How soon can I drive after a breast augmentation and mastopexy with lipo under the arm?

Hi vickiegibson078.  I permit driving when patients stop taking narcotics and feel that they can handle the vehicle--this includes turning to look behind, check blind spots etc.  I have family members sit in the passenger seat and assess the patient's driving before releasing them to drive alone. Most patients are driving within 4 days after the listed procedures.  Best wishes, 

Thank you for your question. I generally tell my patients that they should expect not to drive for 1 week after their surgery and make accommodations for such. I ask that my patients do not drive while taking their narcotic pain medications, which is generally one week. Also, I ask them to use judgement about how good of a defensive driver they can be, if they still experience discomfort and can not make a sharp turn or sharp break, they should not be driving yet. Hope this answers your question.
Sincerely,
Olga Bachilo, MD

Thank you for submitting your question. I have patients refrain from driving for at least one week. It is also important that they are off all narcotics. That being said, I do not allow patients to drive until they are comfortable enough to use just anti-inflammatories for pain. Some patients can be far more painful from the same procedure. This is one area of practice that has to be individualized for each patient. 
Best of luck!
Dr. K