Trying to figure out leave from work. Most things I read say splint comes off around day 5–7 and stitches about the same time, but then people say you shouldn't fly for a bit after that.
Is 10 days enough or am I kidding myself? NZ is a ~12hr flight.
Most clinics I've heard friends talk about want you around until the cast/splint is off and they've done a check, so 7–10 days is the usual ask. But ask YOUR clinic during consult, they all have their own protocol, especially if there's rib cartilage involved.
I'd add buffer. If anything needs an extra check (swelling, a stitch issue) you don't want to be choosing between your flight and your follow-up. I'm planning 14 days for exactly this reason.
yeah that's fair. annoying for annual leave but better than panicking at the airport
Also check flight change fees before you book. Some fares let you push a few days for cheap, which is basically insurance.
Cabin pressure + swelling is something to ask about specifically. I've seen surgeons say anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks before long-haul. Really varies.