Flying After Eye Plastic Surgery in Korea

Flying After Eye Plastic Surgery in Korea — What You Need to Know

Travel planning after eyelid or eye plastic surgery (like double eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, or canthoplasty) is an important part of recovery, especially if you’re coming to Korea as an international patient. Timing matters not just for comfort, but also for healing, swelling control, and avoiding complications.

General Recommendations for Flying After Eye Surgery

🛬 Wait at least ~10–14 days before flying

Most surgeons recommend waiting about 1 to 2 weeks before boarding a plane after eye surgery. This gives your eyelids time to heal, swelling to go down, and stitches to be removed or start dissolving. Waiting longer (closer to 2 weeks) is generally safer, especially for longer flights.

⏱ Why That Time Frame Matters

• Bruising and swelling peak within the first few days and usually begin to subside after the first week.
• Sutures are typically removed around day 5–7, so flying before this may increase irritation.
• Early travel can worsen swelling due to cabin pressure, dry air, and fluid shifts.

🧠 Upper vs. Lower Eyelid Differences

• Upper eyelid surgery may heal a bit quicker than lower eyelid surgery, making short flights possible toward the end of week 1—but long-haul travel is still best delayed until week 2 with surgeon approval.
• Lower blepharoplasty (eye bag surgery) often has a slightly longer recovery due to more swelling, so the full ~10–14-day period is especially advisable.

Tips If You Must Travel by Plane

Even when cleared to fly, you can improve comfort and healing:

✅ Hydrate well before and during the flight — dry cabin air can worsen swelling.
✅ Use preservative-free artificial tears to combat dryness.
✅ Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect sensitive eyes.
✅ Elevate your head while sleeping on the plane to reduce swelling.
✅ Avoid rubbing your eyes or heavy lifting during the flight.

Why Staying in Korea for a While Is Often Recommended

Clinics in Korea usually advise patients to stay several days after surgery before departing:

• For minor eye procedures (e.g., non-incisional blepharoplasty): ~2–3 days minimum.
• For incisional eyelid surgery (upper or lower blepharoplasty): ~8–10 days to allow sutures to be removed and swelling reduced.
• Many clinics suggest at least 10–14 days before long-haul flights to ensure adequate healing and follow-ups.

This gives you the chance for post-op checkups, suture removal, and early complication monitoring before you travel.

Safety Notes

✖ Flying too soon may:

• Increase swelling and bruising
• Delay wound closure or irritate healing incisions
• Cause discomfort from dry cabin air
• Make follow-up care harder if you’re far from your surgeon

Always get clearance from your surgeon before booking flights — your individual healing rate matters most.

Summary Checklist Before You Fly

✔ Follow your surgeon’s advice on timing
✔ Aim for 10–14 days before any long flight
✔ Attend all follow-up appointments in Korea
✔ Prepare eye care items for the trip (tears, sunglasses, head support)
✔ Stay hydrated and relaxed during the flight