Will I be able to ride in a car two days after surgery?

Question

I will be getting a mommy makeover in two months. Will I be able to ride in a car 2 days after surgery for three hours back home? Is it dangerous?

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Yes but it may not be comfortable and make sure you get out of the car every hour just to walk around for a bit...this will help lower your risk for forming blood clots after surgery. You may also want to ask your operating surgeon about the use of compression stockings and/or anticoagulants if you are at higher risk (i.e. smoker, on birth control, h/o clotting disorders, etc.) for developing blood clots. Good luck!

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  Generally, most patients can fly within 2-4 weeks after mommy makeover operation. I wish you all the best.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You should be okay to do this if you're getting anything but a brazilian butt lift. However please take frequent breaks to reduce the risk of blood clots. Always listen to your surgeon's advice.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

After a tummy tuck, it is best to stay close to the surgeon for the first day after surgery.  At that point you can travel home, but must be careful.  There are specific issues you need to address with the surgeon regarding blood clots in the legs during long car rides.

Stephanie Beidler Teotia, MD · Answer

Yes, this is fine. I have many patients that travel from out-of-town that will drive in car.  However, you may have some discomfort and I highly suggest getting out of the car ever hour or so to walk around get some blood flow in your legs. I would also suggest using compression stockings to help with the development of possible blood clots.  Definitely speak to your surgeon regarding your traveling plans prior to your surgical procedure. Best of Luck to you!

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You may want to have a family member or friend drive you because you will feel uncomfortable at the 2 day mark. Discuss your post-operative plan with your surgeon and get some feedback from him or her.

Shahriar Mabourakh, MD, FACS · Answer

Mommy makeover is a combination of different procedures. If part of you mommy makeover is a tummy tuck I would not recommend riding in a car for 3 to 4 days, possibly a very short ride may be fine if it is absolutely necessary. You most likely will be uncomfortable sitting in a car for any length of time. Make sure you talk frequent short walks and not stay in bed for a long time to avoid possible complications such as DVT.

Marwan R. Khalifeh, MD · Answer

If you are traveling short distances, 2 days after surgery, in general you should be fine. However, if you have risk factors for blood clotting and /or plan on traveling a longer distance, you should advise with your doctor about a blood clotting prophylaxis prescription if appropriate. Similarly, be cautious of over jarring car rides post surgery. Only your doctor will be able to determine if your travel may put you at risk.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You should have no problem riding in a car two days after a mommy makeover. Because of the abdominoplasty getting in and out may be a bit uncomfortable.

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

After a mommy
makeover, there shouldn’t be any problem traveling short distances after your
surgery. However, a three-hour trip so soon after surgery is something that
only your surgeon is best-equipped to advise you about. He or she may want to
ensure that your travel route is not jarring and that sitting still so long
won’t put at risk for blood clots. When traveling long distances, stop for a
break every 30 minutes to get out of the car and walk around. This will keep
your blood circulating. Remember to take care entering and exiting the car and
be gentle in your movements.

Will I be able to ride in a car two days after surgery?

Answers (20)

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