Most of our patients travel to us, so this comes up constantly. Travelling itself is not the problem; what matters is protecting the grafts and not sitting in a cabin at low humidity while your scalp is still raw.
Travelling home on the day
Going home by train or being driven on the day of surgery is entirely normal. You should not drive yourself, because you have had a long procedure and may have had medication.
Take a loose hat or a hood for the journey, and put it on carefully, lifting it on and off rather than dragging it over the grafts. Do not let anything press or rub. If your journey is longer than about three hours we usually suggest staying locally overnight instead.
Flying
Short flights are generally acceptable after the first few days, and many patients fly home within 48 hours without difficulty. If you can, waiting until day three or four is better, once the initial fragility has passed.
Cabin air is very dry, which can make the scalp uncomfortable and encourage crusting. Keep hydrated, avoid the overhead air vent blowing directly onto your head, and use any spray or lotion we have given you as instructed. Be careful with overhead lockers and headrests, and choose a window seat if you want to avoid people brushing past.
Longer trips and holidays
Sun is the main issue. A healing scalp burns easily and sunburn on new grafts is genuinely damaging, so keep it covered for the first month and avoid direct exposure. Swimming pools and the sea should wait until we have cleared you, usually around three to four weeks, because of infection risk and chlorine. Saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs are out for a similar period.
If a holiday is already booked, tell us at consultation and we will plan the surgery date around it.
What to take with you
Your aftercare instructions and any prescribed medication, the recommended lotion or spray, a loose hat, and the clinic’s contact number. If you are travelling internationally, keep medication in your hand luggage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fly the day after surgery?
Usually yes for a short flight, though day three or four is preferable. Protect the scalp from the air vent and from knocks in the cabin.
Will airport security be a problem?
No. If you are asked to remove a hat, do it gently. Staff are used to post-operative patients and you can explain briefly.
When can I swim on holiday?
Generally not before three to four weeks, and only once we have confirmed healing. Pools, sea and hot tubs all carry infection risk early on.
How long before I can sunbathe?
Keep the scalp covered and out of direct sun for at least the first month. Burning a healing scalp can affect the result.
Book a free consultation at our Harley Street clinic and we will plan the timing around your travel.