How long until I can drive after breast reduction surgery?

Dear makuchta 53,

Thank you for your question. I tell my patients they may drive 1-2 weeks after breast reduction surgery in most cases. However, you should absolutely under no circumstances drive while taking pain medications. It is best to consult with your operating surgeon about his specific recommendations. Best of luck to you!

Generally, recovery requires one to two weeks.  Take it easy to start with. You do not want to do anything strenuous or that requires you to bend or stretch.  The board certified plastic surgeon who performs your surgery is the best one to recommend your period of recovery. He/she may recommend that you wait 7 -  10 days before driving.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for your question.  In general, most of my patients are driving at about 1 week provided they are off pain medications.  However, every doctor has their own recovery protocols.  I recommend you ask your surgeon and closely follow their instructions.Best,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Thank you for your question. Usually patients can drive after two weeks of a breast reduction surgery. At this point patients would have stopped medication and have had recovered enough to get back to their normal activities including driving. It's best to follow your surgeons specific advice post-operatively.

hello. Usually after breast eduction surgery. We recommend to hold off on using chest muscles and maybe driving for at least a week.  Then it is case by case depending on short distances of driving and not using pain medications  most people can drive for some distances after a week 

I tell my post breast reduction patients to wait at least a week or until they are completely off of prescription pain medications. If you still have a lot of pain with movement after a week I would also advise caution as you may need to make a sudden move while driving and would not want to risk injuring your surgical site.

Generally patients wait two weeks such that sutures have been removed and they are off prescription pain medications.  I am finding that my patients transition off the meds sooner these days but still prefer to have them healed. Also, there is a difference between heading up the block and a two hour trek into Manhattan.  Discuss with your plastic surgeon and think conservatively as to resumption of activities.

Your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to post surgical advice.
In my practice, I ask patients not to drive until they are no longer taking medications and can respond to an emergency when driving (there are both comfort and safety considerations involved).   Most patients in our practice are able to drive around two weeks after the breast reduction procedure.Best to “go slow” and listen to your body as you gradually increase your activity level. Best wishes. 

Hello and thank you for your question.  I typically advise patients that they can drive when they are no longer taking their narcotic pain medications, but I suggest that you follow up directly with your surgeon, as he or she may have specific recommendations for you.Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc”

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council