A common cosmetic procedure called rhinoplasty involves altering the nose to enhance both its appearance and functionality, leading many patients to travel to other cities or countries for surgery. However, a common question that arises is whether it is safe flying after nose surgery and what precautions patients should take to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
In this guide, we will offer helpful advice for those considering rhinoplasty abroad, particularly in Iran, which is renowned for having reliable, skilled, and reasonably priced cosmetic surgeons. We will also address the safety of immediately flying after nose job.
If you're wondering how long to wait before flying after rihoplasty, the general recommendation is that patients should not fly for at least 5-7 days following the surgery. This is the minimum time you need to wait before flying, however, the longer you can wait, the better.
For those who undergo rhinoplasty as part of medical tourism trips, it is recommended to arrange a two or three-week stay in the destination and avoid boarding a plane as a safety precaution.
However, many patients may not have that much time and may need to fly earlier. In such cases, patients can fly after the removal of the nasal splint, which usually occurs 5-7 days after the procedure.
Please note that the wait time can vary depending on the overall health and healing of the patient, as well as the duration of the flight. A short flight one week after rhinoplasty is unlikely to cause serious problems, but for a longer flight, you must be extremely cautious.
Bleeding is the primary risk associated with immediately flying after nose surgery. Although postoperative bleeding is generally minimal, there are some cases where minor seepage and bleeding may occur, lasting for a few days or even longer.
If a patient is at high risk of bleeding or experiences persistent nausea after surgery, which may lead to vomiting, it’s recommended to postpone flying until they feel better and are free of symptoms. Always remember, vomiting during the flight may easily lead to bleeding.
Additionally, pressure changes during a flight can aggravate sinus pressure and edema in the nasal passage. Generally speaking, a sensation of pressure and congestion can make the first few days following nose surgery uncomfortable. For this reason, most experienced surgeons advise against flying for 1-3 weeks after the procedure.
Please note that flying can leave us feeling congested and battling cold symptoms, even if we haven’t undergone a nose job recently. Breading re-circulated and dry air during the flight may increase the risk of infection, as it may expose nasal passages to airborne bacteria and cause dryness, leading to redness and irritation of the mucous membranes. To mitigate these risks, your surgeon may prescribe an antibiotic.
Being aware of Dos and Don’ts after rhinoplasty is extremely important for promoting the healing process and minimizing the risk of complications.
Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions, but it's also helpful to keep some general tips in mind regarding rhinoplasty surgery.
Carefully follow your surgeon's post-operative recommendations.
Apply cold compresses to your nose to relieve pain and swelling.
Keep your head raised when sleeping or lying down to prevent swelling.
Use a saline nasal spray to keep your nasal passages moisturized and promote healing.
Take painkillers as directed by your surgeon.
Eat well and drink enough water to aid your body's healing process.
Rest and abstain from intense exercise for at least two weeks after the procedure.
Attend all post-surgery meetings with your surgeon to track your recovery.
Avoid blowing your nose for at least two weeks following surgery.
Wait at least four weeks before putting on glasses or sunglasses that rest on your nose.
For at least six weeks following surgery, refrain from activities that could injure your nose, such as contact sports or swimming.
Avoid smoking and using nicotine products, as they can impede the recovery process and may increase the risk of problems down the road.
Avoid touching or pressing on your nose.
Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks following surgery, as it can worsen edema and slow recovery.
We highly advise against immediately flying after nose surgery, as well as avoiding lifting heavy loads, as this can increase pressure on your face and nose, potentially causing bleeding.
Moreover, you’re not allowed to expose to strong sunlight at least for 6 weeks following rhinoplasty surgery, as sunburn can damage the nose skin, which makes the skin recovery longer.
Unlike flying, land travel typically presents fewer challenges. If you want to start a trip, whether long or short, it's generally recommended that you wait for at least 5-7 days after the procedure.
As a passenger, land travel can be safer, especially if it's done at a slow speed to avoid bumps and jolts that could cause trauma to your nose and lead to bleeding. However, if your surgeon approves it, you may be able to drive yourself for short distances.
Overall, to ensure a secure and comfortable recovery following your nose surgery, it's critical to carefully adhere to your surgeon's post-operative instructions and to take all essential precautions.
You may be surprised to learn that Iran boasts some of the most reputable and experienced cosmetic surgeons in the world, who perform numerous nose surgeries each year and are familiar with even the most complicated nose shapes.
Additionally, due to the lower value of the Iranian currency, the cost of surgery is undoubtedly more affordable and cheaper compared to top countries for nose surgery, such as Turkey, Canada, the UK, and the US.
Iranian hospitals are renowned for their state-of-the-art technology and highly trained medical staff who specialize in various areas of medicine, including nose surgery. This makes them capable of providing high-quality medical care to patients from around the world.
Consider contacting Ermateb if you're thinking about having rhinoplasty surgery in Iran. We provide comprehensive services as a recognized medical tourism company with years of experience to make sure your trip is as relaxing and stress-free as possible.
Our team of professionals offers individualized guidance to help you identify the best hospitals and surgeons in Iran that suit your particular needs. We can help you with lodging, travel, and post-operative care so you can concentrate on getting better.
To learn more about how we can assist you with having rhinoplasty surgery in Iran, get in touch with us right away.