How long after breast augmentation surgery could one drive an automatic car?

Hi there, Thank you for your question. You will want to ask your operating surgeon. Typically a week, ensure you are comfortable moving your arms and not taking any pain medications. Best, realdrsix

In general, I recommend that patients wait an average of about 5 days before driving, or sooner if they are comfortable. Either way they should not be on any narcotics, muscle relaxants, or other medicine that could affect their driving. It's always a good idea to check with your surgeon's protocol. For more information on this and similar topics, I recommend a plastic surgery Q&A book like "The Scoop On Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts the Myths." 

I appreciate your question.

Typically, my guideline is, the first week is the hardest. By the second week you feel better, at four weeks you feel 100% and at six weeks you can go back to complete normal routines and exercising. 

Four days after surgery, I would be careful as you are still at risk for bleeding. If you are taking any pain medication, I would not drink alcohol.  Please discuss with your surgeon.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

 

Best of luck!

   

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Thank you for sharing your question.  Though each patient heals differently, most women are able to start driving 24 hours after their last prescription pain medication use, normally a few days after your proceedure.   Your surgeon will be able to offer you the best advice based on your exact procedure.

Thank You for your question.  Typically in my practice I allow my patients to drive in 1 weeks time.  Important conditions include being off all narcotics and feeling as though you have full control of your vehicle should you need to make a sudden stop or avoid an accident.  Every patient is different in terms of soreness/pain post breast augmentation.  It is important however to follow the specific directions of your surgeon.

Dear Oonagh97, This is a good question and one that I often field during the pre-operative appointment. In our practice we stress that the patient should not drive while taking any narcotic pain medicine. Each patient is different in the amount of pain/swelling they get after surgery but on average I would say most patients return to driving a week after surgery.Warm regards,Mark Schoemann MD, FACS

We ask our patients to refrain from driving if they are on narcotics and while their arms and chest feel uncomfortable.  They have to use common sense to make sure in an emergency they can respond.  There's not standard answer to your questions.  Some patients feel ready after 2 days, and others need 20.

When you no longer have narcotic medication in your system, you should be OK to drive. Be cautious and do not put yourself in potentially tense driving situations. 

Always best to run these types of questions by your plastic surgeon who knows your situation best and is ultimately responsible for your care. Having said that, most patients are able to resume driving within one week.  Of course, you will want to be off medication and be able to respond to an emergency.
 
 Best wishes.

Most patients may drive when they are off their narcotic pain medication and muscle relaxing medication. Commonly a patient will be off these medications in 3-4 days, but everyone is different in their need for medication. Please refrain from driving until you are off your strong medication; for your safety and the safety of those around you!