When can I drive & bend after lower body lift (incision across the buttocks/hips)?

Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Congratulations on your surgery. Usually after 3 weeks would be best for you to start doing your normal activities, however each plastic surgeon have different instructions and post op care, I suggest verifying with your surgeon but what I recommend my patients is after 3 weeks if you are feeling well already. Best of luck

Hello,Thank you for the question about when you can drive and bend after a 360 circumferential lower body lift. Typically, most patients are able to drive 3-4 weeks after their 360 circumferential lower body lift. First, with a lower body lift, you want to avoid a full sitting position with the tummy at 90-degree angle because this position puts too much pressure on the back. Second, with a lower body lift, you want to avoid laying flat because this position puts too much pressure on the abdomen. I would suggest putting a pillow behind your back so your back is bent.  Until you are at least 4-6 weeks after your 360 circumferential lower body lift, I would not suggest bending over, for fear of wound separation. Once you are off narcotics and are about 3-4 weeks after your 360 circumferential lower body lift, you can drive. I hope this answers your question regarding when you can drive after a lower body lift and when you can bend after a lower body lift.  Before you make any decisions regarding a body lift, I would suggest you seek consultation with a lower body lift expert. Please seek an experienced, board-certified, plastic surgeon. Travel out of state if you must to find such a body lift expert. If you have any more questions regarding the 360 circumferial body lift or plastic surgery in general, please contact my office.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and member of the American Society Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and Fellow of American College of Surgeons and American Board for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)

Thank you for the question.   I will recommend to speak with your doctor because the tension   at the end of the procedure is key to provide advise to you.  In may patient I like to close with minimal tension to avoid a hypertrophic scars.

First of all, congratulations on your lower body lift, bananachips!
It’s normal to have a feeling of tightness at two weeks post-op. But usually, you can start doing the activities you mentioned within 2-3 weeks post-op.
Still, it’s best to ask your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon when you are fit to drive or bend as it depends on your surgeon’s protocol and your recovery.
Best of luck!

Thank you for your question.  Usually I let them drive in 2 weeks. It can vary from person to person depending on the healing. Best person to ask is your surgeon As everyone has their own post op protocols.

I would certainly recommend that you discuss your activity level with your surgeon. Every surgeon has a different post-operative protocol for activity level. Feeling very tight after only 2 weeks is normal. Please bring this up with your surgeon as they will be the best to answer this question for your specific situation.