AIBU to go on a long-haul road-trip/ holiday 1 month after breast reduction surgery.

[sundayopening]

Posting here for traffic.

I am hoping to get a (private) breast reduction next year.
I will take a month off work (have cleared this with my boss, have saved holiday allowance).
I have been to see a consultant, I am happy with them and the hospital, but they were a big vague about recovery time (understandably as everyone is different).
I have a 2 week trip booked already which will involve a long-haul flight, lots of changes of accommodation (lots of suitcase handling) etc as its a bit of a road trip.
I was wondering if I could have the operation a month before (I can't do it sooner as it doesn't fit in with work) and be ok fitness/recovery wise for the trip.
As I type this, I'm thinking not, but I have also heard of people with kids/jobs who go back after 2 weeks to normal life.
Anyone got any knowledge of average recovery? (I'm fairly fit/not over weight/heal pretty well).

Dd has a reduction earlier in the year, although she recovered a lot in 2 weeks she still felt tender for a few more weeks and was told no heavy lifting for around 6 weeks.

She did have to have antibiotics for one of the scars also as it was getting infected.

Well if you have no complications, it will probably be possible, but IMO it wouldn’t be sensible. A short recuperative holiday with easier logistics would be a better alternative. Whatever you decide, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance including medical cover for the surgery (which will be expensive) or you could find yourself in a very difficult place if anything happens while you are away.

Personally I'd say don't risk it; you might be totally fine, but there is a risk of things like getting an infection in the wound(s). Plus, so close I'd be surprised if travel insurance would cover any complications when you're there, or even you just being unable to travel.

Not the same OP, but I had a section recently which is probably a similar level of severity IYSWIM - also supposed to be 6 week recovery. My recovery looked textbook until 15 days after when it got infected. I then spent 3 weeks back and forward to the nurse getting the wound redressed, taking antibiotics etc. I would not have wanted to be travelling.

I went back to work (nursing) two weeks after mine - not allowed sick leave for cosmetic surgery, not allowed more than 2 weeks holiday - it was a bit tender on contact but otherwise absolutely fine, no complications. Depends on if she has healed ok

Most plastic surgeons would give clear advice about what you can and cannot do so ask them . Cosmetic results are key to them .

It's also worth noting that both surgery and long haul flights are risk factors for dvt (blood clots)

Thanks everyone, seems it was a silly idea!
Any idea how long the recovery til I could run/horse-ride/yoga etc?
Again the surgeon was vague, it would be nice to hear some real-life stories.
I currently wear the biggest baddest sports bra x 2 and I can't wait to be able to run without two melons juggling around thwarting my efforts!

ethel glad it all worked out ok for you. I am very lucky with my employer letting me take the time off.

A friend had hers done abroad and was clear to travel home 2 weeks after surgery.