Travel and Rhinoplasty: Here Are 5 Things You Should Know Before You Go

More about Rhinoplasty
  • Eva G
  • USA, USA
  • Created: February 22, 2017


The risks associated with airline travel after a Rhinoplasty are low, but you still have to be careful and not fly too soon. Here are the top 5 things you should know before you go: 

  1. Allow yourself 2-3 weeks before flying after your surgery. This, of course, is depending on the complexity of your procedure. Post-op patients may experience discomfort due to pressure changes, particularly upon decent. Doctor Randall Latorre explains that "your ability to 'pop your ears' can be affected" during air travel which can lead to "ear and facial discomfort" during your flight. 
  2. According to Doctor Houtan Chaboki flying too soon can put you at risk for post-op "bleeding, pain, nausea" and "infection." Also, if you're in your early recovery stages and still wearing your cast, airlines will not let you board the plane, and many will require a doctor's note to get on board. [Read more]
  3. Flying before the recommended 2-week mark may increase swelling warns Doctor Paul S. Nassif. 
  4. If your itinerary includes a sun-fulled vacation, you'll need to keep your nose protected with sunblock (nothing less than SPF 30) and a hat. And cross off any water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving from your list -- Doctor Jerome Edelstein recommends staying out of the water for at least six weeks after surgery. 
  5. You may have some post-op nasal congestion that may worsen during your flight. This can be relieved by using an over the counter nasal decongestant 30 minutes before boarding. Be sure to check with your Plastic Surgeon before using any nasal sprays following your surgery. 

Happy travels! 

Comment below if you have any questions or tips of your own to share.