Can I Go On Holiday After a Boob Job?

A holiday is one luxury many people can’t live without. But if you are planning or have recently had breast augmentation, it’s important to think about your recovery and how it may affect your holiday plans. There are certain things to avoid in the weeks and months after a boob job, such as swimming and direct sun exposure, and it can also have implications for when you can fly.

With that in mind, we’ve created this quick guide to help you travel safely and have a fantastic time after breast surgery. A boob job should enhance your holiday rather than place restrictions on it, so we’re here with a few considerations to help you get the balance just right. 

How soon after a boob job can I go on holiday?

Generally speaking, we advise our patients not to go on holiday for at least six to eight weeks after a breast augmentation procedure. That gives your incisions time to heal and reduces the risk of any complications.  

You may be able to travel a little earlier, for example, if you are going on a work trip or a city break that involves a short-haul flight and no strenuous activities. However, you should always consult your surgeon for specific advice based on your healing and treatment.  

How long after breast augmentation can I fly?

Flying too soon after breast augmentation or any cosmetic surgery can increase the risk of developing blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism. To reduce those risks, you should avoid flying long-haul (flights lasting between six and 12 hours) for six weeks after surgery and wait at least two weeks before a short-haul flight. 

Flying safely is something to think about if you are considering travelling abroad for a boob job (so-called medical tourism). Some patients book breast augmentation surgery in countries like Turkey, Poland and the Czech Republic, and even further afield in Thailand and Mexico. 

In this case, flying home quickly after the procedure will increase the risk of complications. Any holiday you have as part of the trip will also be restricted by your inability to swim, drink alcohol or exert yourself physically. 

How safe is it to fly after a boob job?

Prolonged bed rest after surgery can lead to slower blood flow in the veins. Flying involves extended periods of sitting, which also disrupts normal blood circulation. The result is a greater risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that typically forms in the legs. Dehydration and the changes in cabin pressure can also contribute to clot formation.

Although DVT may not be immediately life-threatening, the clot can break away and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, leading to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism that requires immediate medical attention. 

You can reduce the risk of clots by wearing compression stockings or TED stockings during the flight. You should also stay mobile, drink plenty of water and consult your surgeon before flying.  

What are the risks of traveling too soon after a boob job?

Aside from the flight, there are other risks associated with travelling too soon after a boob job. Complications after breast augmentation are most common in the first few weeks, so it’s best to stay close to your surgeon during this time in case anything goes wrong.

Travelling too soon after a boob job also brings an increased risk of infection. After surgery, your immune system is likely to be compromised, which can make you more susceptible to infections. Travelling to areas with different hygiene standards can heighten those risks. 

The stresses and strains of foreign travel can also put pressure on the body and slow the healing process, leading to a longer recovery timeline. The physical strain of walking, sitting or standing for long periods can increase your pain and discomfort and disrupt the healing process. 

If you plan to travel, choose a relaxing holiday with plenty of time to rest and recuperate. That’ll be more comfortable and better for your recovery than a holiday with lots of strenuous activity or long hours spent on your feet.    

How long after a boob job can I go swimming?

We generally recommend that patients wait at least 6 weeks and until they’re fully healed after breast augmentation before they go swimming. That gives the incisions time to close and heal and become water resistant to reduce the risk of infection. We always advise that patients check in with their surgeon for guidance.

After that point, you can swim safely, but ensure the incision site is completely dry afterwards, as moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria. That includes not sitting around in a wet swimsuit. Again, you should consult your surgeon for personalised advice as healing times vary. 

If you want to swim after a boob job, you’ll need to think about what you’re going to wear. Even if you have worn a compression bra for six weeks, you may not be ready for push-up or underwired swimwear, as it can interfere with the healing of incisions and cause discomfort or complications. You may be better off with a sports bra that’s suitable for swimming, as it will provide more coverage and support.

When can I sunbathe after breast surgery?

Although you can go on holiday six to eight weeks after breast augmentation, you should still take steps to protect your incisions from direct sunlight. That includes covering up your breasts and applying a good SPF 50 suncream. 

Keeping your breasts out of direct sunlight will help to avoid scarring complications, such as discolouration and hyperpigmentation. You should also avoid the temptation to get a bit of colour before you go away on a sunbed. We recommend avoiding sunbeds for between six months and one year after breast surgery so your scars can fully heal. 

If you want to use a sunbed after the first eight weeks, protect your breasts with a high SPF suncream and put plasters over your scars. 

When can I drink alcohol after breast surgery?

Cocktails by the pool and a couple of glasses of wine in the evening may be difficult to resist, but think carefully about your drinking. Alcohol can cause swelling and increase the risk of complications, so it’s best to avoid alcohol completely for at least two weeks after breast surgery, and longer if you are still taking pain medications or antibiotics. 

After that point, you can drink alcohol in moderation, but as your body will still be healing, it’s important not to overdo it. You should also drink lots of water, maintain a healthy diet that includes lean protein and plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit your sugar and salt. 

What to wear on holiday after breast surgery?

Even if you’re on holiday, there’s no escaping your compression bra, which you should wear for at least six weeks after your breast augmentation surgery. After that, with your surgeon’s approval, you may be able to ditch the compression bra, but you still need clothing that provides plenty of support without irritating your scars. A good sports bra is an excellent option.  You should also avoid underwired swimwear or anything that can rub on your scars for around three months after your operation. Generally speaking, soft, loose-fitting clothing such as wrap dresses and button-down shirts work well, as you can put them on and take them off easily without lifting your arms above your head. They’ll also keep you comfortable and well covered and help to reduce the risk of complications. 

Safe, high-quality and affordable breast augmentation surgery with Enhance Medical

If you’re ready to start your journey, find out more about breast augmentation and breast augmentation recovery at Enhance Medical. As a leading national provider of day-case surgery, we guide hundreds of women through breast augmentation every year and are dedicated to delivering the best possible treatment and aftercare. Find your nearest location and book a free consultation to discuss your goals with our team.