Are you jetting off on holiday this summer but wondering what that means for your recent or upcoming Botulinum Toxin (sometimes known as Botox®) or dermal filler treatments? As a leading training provider, we’ve been asked so many times, by injectors and model patients alike, ‘exactly what is the correct etiquette for aesthetic clients who have plans to fly away on holiday?’ So can you fly after botox and dermal filler treatment? This blog post will tell you all you need to know!
The short answer to the question: ‘Can I fly after having Botulinum Toxin and dermal fillers?’ is ‘yes, you definitely can’. However, as with all botox aftercare recommendations, there are a few things that you need to consider.
Is It Safe to Fly After Botulinum Toxin Injections?
There are some concerns that changes in cabin pressure during a flight taken soon after Botulinum Toxin treatment can have unwanted side effects. As well as the precipitation of bleeding and bruising, changes in cabin pressure may theoretically cause the injected Botulinum Toxin to migrate from the original site, potentially resulting in an undesirable, asymmetrical or unbalanced appearance. These concerns, however, are not scientifically proven. Current literature advises that so long as clients wait between 24-48 hours post-treatment to fly, the risk of these adverse events occurring is negligible.
Clients should expect to start noticing changes in their facial movements around 4-5 days after Botulinum Toxin treatment but it’s important to remember that it can take up to two weeks for Botulinum Toxin to fully relax the target muscles and start smoothing out lines and wrinkles. Therefore, those wanting to look as refreshed and youthful as possible whilst on holiday should schedule their Botulinum Toxin treatment at least 2 weeks prior to jetting off.
Is It Safe to Fly After Dermal Injections?
As with Botulinum Toxin treatments, it can take a number of days for dermal fillers to settle and for you to see optimum results. You may also experience some swelling and bruising immediately after treatment that you want to allow time to reduce before you go away.
Regarding literature on the safety of flying after dermal filler treatment, it is generally recommended that clients wait at least a week post-treatment to fly. Again, changes in cabin pressure can precipitate the worsening of any swelling or bruising. If you’re prone to water retention after flying or have experienced swelling after previous treatment, then this is something that you should definitely take into consideration. Similarly, if you are planning to take a long haul flight, it is even more advisable to follow this guidance and wait a week after treatment until travelling.
Post-Treatment Complications and Flying
Another key factor clients and their practitioners should consider on this topic is the risk of late-onset side effects and complications and the potential need for further assessment and treatment. Although serious late-onset complications rarely occur, some practitioners may advise staying within the local vicinity up to 1-2 weeks after treatment so that any problems can be addressed safely and efficiently. This also protects the opportunity for top-up treatment where required.
In summary, it’s always best to plan your treatments in advance and where possible, wait at least a week before flying after Botulinum Toxin or dermal filler treatments. This will allow you to see the best results from your aesthetic treatments, give any swelling or bruising time to go down, and reduce the chance of you experiencing complications that cannot be easily remedied from abroad.
If you have any concerns then always seek advice from your aesthetic practitioner prior to receiving treatment. If you are interested in receiving treatment as a cosmetic model patient with Acquisition Aesthetics and have any questions relating to this article, then get in touch with us! Call 0203 389 5611 or email models@acquisitionaesthetics.co.uk.
