Can I drive Myself Home after BodyTite or take public transportation? I'll be under local anesthesia.

Question

If it’s just a local anesthesia, is there any reason I can’t drive myself home afterwards? I don’t want to make a big production out of the entire affair by having my husband also take the day off work. Or at least take public transportation?

Orna Fisher, MD · Answer

BodyTite (RFAL Radio frequency assisted liposuction) is not generally done strictly under local anesthesia. Usually there is at least an oral sedative taken. Depending on the size of area(s) treated and location, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be required. Although minimally-invasive via small skin incisions, BodyTite is still a surgery. A ride home by a responsible adult is a requirement. Driving yourself or public transportation is not okay if there is any level of sedation involved.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Each surgeon/clinic will have different policies for the types of procedures performed to ensure patient safety and release their own liability.  Moreover, should you drive and be involved in an accident, your automobile insurance would not cover you.  In some hospital and surgery centers, you will NOT be released until a driver verifies that you will be driven to your destination.  Some even go so far as to require the driver to remain in the waiting room during the surgery.
Many of my patients pre-arrange for Uber, a vocational or licensed practical nurse, or a taxi to pick them up and ensure that they are safely at home and following their post-op procedures .
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

With any procedure even if awake or no medications we suggest you have someone take you home. If you were given any medications you ABSOLUTELY cannot drive home. Best, Dr. Emer.

Diane I. Duncan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi! Thanks for your question! To echo some of the others below, it depends on what comprises local anesthesia. If it is just straight local injections with no other medication (usually oral), you should be okay, however some people tend to get a little shaky post-op. If a Valium or oral pain killer is taken, definitely don't drive. With regards to public transportation, be mindful that many doctors use quite a bit of tumescent which can lead to some wet clean-up. With enough bandages around your insertion sites such as ABD pads, this should be manageable but it can be awkward. Perhaps try for an Uber over the subway for example ).Best of luck!

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The short answer is, it depends. Often times when procedures are done under local anesthesia, an oral anti-anxiety and or pain medication is given. This will not put you to sleep but may make you feel loopy. In addition, if any liposuction is done at the time of the Body Tite, you could have some drainage. Because of this, public transportation may be challenging. Often times our patients will take Uber or Lyft if they don't have a ride. I hope this helps!

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend arranging transportation after surgery. Please make sure you seek treatment from a board -certified dermatologist.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. We require all of our patients who have had a lipo, BodyTite or Renuvion procedure to secure a ride home.

Ravi Somayazula, DO · Answer

I highly suggest that someone drive you to your appointment and take you home.Regards,
  
Dr. Ravi Somayazula
  
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery- American Board of Medical Specialties
  
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)- Subcommittee Task Force on Patient Safety
  
Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)
  
Member of the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons, Harris County Medical Society

Christine Sullivan, MD (retired) · Answer

I perform BODYtite under a local anesthetic however most of my patient's opt to pre-medicate as well.  If you have any narcotics in your system or general anesthesia you should arrange for a driver. A local anesthetic without oral pre-medication would not require a driver. Every office is different so I would suggest that you contact your board certified plastic surgeon and ask about their expectation before, during  and after surgery.

Can I drive Myself Home after BodyTite or take public transportation? I'll be under local anesthesia.

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