Timing your plastic surgery treatment isn’t always easy, especially if you have a partner and/or children to work around.
Whilst everyone needs to be able to rest and relax in the immediate aftermath of surgery, most people will start to feel much better within a couple of days and can usually return to normal life within just a few weeks.
So if you’ve recently had surgery and would like to go on a much-needed holiday, there should be nothing stopping you.
To have a safe and healthy trip, it’s best to discuss your plans with a member of our surgical team so they can give you tailored advice and guidance. You will need to have attended your follow-up appointments and be on track with your recovery, of course. But as long as everything has gone smoothly, you should be able to pack your suitcase and jet off to the sun without having to worry.
There are a few tips to bear in mind which will help your scars continue to heal if you’re going somewhere warm.
1. Avoid direct sunlight
We all know that too much sun is bad for us so we would always advise you to apply a high-factor sunscreen (minimum of 30 SPF), wear a cover-up and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (usually between midday and 3 pm).
When scars are healing you should be particularly careful about keeping them out of the sun, because scar tissue can be more sensitive and uncomfortable. Sun exposure can also cause the scar to change to a darker shade than the surrounding skin and become more noticeable. You may find your scars are more susceptible to sun irritation too, and you don’t want to have to use products such as aftersun lotion if they’re not necessary.
Give your scars the best possible chance of a quick recovery by keeping them covered until you’re fully healed.
2. Moisturise
Warm weather can have a drying effect on the skin and this can make your scar area uncomfortable. You can combat this with a good moisturising regime using a good water-based cream such as aqueous cream or E45 cream. Gently massaging with the cream will help to keep the area supple and hydrated.
3. Opt for loose, comfortable clothes
Loose clothing is always more comfortable in a hot climate. When your scars are healing you want to avoid clothing close-fitting clothing as it may rub your skin, particularly if you become hot and sweaty. This can lead to skin irritation which will hamper your skin’s natural recovery process. Beach dresses and loose shirts are a good option here.
4. Flying comfortably
If you’re flying to your destination, think in advance about how to keep yourself comfortable. What you do will depend on where you’ve had surgery, of course, and how far advanced you are with your recovery.
Facial plastic surgery - If you’ve had facial plastic surgery, you may wish to take a travel pillow so your neck is supported if you sleep.
Body treatments - If you’ve had surgery on your body, such as breast surgery or abdominoplasty, think ahead about the best clothes to wear for a comfortable flight.
Lots of us experience some degree of swelling when we fly. If you’ve had surgery, swelling can be more uncomfortable than usual. Follow your airline’s advice, which usually highlights the benefits of moving regularly and staying hydrated.
Ask for advice
If you’re looking forward to a holiday post-surgery, do talk to your Manchester Plastic Surgery consultant surgeon. We will be happy to provide tailored advice and guidance so you can simply jet off and enjoy yourself whilst also taking care of your health and wellbeing.
