When is it okay to resume driving after a brachioplasty?

Every patient who has surgery is always anxious to get back to their normal routine and when they can resume driving is always one of the top issues on their list.
Driving poses some unique issues, and it is very important that you not ‘jump the gun’ and go back to driving too soon, or you could endanger yourself, your passengers and the people in cars around you. Most importantly you must be off of pain medication before you drive. Even if you feel perfectly fine, it does not matter. If you are driving and you have narcotics in your system then you will automatically be at fault if you are in an accident, and be charged with driving under the influence and negligence. Also, you must be physically limber enough to perform the movements required to safely operate a vehicle. You have to be able to move your hands and arms enough to steer, your feet and legs enough to work the pedals, and your neck enough to rotate your head to see over your shoulders. If you aren’t able to do these simple actions, then you can’t possibly maintain control of a car. You have to be alert enough and comfortable to react to emergency situations. There is no controlling the other drivers or pedestrians in your environment, so you have to be able to respond to the unexpected, and if you are in too much pain or too weak, your reactions will not be quick enough to be safe.

I know all of this sounds very ominous, but really it is not that long after surgery that these issues resolve and driving is safe. With a smaller procedure like breast augmentation or liposuction, most patients can be back to driving in about a week. With larger procedures like a tummy tuck, brachioplasty or combination procedure like a mommy makeover it may take a couple of weeks to be ready. Once you think you are ready, go for a test drive first (like around the block) before you head out on the highway or into heavy traffic and find out the hard way you really need more time.

Congratulations on your recent surgery.  Driving after having a procedure usually depends on whether or not a patient is taking pain medications or prescriptions that will affect your response time. Patients usually can drive when they feel they are capable of reacting quickly and strong enough to use their arms to maneuver the steering wheel, usually 7 days.  If you are still concerned, continue to call your plastic surgeons office for specific instructions.  Good luck.

Thank you for your question regarding when it is safe to resume driving after your extended brachioplasty. Generally, most patients are advised to wait at least 2–3 weeks before driving, but the exact timeline can vary based on individual healing and the extent of the surgery. Since your procedure included extended incisions from the elbows to your sides, it’s important to be cautious and consult with your surgeon before resuming driving.

Here are some key considerations:

Mobility and Comfort: You need to have full range of motion in your arms and shoulders without pain or stiffness. This is critical for safe driving, especially for turning the wheel or reacting quickly in emergencies.

Incision Healing: Your incisions should be well-healed enough to avoid unnecessary pulling or tension. Extended incisions may take a bit longer to heal, so ensure there is no risk of reopening wounds.

Pain Management: If you are still taking prescription pain medications, such as opioids, you should not drive. These medications can impair your reaction time and decision-making ability.

Surgeon's Clearance: Your plastic surgeon knows your case best and can provide personalized guidance based on your progress. While the average recovery time to resume driving is around 2–4 weeks, it’s essential to confirm with your doctor.

In your case, since your incisions extend to your sides, your mobility may be more restricted, and it might take slightly longer than average to feel comfortable driving. Until you hear back from your surgeon, focus on rest, wearing your compression garment as directed, and ensuring your wounds are healing properly.


Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I would say that it is safe to drive after two weeks follow a brachioplasty if necessary. Take your time, and don't rush into driving unless you have to. It may be wise to go for a test drive first to gauge your mobility. 

Two weeks is enough for most patients but talk to your surgeon about what he or she thinks.  Ultimately, it's about how you feel.  Every person recovers differently so if you need longer to recover, take the time by all means.  If you feel uncomfortable with any particular movement after your procedure, take it easy until you're fully recovered.  

You may not drive the first week or while you are taking pain medication. After that it will depend on your ability to handle a car without causing any discomfort. You should wear your seatbelt at all times.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question.  I would definitely recommend you discuss this with your plastic surgeon since each surgeon has their own postoperative protocol.  In my practice I allow my patients to resume driving when they are off their pain medications and are capable of reacting quickly while driving.  Being at three weeks post-op, this sounds like a reasonable time to resume driving.  Best of luck.

Hello and thank you for your question. It is usually advised not to drive while you are still feeling sore. 1-2 weeks should be long enough for you feel well enough and be off pain meds to resume driving.

I'm sorry to hear you did not have specific guidelines reviewed with you prior to your surgery. Your surgeon or coordinator or nurse could answer that common question prior to surgery, so you can plan your life! That being said, it still depends on how you are doing. Most patients with Vaser of the upper arms and and Brachioplasty can drive in 3-5 days after the surgery. If you've had some axillary tissue removed at the same time, it may need more time until you feel confident and  comfortable enough to get behind the wheel. I see my patients the next day and 2-3 days later. Then at weekly intervals (or so) for 6 weeks. My practice provides my patients with a written procedure specific review of pre- and post- operative instructions. I am available to answer questions. One of the attributes of my practice is that I provide very close, in-person follow up. If I am unavailable, then I have responsive office infrastructure or a covering Board Certified plastic surgeon.  

Thank you for your question.  I cannot answer for your specific case as only your surgeon can make that decision.  In my practice I expect my patients to be moving the arms and driving when no longer requiring narcotic medications.  On the average this is about two to five days.  Contact your surgeon for their advice to you.  Good luck.