When to Fly After Rhinoplasty – International Travel Concerns

Rhinoplasty, a cosmetic nose job, is done to fix the aesthetic and functional issues of the nose. The procedure is complicated, and hence it takes a long time to recover. However, one thing that concerns many people is when they can fly after rhinoplasty for long or short flights.

We do understand the urge to quickly recover and then touch the skies again, but doing so too early could lead to complications such as increased bleeding, swelling, and also bruising. 

The right time to fly after a nose job is around 2 to 3 weeks after the initial healing is done, when the swelling and the bruising have subsided to a large extent. Let’s learn more about when you can fly and what the consequences of flying too early after rhinoplasty are, and what precautions to take to fly safely.

Potential Risks Of Flying Too Early After Rhinoplasty

Too early air travel after rhinoplasty could disrupt the healing process and cause increased swelling, bleeding, discomfort, and a higher chance of infections.

Swelling from Air Pressure

The plane pressure changes during the landing and the taking off could result in the nose holding more fluid. That can make the swelling worse and bring it back after it went down. The inflammation may stay for a long time, messing with the early results of the surgery.

Risk of Bleeding Mid-Flight

Air pressure can stress the healing blood vessels, increasing the chances of nosebleeds, especially in the initial 2 weeks. The bleeding could be hard to control on a plane, especially when it’s in the heights and you may need medical help.

Higher Infection Chances

The aeroplanes are crowded and have recycled air that spreads germs. The germs could be harmful to your surgical area and increase the chances of infections. The tissues on the nose are healing, fragile, and too weak to defend against the germs.

Extra Discomfort & Pain

The cabin has dry air that can make the nose feel sore. Furthermore, you have to sit for hours, move the luggage that adds stress to your nose, adding to the discomfort even more. Talking, smiling, moving, and trying to sleep while sitting could also result in pressing the nose.

When Can You Fly After Nose Surgery?: Short VS Long Flights

According to the plastic surgeons and the doctors, it’s recommended to fly only after 2 to 3 weeks of the rhinoplasty for short flights. While for the longer flights after rhinoplasty, you should wait up to 4 weeks, to make your nose more stable to handle it. 

This is the time when the initial healing of the nose is done, the tissues are more stable, and the inflammation and the bruising have subsided to a great extent. 

It would be better to consult with your plastic surgeon, as they can suggest better after assessing the condition of your nose.

Precautions To Take While Flying After Rhinoplasty

Your nose is fragile, sensitive, and has weaker healing tissues that can’t protect it from germs, stress, or pressure. So, you need to take these precautions for flying after rhinoplasty to ensure the nose stays safe and its healing doesn’t get disrupted.

Flexible Tickets

Always book flexible flight tickets that you can change or delay anytime you want. You never know how long your nose may take to heal properly, and when your surgeon asks you not to go. The recovery from the nose job should be your main priority, so always be ready to delay the flight.

Avoid Long-Haul Flights

Long flights mean more sitting, stressing, talking, or sleeping uncomfortably, which could lead to more puffiness, dryness, and discomfort. The pressure changes also make the healing harder. So, always book the flights after 2 to 3 weeks, but only when they’re short, not too long.

Use Saline Spray

The plane has dry air that can irritate the healing nose, disrupting the healing process. Having a saline spray and using it keeps the nose moist during the flight, preventing crusting or bleeding. Make sure you carry a travel-sized, sterile spray.

Stay Hydrated

Dry cabin air in the airplane can dehydrate you, which can slow the healing and also increase the inflammation. So, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine.

Don’t Lift Heavy Bags

Lifting the heavy bags can lead to increased puffiness and a bleeding risk. Have a family member with you who can do it, or ask for help.

Move During Flight

Sitting for long periods reduces circulation, increasing the risk. So, walk, stretch legs, and move gently to stay active.

Protect the Nose

Be careful of the crowd, as accidents can happen, and to a healing nose, even a bump can be harmful. Avoid touching the nose and don’t rest it on surfaces.

Be Careful in Public Areas

Airports or the planes are crowded and hence, germ-heavy. As the healing lowers the immune system defenses, it increases the risk. So, wear a mask, wash your hands often, and avoid touching.

Asli Tarcan Clinic: Precision Rhinoplasty, Enhanced Beauty and Confidence

When to fly after rhinoplasty? It’s recommended after 2 to 3 weeks for short flights and up to 4 weeks for longer flights. Taking precautions such as booking flexible tickets, avoiding long-haul flights, using saline spray, and staying hydrated.

Also, not lifting heavy bags, moving during flight, protecting the nose, and being careful in public areas.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty for an ideal nasal profile, contact Asli Tarcan Clinic for advanced rhinoplasty services from board-certified plastic surgeons. Contact us today!

1. How soon can you fly after a rhinoplasty?

It’s recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks for the short flights, while up to 4 weeks for the long-haul flights.

2. Why is flying too early risky after a nose job?

It’s risky because the cabin pressure, dry air, and the germs may trigger swelling, infection, delay recovery, and also bleeding.

3. What precautions should I take if I must fly?

Stay hydrated, use a saline spray, don’t lift heavy bags, stay active and walk around during the flight, and also don’t touch your nose.