How Long After a Tummy Tuck Can I Drive?

                  The
vast majority of abdominoplasty patients are able to resume driving in about 10
to14 days following surgery.  At
this point in time patients have the range of motion which is necessary to
operate a motor vehicle.  In
addition, they are usually pain free and off narcotics.  It’s important to realize that it’s
against the law to operate a vehicle while impaired by any substance.  For this reason it’s
important that patients be off narcotics before driving.

                   Resumption
of driving following surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on a
variety of factors.  For this
reason, it’s important to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon.  Your surgeon should be able to tell you
when it’s appropriate to resume this important activity.

Thank you for your question! For my patients having any procedure, they are able to drive as soon as they are off of the narcotic pain medication. 

As a general guide it takes about two weeks before you can straighten up due to the significant abdominal tightness. Therefore, you shouldn't even consider driving for the first two weeks.  After two weeks, being guided by your body and how mobile you are.. If you feel safe to get behind the wheel you can return to driving.

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. Best wishes!

Pain medications can impair your ability to drive safely. As a result, you should probably wait until after you've stopped taking an pain medication. This may take about 2-4 weeks.