Plan recovery before you travel.
A good BBL plan includes the days after surgery, not just the operation itself. Your surgeon should tailor recovery instructions to the actual procedures performed and your health.
Make aftercare specific.
Before surgery, ask for written instructions covering mobility, incision care, garments, positioning, hydration, medications, follow-up appointments, warning signs and who is available outside office hours.
- Exact dates and locations of follow-up visits
- A direct clinical contact for urgent questions
- A plan for wound, infection or fluid concerns
- Clear rules for activity, sitting, sleeping and compression
- Travel timing discussed with the surgeon
Build flexibility into the trip.
Elective surgery does not always follow the itinerary you imagined. Plan enough flexibility for pre-op testing, follow-up and a possible longer stay if your surgeon decides you are not ready to travel.
Talk to the clinical team about clot risk, mobility and flight timing. Do not treat a fixed return ticket as medical clearance.
Ask these before you arrive.
Where will I spend the first night?
Ask whether observation is needed and what clinical monitoring is available.
Who can I call after hours?
Get a specific clinical escalation pathway, not only a concierge number.
How many visits are planned?
Know when the surgeon expects to see you before you return home.
What if I need to stay longer?
Budget and plan for schedule changes rather than assuming a fixed departure date.
Who takes over at home?
Ask what records and instructions you should give to a clinician in your home country.
What are the warning signs?
Your surgeon should explain when to call them and when to seek emergency care immediately.