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Flying after rhinoplasty is one of the most common concerns patients have, especially when travel plans are already booked. The timing matters more than most people realise, because flying too soon after nose surgery can increase swelling, discomfort, bleeding, and the risk of infection.
Here’s the quick answer most people are searching for:
Most patients can safely fly 7–14 days after rhinoplasty, depending on the extent of the procedure and how well they are healing at their first post-operative review.
Long-haul flights often require waiting the full 14 days, and sometimes longer in more complex cases.
Below, we explain exactly why flying too soon can interfere with healing, the risks to be aware of, and the surgeon-approved guidelines to follow before booking your trip.
Most patients can safely fly 7–14 days after rhinoplasty, depending on the extent of surgery and how well they are healing at their first review.
Short-haul flights may be possible after 7–10 days, but long-haul flights typically require 10–14 days due to pressure changes, bacteria exposure, and longer cabin times.
Flying too soon increases the risk of pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, and nausea, all of which can delay recovery or affect final results.
Cabin air pressure can cause trapped air in nasal tissues to expand, leading to discomfort during the first week post-surgery.
Airports and aircraft expose patients to recirculated air and large crowds, increasing the chance of infection around healing incisions.
Patients should avoid lifting heavy luggage, sun exposure, and strenuous activity for several weeks after a nose job.
Your ability to fly depends on the type of rhinoplasty performed and your individual healing response.
7–10 days after surgery, once your surgeon or nurse confirms your nose is healing well.
10–14 days after surgery, due to prolonged cabin pressure exposure, dehydration risks, and limited access to medical care during long flights.
The first two weeks are when the risk of complications is highest. If bleeding, infection, or pressure-related issues occur, being close to your surgical team ensures rapid and safe treatment.
Berkeley Square Medical has one of the lowest complication rates in rhinoplasty in the UK with only 1% of patients returning for minor infections and no patients admitted for revision surgery since 2008. Staying nearby during early recovery helps us keep your care at this standard.
For patients travelling in for their Rhinoplasty procedures from abroad – as it happens often with revision Rhinoplasty patients – Berkeley Square medical will always have prepared a surgeon or consultant of equal expertise in your local country, that will take instructions under our guidance for your continued care.
Here is a simplified breakdown to help you plan safely:
| Travel Type | When You Can Usually Fly After Rhinoplasty |
| Short-haul flights | 7–10 days after surgery, depending on swelling, bruising, and your post-operative review. |
| Long-haul flights | 10–14 days after surgery due to greater cabin pressure changes and increased infection exposure. |
| Non-flight travel (car, train, coach) | 7 days for short journeys. Longer trips may require 10–14 days to avoid strain and discomfort. |
| High-altitude travel (mountains) | 10–14 days due to pressure-related swelling, sinus discomfort, and slower healing. |
| Remaining near your surgeon | Recommended for the full first 14 days so complications can be managed without travel delays. |
Flying affects the body in several ways—dry cabin air, pressure changes, and long periods in crowded spaces. After nose surgery, these factors can directly impact healing.
Below we look at the four most common side effects patients may face if they fly too early.
During rhinoplasty, small pockets of air can remain inside the soft tissues.
At altitude, this trapped air expands, which can lead to:
Pressure or throbbing in the nose
Sinus discomfort
Blocked ear sensation
Headaches
This is most noticeable in the first 7 days.
Minor nose bleeding is common during the first week after surgery. Flying increases this risk because:
Cabin air is extremely dry
Pressure changes irritate healing blood vessels
Your head may be tilted forward during take-off or landing
If bleeding occurs mid-flight, it can be difficult to manage and may increase swelling.
Airplanes and airports have dense, recirculated air filled with airborne bacteria.
Post-surgery incisions—especially internal ones—are vulnerable.
Signs of infection include:
A sour or unusual smell when breathing
Persistent redness or swelling
Discharge or fever
For safety, we provide patients with a course of antibiotics to take home, whether they intend to travel or not.
Post-operative medications, motion sensitivity, and cabin pressure can trigger nausea.
Vomiting places sudden pressure on the nose, which may lead to:
Bleeding
Burst blood vessels
Increased swelling
Delayed healing
Besides the above, you may want to consider other concerns when flying and take precautions accordingly. This includes lifting and carrying heavy baggage as this puts strain and pressure on your nose.
You should even try to avoid exposure to the sun as your nose heals for at least six weeks. This is because sunburn can damage the top layer of your skin which could make the operated skin take much longer to heal. Always remember that anything that delays your recovery, acts as a risk of ruining the final results of your procedure.
To best minimise any problems when it comes to travelling after having rhinoplasty surgery, you can use nasal over-the-counter decongestant sprays to help you deal better with the changes in pressure in the cabin of a plane. Please always discuss this with us if you intend to use a nasal spray so we can guide you accordingly.
If flying soon after rhinoplasty is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
Use a saline spray to reduce pressure sensitivity
Stay hydrated before and during your flight
Avoid lifting heavy luggage
Wear a mask in crowded areas
Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before flying
Sit near the front of the plane for better airflow
Bring a neck pillow to avoid accidental bumps
Protect your nose from direct sunlight for 6 weeks (sunburn slows healing)
Always speak to your surgeon before using any nasal spray, even over-the-counter options.
For more information about having a rhinoplasty, please visit our Rhinoplasty Page.
Most patients can fly between 7–14 days after surgery, depending on how quickly swelling, bruising, and congestion improve. Short-haul flights are usually safe from day 7, while long-haul flights typically require 10–14 days. Always wait for your surgeon’s post-operative review before travelling.
Cabin pressure changes can worsen swelling and sinus pressure, which may cause discomfort or temporary breathing difficulty. Re-circulated air also increases the risk of infection at a time when internal incisions are still healing. These factors can slow recovery and, in rare cases, affect your final result.
The four most common issues are pressure-related pain, minor bleeding, infection risk, and nausea. These usually occur when flying within the first 7–10 days. Waiting a full 14 days significantly reduces these risks.
Yes. Flying before the recommended timeframe can cause increased swelling, sinus blockage, or irritation of healing tissues. In rare cases, this can prolong recovery or disturb early nasal healing. Following your surgeon’s timeline helps protect your final result.
Yes. Patients often benefit from staying well-hydrated, using a surgeon-approved nasal saline spray, avoiding heavy lifting, and choosing an aisle seat to minimise pressure changes when standing. Always check with your clinic before using any decongestants or medication.
If you’ve had surgery abroad, you will still need to wait 7–14 days before flying. Some patients require the full two weeks if swelling or congestion is more significant. Your surgeon should provide remote follow-up care and ensure a doctor in your home country can assist if needed.
Yes. Higher altitudes can cause pressure-related swelling and sinus discomfort in the first two weeks after rhinoplasty. This applies to both flights and mountain travel. Waiting at least 10–14 days helps avoid these issues and supports smoother healing.
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