Is Driving After Rhinoplasty Possible?

Thank you for the question! Certainly, discuss this with your plastic surgeon, as answers will vary among surgeons.  I typically say that whenever you are not taking narcotic pain medications and when you feel like you are strong enough to turn the steering wheel suddenly if needed, then you may resume driving. If you meet those requirements, take short trips around your block with somebody and see how you do.  After any procedure requiring general anesthesia, sedation, or if narcotics given, you may not drive home.  Rhinoplasties are usually performed under general or sedation. You will require a ride home from a friend, family member, or a service. It is also recommended for somebody to be with you for the first 24-48 hrs postoperatively. Best wishes!

No, driving is not possible after rhinoplasty because it is done under general anesthesia. It is not safe or standard of care to allow a patient to go home alone after general anesthesia.
A responsible adult needs to be the caretaker of the rhinoplasty patient. The caregiver must drive the patient home and spend the first night with them after surgery to ensure the patient is well taken care of.

Hi Jelly Bean,
Whether driving after rhinoplasty is possible depends on whether you could drive before your rhinoplasty.
Kidding aside, patients should not drive after rhinoplasty for about 3 to 5 days. There are post-surgical homes that you can recover at until you are ready to travel home. Our rhinoplasty patients from out of town, state, or country usually stay close by for at least 5 days before returning home.
Good luck and be well.
Dr. P