When is driving safe after a Tummy Tuck?

Question

I had my TT and lipo on 11/2. Have one drainer that will be removed tomorrow. For the past two days I've only been taking pain meds at bedtime. When is it safe for me to drive short distances?

Bryan Armijo, MD · Answer

It would be wise to avoid driving until you no longer need the pain medication, but speak with your surgeon to get a time frame specific to your healing process.

Jerome H. Liu, MD · Answer

After tummy tuck surgery, patients should avoid driving while taking pain medication because narcotics can impair your ability to respond quickly. Patients typically have activity limitations during the first 6 weeks after their procedure, so consult your board-certified plastic surgeon regarding his or her recommendations for you. Good luck in your recovery!

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi Thank you for your question. I do not recommend that my patients drive until they are off of all their pain medications.To be on the safe side you may want to have someone drive you. Contact your plastic surgeon with any questions and concerns.

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

Drive when you are off pain meds, alert and feel like you are safe to drive.  Basically, common sense approach. Good luck, Jane

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

It's safe to drive when you are completely off all narcotic pain medication. Best to have someone drive you around until then! Best of luck for great results!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, please check with your doctor since you are an early post-operative patient. In general, if you are not taking pain medications and can turn your head to use mirrors, etc.-you usually could be driving. Hope for a speedy recovery.

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

There are a few factors at play when it comes to deciding when it’s safe to drive following a tummy tuck. From a safety point of view, you must be able to maneuver safely and react to any potential emergencies which may arise during your journey, no matter how short it may be. Secondly, if you are still taking pain meds at all, you should not be driving. Even if you feel safe to drive, narcotic pain medication can hinder your response time and makes getting behind the wheel dangerous. Generally, you can expect to be driving after about 2 weeks.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone the tummy tuck procedure. Most patients ( assuming they are off “mind altering” medications and can respond to an emergency quickly) are able to drive 2 to 3 weeks after tummy tuck surgery.  Best wishes.

Daniel Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your questions.  I recommend that my patients not drive until they are comfortable behind the wheel and turning side to side without any narcotic pain medication.  Typically this is between 10-14 days after surgery, which you are approaching.My best advice would be to get behind the wheel after being off narcotic pain medicine at least 8 hours (you may take ibuprofen/tylenol if approved by your surgeon previously), and go through all the motions of driving, putting seat belt on, etc to see if you can do them without major discomfort.  If so, also please check with your surgeon, as they may have specific and different recommendations than the above due to your anatomy/specific procedure performed.Best wishes!Dr. Brown

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Always best to check with your surgeon for specifics, but in my practice I tell patients they can drive after about a week, as long as they are not taking any sedative medications (narcotic pain pills or muscle relaxants) before driving.  Good luck.

When is driving safe after a Tummy Tuck?

Answers (11)

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