Can I ride in a car for 6 hours the day after Breast Augmentation?

Question

I am having surgery at 11:30 tomorrow morning. Unexpectedly, my husband now needs picked up from work 3 hours away on Friday. Since I will be unable to drive, our 16 year old son has agreed to go get him. The location is on the outskirts of a large city and he is not familiar driving in that setting. I thought I would ride along to help him navigate through the metro. Would that even be doable? I will have a pain pump & could sleep for all but 20 min on way there & the whole way home.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You are permitted to drive after breast augmentation as soon as you feel you can handle the responsibilities as a driver. Clearly you have to be off pain medication. As a result, the day after your surgery is probably too soon for you to drive safely. I would recommend checking with your surgeon about any activities including driving.

Carolina Restrepo, MD · Answer

Every surgeon will have his/her own preferences as to recovery for specific procedures. I have patients wear a soft bra after breast augmentation for a few weeks to splint everything, and at that point the scars are generally very stable and we move to normal bras (or none) and long term scar management. There are no restrictions on traveling.

The best person to advise you on this is your specific surgeon.

The best person to advise you on this is your specific surgeon.

Constantino G. Mendieta, MD · Answer

My best advice to you would be to discuss this with your surgeon. You do not want to do anything that may jeopardize your recovery. To reach your target you have to take all of these things and more into considerations.Good luck, please let us know how it goes.- Dr. Constantino Mendieta

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

You won't be very alert after your surgery due to the medication, so I suggest you try to find an adult or friend who can drive you.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for the question... I will suggest you to consider been in a 6 hours car ride the same day of your surgery... Talk with your Plastic Surgeon.. It is a high risk for you and your recuperation.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There should be no Jeopardy to your operation writing in a car the day after breast augmentation. From your description however the sounds like a sizable undertaking for the day after an operation so I would consider alternative plans.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't recommend lengthy travel after surgery.  Instead, wait 24-48 hours and make sure you walk around a lot after the surgery and take frequent breaks when traveling.

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Although you can ride in a car for 6 hours 1 Day post op I do not recommend it. If you have no alternative I would recommend you stop every 1-2 hours so you can walk around. This will help decrease the risk of clots forming in the veins of your legs. Best of luck

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Personally I would avoid being in a car for 6 hours one day postop and you would not be able to drive. If you consider driving you should contact your insurance company for advice.If you need to travel in a car for 6 hours make sure you take appropriate advice from your PS. In particular you need to take advice on DVT prophylaxis and you probably are best to make regular stops in the journey. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest discussing this trip with your surgeon. You will be on medication for pain, and may not be too alert. Plus, your 16 year old son may not yet have sufficient driving skills for that period of time, especially if he will be driving on the highway or Interstate. If you do go, you may find you are very sore and tired after that trip. I would suggest finding another adult to do the driving, or consider postponing your surgery for a more convenient time.