I’m having a TT, breast lift and arm lift. How long before I can drive?

Question

I will be off work for 2 1/2 weeks and will have to drive myself to appoints after the first few days. Or will Uber if need be!

Bryan Armijo, MD · Answer

You should wait at least 2 weeks before considering driving again. You may not feel up to it until you’re about 3 weeks post op. Your surgeon should go over some post op care instructions in a consultation.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

For my patients I tell them they will probably be able to drive after about 10 to 14 days depending on how they are healing. This is something you should discuss with your surgeon. Good luck!

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

Driving is not a physical activity, I routinely tell my patients to drive when they feel like they are safe behind the wheel and they are not on medications that would alter their mental state.  This is obviously different for every patient and for every procedure. I think it also depends on where you live.  Yesterday a patient asked me about driving, she lives in a little West Texas town with no stoplight, thats a little different than the metroplex.  But yes, discuss with your surgeon.  Again, driving won't hurt anything but getting in an accident could.  It really is basic common sense, I don't understand how a surgeon can have an across the board rule on driving for every patient.  Good luck, Jane.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, make sure you have clearance from your doctor before driving, but in general with procedures you are having you should be able to drive between 10-14 days days.  Good Luck with surgery.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients having surgery should not be driving if they are taking pain medication or muscle relaxers as they can slow your reflexes.  Typically tummy tuck patients will need 2-3 weeks to recover from normal activities.  It is best that you find a friend or family member to drive you to your appointments.  Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jmeltx,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. In most cases he/she will recommend you to wait at least 10-14 days before considering driving. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

jmeltx.   Talk to your surgeon, but I would not recommend driving for 2 weeks after your surgery, especially because of the arm lift.  Uber is an excellent option for your followup appointments. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, I  usually tell my patients to wait about 2 weeks , every surgeon has different post op care instructions continue to follow up with your PS's advise. Best wishes.

Bernard Kopchinski, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! Driving I have found to be patient specific. In my experience patients need a couple of days to 2-3 weeks after TT, BL and Arm Lift. You can not be taking any pain medications and you need to be able to swerve and slam on the break. This is really dependent on your recovery. If you have any additional questions, you can speak with your surgeon to review and ensure you have a good idea as to when he would advise you go back to driving. Thank you!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

There has been a break through in the technology of post op pain relief for tummy tucks. A new medication is now being used that will provide for 3-4 days of post op pain relief, speeding up the recovery process! It is called Exparel.A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen. It consists of 3 basic steps:Skin removal and tighteningSubcutaneous fat removalMuscle tighteningThe recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery. The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over. The second week the weight limitation is increased to 30 pounds and more normal walking. After the second week many patients return to work if it is more sedentary, active work jobs and heavy lifting, pulling or straining are still difficult for another 2 weeks. Most women need help with small children for the first week. Driving a car can be done at this time.Vigorous physical activity and contact sports are limited for 4-6 weeks. Everyone's recovery is different, and everyone's tummy tuck is different, the recovery time will vary from individual to individual.Good Luck!

I’m having a TT, breast lift and arm lift. How long before I can drive?

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