Air travel after surgery

People planning cosmetic surgery, for various reasons, often undergo them at centers located far from their place of residence. Due to significant differences in the prices of these procedures between Western European countries and Poland, there is even a phenomenon called "surgical tourism."

Although most people know that undergoing surgery carries the risk of complications, few realize that long journeys (especially by plane) can also have adverse health effects. Therefore, it is advisable for patients undergoing surgery to take certain additional precautions when embarking on a long journey.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are often referred to as economy class syndrome because they may occur in some individuals due to limited blood flow in the veins of the lower limbs immobilized in an uncomfortable position and with limited space in the airplane or coach seat. Venous thrombosis occurs when small blood clots form in the vessel lumen. In unfavorable circumstances, these clots can travel with the bloodstream to the lungs and cause pulmonary circulation obstruction (pulmonary embolism), leading to life-threatening breathing disorders. The exact cause of economy class syndrome is not fully understood. It is known that there are many risk factors, including prolonged bed rest, prolonged immobilization of the lower limbs in an uncomfortable position, obesity, contraceptive use, varicose veins, cancer, and surgical operations.

Long (several-hour) air or coach travel increases the risk of thrombosis and embolism by immobilizing the lower limbs in a small space between seats, prolonged periods of physical inactivity, dehydration due to reduced fluid intake, sweating, and low humidity in the cabin, and effects related to high altitude and lower oxygen concentration in the inhaled air. The more risk factors present in an individual, the greater the likelihood of developing economy class syndrome.

Attention! Generally, women are more susceptible to developing a full-blown syndrome.

Although undergoing surgery increases the risk of developing economy class syndrome, patients after procedures can safely travel if they take a few additional precautions. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recommends in such cases:

•     if possible, avoid long trips for the first few days after surgery
•     avoid lifting heavy luggage for several weeks after surgery
•     drink large amounts of fluids before the flight. It is recommended to drink 1 liter of water per hour of flight
•     avoid stimulants and dehydrating products such as coffee and alcohol
•     perform lower limb exercises in the seat mimicking toe raises, change body position frequently in the seat, take walks in the cabin as often as possible
•     wear loose, non-restrictive clothing
•     avoid wearing high-heeled shoes
•     inform your doctor or surgeon performing the procedure about the planned trip. In some cases, they may recommend taking appropriate prophylactic medications.