Returning to Japan for Major Surgery — Why a 1-Week Stay Matters

For patients temporarily returning to Japan from overseas to undergo major procedures such as abdominal liposuction or hybrid breast augmentation, one important recommendation is:

Please schedule at least one week of stay in Japan after surgery.

Why One Week?

Postoperative complications often do not appear immediately, but several days after surgery.

Key Risks to Consider

1. Infection
Surgical infections commonly present within several days to one week postoperatively.
Early symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or fever require prompt medical attention.

2. Anemia after large-volume liposuction
Extensive liposuction may involve significant blood loss.
Patients may experience fatigue or dizziness in the early postoperative period.

3. Bleeding after silicone implant surgery
Although uncommon, postoperative bleeding or hematoma formation can occur during the first week.

4. Deep Vein Thrombosis (Economy Class Syndrome)
Surgical stress temporarily increases blood coagulation activity.
Long-haul flights (8+ hours) shortly after surgery may elevate the risk of thrombosis.

Particular caution is required after:

• Large-volume liposuction
• Implant-based augmentation
• Long international flights

Is Flying Immediately After Surgery Safe?

Flying is not absolutely contraindicated.
However, from a medical safety standpoint, immediate long-haul travel after surgery may increase risks.

Ideally, patients should:

• Complete wound checks
• Undergo suture removal
• Confirm stable postoperative condition

before returning overseas.

Case Example

A patient temporarily returned from Australia and underwent:

• Arm liposuction
• Abdominal liposuction
• Hybrid breast augmentation

After postoperative monitoring and suture removal, she departed approximately one week later.

This schedule allowed early-phase risks to be properly managed.

27 Days Postoperative — Peak Fibrosis

Around 3–4 weeks after liposuction (approximately day 27), fibrosis and tissue stiffness typically peak.

Abdominal irregularity and firmness may appear.

At this stage, the following are essential:

✔ Compression
✔ Massage
✔ Light exercise

Even for international patients, online follow-up and remote monitoring are possible.

Safety First

In aesthetic surgery, timing is as important as technique.

Surgery planning must include not only the operation itself but also a safe return journey.

Well-designed scheduling is part of high-quality medical care.