How soon can I go on a road trip after breast augmentation?

Question

Hello! So I'm having my breast augmentation on the 15th of December. I'm curious as to how soon I can travel? No flying, just driving :) thanks!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

Here are some recommendations to consider when travelling by
road:Due to pain medications, soreness,
and limited movement, you will be unable to drive right away. Perhaps you might
want to wait for at least a week as steering requires regular use of the chest muscles.
However, there should be no problem if someone else is doing the driving for
you.It is recommended that you
arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and accompany you for 24
hours right after surgery – most patients ask a friend to help. It is recommended that you
stay within the vicinity of your surgeon for a few days after your surgery for
follow-ups and to make sure you do not get any severe complications.It is recommended that you
do not lift or pull heavy luggages; you cannot lift more than 10 pounds for at
least 2-3 weeks. To minimize risks of deep
vein thrombosis, you may want to have your car stopped every 2-3 hours to walk
for few minutes to improve blood circulation.

As always, please
discuss instructions for recovery and travelling with your board-certified plastic
surgeon. Their advice should take precedence as they will be better informed
about your case.

Hope this helps.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You should be able to go on vacation by 3-4 weeks after your surgery. But this is valid only with assuming postoperative recovery is uneventful. If any unexpected incident happens in your treatment process, this time can be extended or shortened. I wish you all the best.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

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 and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I think traveling via automobile will be appropriate soon after the breast augmentation, but you should not be doing the actual driving. You may still be sore and you could get some fatigue with prolonged driving within 2 weeks of surgery. As far as the risks of DVT, you will need to stop and walk every 2-3 hours on long trips. Ask your plastic surgeon once you know more details about your trip. Best, Dr. ALDO

Ralph M. Rosato, MD · Answer

After a few day you are medically stable to travel short distances. However, the concern with longer travel has to do with the risk of blood clots. After ant asurgery the body has a tendency to make blood clots. Most of the time we are sctive and this minimizes the risks. It is not recommended taking a long trip if you have to sit for long periods of time. If you must travel, then  stopfrequently to waik.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest asking your surgeon, who has seen you and knows how well you are healing, when you can travel.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

Driving after having a breast augmentation can usually be resumed within one week. Much depends on how you feel. You cannot be taking pain medication that contains a narcotic (codeine, for example) and you need to have your reflexes intact. in other words your body, especially your arms need to be prepared for any sudden movements (turning, stopping). I tell my patients 3-5 days at the earliest. You may travel immediately as a passenger, but take a break to walk and stretch your legs every hour or two for long trips to help avoid blood clots.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

As others have stated he should direct this question to your plastic surgeon and follow his or her advice.  Generally speaking I recommend that my patients rest for the first 10 days after breast augmentation.  Depending on the length of travel and your comfort level you may be able to travel in a car after the first week but do not fly for at least 10 days.

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would discuss this with your plastic surgeon because every surgeon will have slightly different post operative protocol’s for their patients. In my opinion, if you are not driving you can travel that day. If you are driving I would wait until you are off all narcotic medication and feel comfortable and mobile enough to operate a vehicle. Best of luck in your recovery.Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

How soon can I go on a road trip after breast augmentation?

Answers (9)

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