed some cute, lightweight coverups to shield my scars from the sun. While I usually opt for fast fashion (not the most sustainable, I know!), they’re affordable and perfect for someone who can’t wear beachwear year-round in cold-weather Chicago.

  
  

That said, I do miss my City Chic plus-size clothing—it made up 90% of my wardrobe when I was plus size, and their swimsuits and coverups were phenomenal. I highly recommend City Chic if you’re still shopping for plus-size fashion.

Shop My Favorite Scar Care Products

Here’s a curated list of the products I recommend for anyone recovering from plastic surgery:

• Coola Sunscreen (SPF 50): Ideal for sensitive skin, lightweight, and non-greasy. Buy Now

• Mepitac Scar Tape: Provides excellent protection for healing scars. Shop Here

• Scar Gel: Keep your skin hydrated and scars flat with this go-to product. Buy It Now

  
  

How Did I Know I Was Ready to Travel?

By the 10-week mark, I felt ready to travel. My doctor had cleared me, my drains were out, and I was comfortable with the healing progress. I was a bit anxious about long flights and potential swelling, but I managed by wearing compression garments, drinking plenty of water, and pacing myself during activities. Challenges like standing too long and minor swelling were present, but taking breaks helped a lot.

Quick Tips for Traveling After Plastic Surgery

• Listen to your doctor and your body: Everyone heals differently, so always check with your doctor before making travel plans.

• Use sunscreen with SPF 50+ and be hypervigilant for at least a year: Protect your scars to prevent hyperpigmentation by reapplying frequently, especially when in direct sunlight.

• Wear compression garments on long flights or car rides to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

• Pack scar care products like scar gel and medical-grade scar tape to keep healing scars protected.

• Take it slow: Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard during recovery.

  
  

Conclusion

Traveling after plastic surgery requires extra preparation, but with proper sun care, scar protection, and compression garments, you can enjoy your adventures while still caring for your healing body. Whether you're showing off your new body or simply exploring, balancing excitement with post-surgery care will ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

Have you traveled after plastic surgery or are you planning a trip post-op? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences! Drop a comment below or share this post with someone who might find it helpful.

Works Cited

1. "Postoperative Recovery Timeline and Precautions." The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures

2. "Deep Vein Thrombosis and Air Travel." Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/expert-answers/dvt/faq-20058038

3. Baumann, L. "Cosmetic Dermatology: Principles and Practice." McGraw-Hill Medical, 2009.

4. "Melanin and Scars: Why Sun Exposure Can Worsen Scar Appearance." Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21920-hyperpigmentation-scars

5. "Compression Garments and Their Role in Post-Surgery Healing." National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19178118/