Downtime/recovery - how long should I wait to drive back home?

Question

Hi, Ill need to drive approx 8 hours to have the surgery. How long should I wait to drive back home/ how long will I need to recover? What forms of payment is usually accepted? can I pay with a mixture of card and cash?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Adventurous247513,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Aaron Gilson, DO · Answer

After surgery, especially one that requires general anesthesia, it's recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before undertaking any significant activities, including driving. For an 8-hour drive, it's crucial to allow more time—usually a few days to a week—depending on the specific type of surgery, your recovery rate, and how you feel post-operation. This ensures your safety during a long journey back home. Perhaps finding a surgeon closer to you would be best!

As for payment, most surgical practices accept various forms, including cards and cash. It's often possible to pay using a combination of both, but you should confirm payment options with the clinic beforehand to ensure all arrangements are clear and agreed upon.

As for payment, most surgical practices accept various forms, including cards and cash. It's often possible to pay using a combination of both, but you should confirm payment options with the clinic beforehand to ensure all arrangements are clear and agreed upon.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

In my experience, more than 90% of my patients return to work (driving) 0n the 5th post op day. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! You can drive home in a couple of days, but hopefully you won't be the one driving. Also, you'll want to stop every couple of hours to move your legs, walk around, etc. As far as financial policies are concerned, you will have to verify that info with your specific plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

After having general anesthesia you will need someone to drive you home.  You may want to stay by your surgeon for the first few days for a follow up before returning home.  Most patients are able to return to driving within a week.  Accepted payments vary by practice, but most accept credit cards and cash.  You can learn more about breast augmentation recovery by visiting my website.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You should not drive for a minimum of 3 days after a general anesthetic, nor drive while taking narcotics or muscle relaxer.  You can be driven home once you are awake and are stable in recovery room.  With being 8 hours away from your surgeon, it would be best to plan to stay about a week so you can be seen for your follow up visit. Full recovery is up to 6 weeks.  Payments can be made with cash, card, and even checks.

Heather Pena, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello-
This will depend on if you are driving yourself, or if you will have a driver. You will not be able to drive yourself until you are off all pain medications, and have fully recovered your reaction time. This is usually at 3-5 days after surgery. Your surgeon may want you to stay in town longer, so this will be surgeon dependent. Payment options will fully depend on your surgeon. 
Best of luck.

Downtime/recovery - how long should I wait to drive back home?

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