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Had Surgery Abroad? Drains, Flying Home & Starting MLD in the UK

Many of my post-op clients have their surgery overseas. You can absolutely have a smooth recovery. It just takes a bit more planning, because your surgeon won’t be a short drive away if you need them. Here’s how to set yourself up well.

Before you travel: plan your aftercare

• Pre-book your MLD sessions in the UK before you go. Book your first session for your first day or two back, then 2–3 sessions a week for the first two weeks.
• Confirm your Stage 1 compression garment is included by your clinic.
• Ask your clinic whether they offer drains or post-op drainage, and whether they provide MLD before you fly.
• Stop smoking and vaping well before surgery, as your surgeon advises.

Before you fly home

1. Get drained if it’s offered. If your clinic offers drainage or drains, use them. Removing fluid before you fly helps reduce fluid build-up and the risk of seromas.
2. Have MLD there if you can. A few sessions before flying gives you a head start.
3. Check your garment fits properly before you leave.
4. Collect your paperwork: operation notes, discharge letter, medication list, and your surgeon’s contact details. Keep these safe in case you need to see your GP or go to hospital.

Drains must be out before MLD with me

I can’t treat you while surgical drains are still in. They must be removed by your surgeon or a medical professional before your first session at Laura’s Touch. If you’re flying home with drains, make sure you know who will remove them and when.

Flying after surgery

Surgery and long periods of sitting both increase the risk of blood clots (DVT). Only fly when your surgeon says it’s safe; they’ll advise a minimum time based on your procedure. On the flight:

• Wear your compression garment, plus flight socks if advised
• Walk the aisle and do ankle circles regularly
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and salty snacks
• BBL clients: use your BBL pillow and avoid sitting directly on your buttocks

Expect more swelling after the flight. It usually settles within a few days. Call 999 if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness, or pain and swelling in one calf.

If something goes wrong back in the UK

Your overseas clinic remains responsible for your surgical aftercare, so contact them first with any concerns. For anything that needs to be seen in person, see your GP or call NHS 111, who can refer you to hospital if needed. In an emergency, call 999.

It’s worth knowing that the NHS will treat emergencies and urgent complications, but routine surgical follow-up is normally expected to come from the provider who did your surgery. Keep your operation notes handy, as they help any doctor who sees you.

What I can (and can’t) do

At every session I’ll check for signs of seromas, fibrosis, infection and other complications. But I’m an MLD therapist, not a doctor or nurse, so I can only advise within my expertise. If I’m concerned, I’ll ask you to see a medical professional. Procedures such as draining a seroma must be done by a qualified nurse or doctor, and I can’t remove drains or stitches.

Your first two weeks home

• First MLD session as soon as you’re back, cleared and drain-free
• 2–3 sessions a week for two weeks, then we’ll review together
• Stage 1 garment 24/7, plus foams and ab board if needed
• 1.5–2 litres of water a day, gentle walks, low salt, no smoking or alcohol

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This article is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your surgeon or doctor. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions.