Length-of-stay ranges by procedure, with fly-home clearance windows. Most elective surgeries cleared for long-haul travel by day 10–14; IVF and proton therapy need 4–8 weeks in country.
For most elective surgeries at Class A international departments, plan 10–14 days in country : 1–2 days workup, the procedure, 4–6 days inpatient recovery, then 4–6 days out-patient observation in a partner hotel before fly-home clearance. Long-duration exceptions: IVF (1–3 weeks per cycle) , proton therapy (6–8 weeks) , CABG (3–4 weeks) .
The Short Answer
For most elective surgeries at Class A international departments, plan 10–14 days in country: 1–2 days workup, the procedure, 4–6 days inpatient recovery, then 4–6 days out-patient observation in a partner hotel before fly-home clearance. Long-duration exceptions: IVF (1–3 weeks per cycle), proton therapy (6–8 weeks), CABG (3–4 weeks).
Length-of-Stay by Procedure
- SMILE / LASIK — 3–5 days. Fly-home day 3.
- Cataract surgery (per eye) — 3–5 days. Fly-home day 3.
- All-on-4 dental (immediate provisional) — 5–7 days. Return at month 3–4 for final prosthesis.
- FUE hair transplant — 7–10 days. Fly-home day 7.
- Lumbar microdiscectomy — 7–10 days. Fly-home day 7.
- Knee replacement / hip replacement — 10–14 days. Fly-home day 12–14.
- Bariatric sleeve gastrectomy — 10–14 days. Fly-home day 12–14.
- CABG (coronary artery bypass) — 21–28 days. Fly-home week 3–4.
- IVF + ICSI (one cycle) — 14–21 days. Most patients fly home 2–3 days post-transfer.
- Proton therapy (6 weeks) — 6–8 weeks in country; serviced apartment recommended.
What Determines Fly-Home Clearance
The surgeon issues a written fly-home letter when four criteria are met:
- Stable vital signs and pain controlled on oral analgesia.
- Wound dry, no spreading erythema, no fever.
- VTE prophylaxis bridged for the flight duration.
- Specific surgical criteria met (ROM ≥ 90° for knee replacement, INR controlled for CABG, etc.).
Where You Stay in Country
The typical pathway uses two locations:
- Hospital inpatient for the acute window (4–7 days for major surgery).
- Partner hotel or serviced apartment for post-discharge observation (typically USD 70–180/night).
Planning Buffer
Add 2–3 buffer days to the lower estimate. Discharge can be delayed by elevated white-cell counts, INR overshoot, or wound concerns — none catastrophic, but they require an extra 24–72 hours.
For per-procedure recovery details (day-by-day milestones, red-flag symptoms, follow-up), see recovery timelines. To estimate cost by city, browse the cost matrix.
Sources: Partner-network 2026 length-of-stay protocols; AAOS, STS and ASMBS post-operative travel guidance; Class A international medical department discharge criteria.