Flying post op with staples in your head.

[Partman444]

I have booked up to have a 3000 strip surgery in another country the beginning of March, I'm looking to book my flights and was wondering how soon after surgery can I fly back.
I'm having frontal third of my head worked on so don't want to be out in public looking like I've done five rounds with Mike Tyson and I've read the cabin pressure on the plane increases the swelling. It's a long haul flight approximately 7 hours so it'll be uncomfortable I imagine with the staples.

And what will happen at the security gates - metal detector, will my staples set the alarm off as I want to be as discreet as possible, I'll be wearing a hat but they ask you to remove it.
Lastly, what if I fall asleep and accidentally bang my head, will I lose the grafts.

 

[Bigmac]

You can fly back the day softer surgery, swelling usually is at it's worst the 3rd day onwards IMO so you should look completely normal on the plane with a hat on, you will also have pain meds which will make the travelling a lot easier.As for the security, don't worry about that as your in and out within seconds and anyone around you will probably never see you again so no need to worry about that.
It will be good if you let us know how your surgery goes once you're back.
All the best,
Bm.

 

[bullitnut]

Bigmac wrote:

.As for the security, don't worry about that as your in and out within seconds and anyone around you will probably never see you again so no need to worry about that.

On all my surgeries i told them i was happy to remove my hat but explained i had had surgery on my head.....on one trip they just asked me to lift it a little and on the rest i told them i would be happy to but in a seperate room and they said it was fine and didn't need to because i had a letter from SMG explaining i had surgery and was carrying graftcyte liquid back. My advice would be to try and get a note from the clinic, they will probably give you one anyway if you are carrying liquids back. If you do need to remove your hat i wouldn't worry as its a non issue because you won't ever see anyone again and its over quickly as BM states.

 

[Partman444]

@ Bigmac and Bullitnut,
Thankyou guys its reassuring to know I can travel back so soon as I`d like to recover at home where I can chill out and take it all in.
Whats your opinion on my last question if I knocked my head while in transiton on the plane.
Regards Partman444.

 

[janna]

Partman444 wrote:

Lastly, what if I fall asleep and accidentally bang my head, will I lose the grafts.

Three days after surgery is when you start seeing signs of swelling and it lasts 3 days so you may want to make your travel arrangements accordingly. Just remember the first 3-4 days after surgery are the most critical days in post op healing. These are the days that your grafts could be knocked out if you bang your head right on the recipient sites so be sure to have one of those travel pillows to support your neck. Where most accidents happen is from bumping the top of your head on the overhead compartments - always be mindful when getting up from your seat. Good luck.

 

[Partman444]

@Janna,Thankyou for the information, I will stay clear of the overhead lockers.

 

[Nightowl]

You will be fine.

 

[bullitnut]

Nightowl wrote:

You will be fine.

I agree....good advice from Janna regarding the travel pillows though they make it much easier imo.

 

[Partman444]

Thanks, I will invest in a travel pillow, my confidence is on the increase with my travel arrangements after the advice I've received here.

 

[garageland]

Hi Partman,

The staples will not set off the detector at the airport so no need to worry you will more than likely be asked to take off your hat for the few seconds you walk through if you wish to remain totally discreet you could approach one of the staff and explain the situation and they might take you to a private room.

But much easier to lift up the hat for a moment the people behind you are going to be too concerned on getting their items through the conveyer belt to worry about your head.

I am sure you will be extra careful about bumping your head but I have heard stories about people doing this whether you damage them or not depends how hard you hit your head and what you bang it on. You will be fine just as long as you are careful.

 

[Partman444]

Thanks Garageland, I've been watching the border control shows on tv, everything looks fine and a simple process just as you say.

 

[Bigmac]

It'll be good if you document your experience on here.
Good luck
Bm.

 

[Partman444]

I'll do a write up, not sure about pictures though.

 

[bullitnut]

Partman444 wrote:

I'll do a write up, not sure about pictures though.

Thats awesome, even without pictures dude it's still great to hear about how fellow members get on and it helps others in their research