How long after getting breast implants do I need to wait before leaving the house to shop and do my normal things?

After breast augmentation surgery, recovery time for patients varies because every person heals at their own pace. While the recovery time is typically about one week, patients can feel better much sooner. As you are healing, it is important to listen to your body. Consult your board-certified plastic surgeon regarding his or her postoperative recommendations. Carrying shopping bags may not be part of the protocol just yet! ;)

Hello, I would recommend asking your PS before resuming any significant activities or exercises since they know how you are healing.  Generally most of my patients are doing most of their activities of daily living within one week of surgery, but gradually returning to full activities and sports by about 6 weeks postop.

It is always best to check with your surgeon about his or her protocol. I advise my patients that it might be possible to drive as early as the third day after surgery if they are not taking any narcotics. Also, patients who have children can lift them the third day after surgery to transfer them to high chair, car seat or crib. In general, you should not have sex or other activities that might raise your blood pressure or heart rate and increase the chance of bleeding or hematoma for a week. Unless you get overly excited from shopping, I suspect that at this time it would be okay for you to go shopping. Have fun, and a speedy recovery. 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."

Yes, you can defintely go out and drive 3 days after breast augmentation, but you should be careful not to exert yourself.  Continue wearing your support bra.

Plastic surgeons have different post-op instructions following breast augmentation.  I encourage my patients to begin doing normal daily activity as soon as they are able to, that includes leaving the house.  If you need to drive, you should be off pain meds and be able to do the movements necessary to be safe.  This may take a few days.  You should check with your plastic surgeon on what he or she advises.