After a tummy tuck, you can’t drive as much as you might think, but the rules aren’t as strict as you might think. The operation itself is a major procedure that could lead to problems that could make it hard for you to drive. If you want to drive soon after surgery, you should let your doctor know.
The American Medical Association says that you shouldn’t drive for at least six weeks after a tummy tuck. Your surgeon may tell you to wait longer for different reasons, like if you’re still feeling weak or if you still have stitches. If you have stitches, you should wait until your doctor takes them out before getting behind the wheel.
Read on to learn more about How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can You Drive, Tips For Finding Help To Drive Your Kids Around After A Tummy Tuck and How To Improve Sleep After A Tummy Tuck
How Long After A Tummy Tuck Can You Drive
After you have tummy tuck surgery, you will need to take some time off from driving. The questions many patients have is how long? That can be tricky to answer since there is no universal standard for how much time you will need to avoid driving after getting an abdominoplasty. Tummy tuck recovery time can vary person to person. It also depends on the kind of tummy tuck you have had.
Continue reading for tips and general guidelines that Doctor Bernard Beldholm recommends for driving after each type of surgery. We will also review some important factors that will help you get a sense of when you can start driving again.
Downtime after a tummy tuck
All body contouring surgeries have some downtime. The recovery time is not set in stone, though. Everybody heals differently. Some people experience more discomfort and swelling than others. It also depends how much tissue and fat you had removed. This varies by procedure.
Removing a small amount of excess skin and fat usually means you will be able to get back to driving sooner. On the flip side, larger procedures like a tummy tuck with abdominal muscle repair for diastasis recti, multiple procedures, and extensive surgeries like body lifts have a longer recovery time.
On the first three to five days after surgery, you can expect to have some marked discomfort. Swelling will be quite obvious during this time, and it can last for weeks or months. Your skin and muscles will also feel very sensitive early on. Pain medication will be given so that you do not experience true pain after plastic surgery.
Safety reasons to avoid driving after tummy tuck surgery
Some patients are anxious to get back to driving as soon as possible, but you should not rush into it. Your health and safety are of utmost importance.
The first day of surgery, you will not be able to drive due to anesthesia. That goes for patients who get general anesthesia for any type of surgical procedure, whether it is cosmetic or not. Anesthesia can cause tiredness and confusion. You will not be able to operate a car or other machinery after waking from anesthesia. Plus, surgery can be exhausting. It is a major event that can take a toll on the body. You do not want to drive when you are sleepy or not feeling your best. It usually takes 18-24 hours for anesthetic to leave your system.
Once the anesthesia has left your system, your body still needs time to heal before it is safe to drive. This can range between one to several weeks post op, depending on the procedure. You will be tender and sore after surgery. The more invasive the surgery, the more intense those sensations may be.
As much as you may want to drive, you will find that you have some restricted movement after surgery. Simple things like turning your body to view your blindspot, sitting down in the driver’s seat, and even opening the car door can be harder than normal. Turning the wheel is the hardest thing since it requires more complex movement and core strength. It is not safe to drive until you truly feel ready. Your reaction time and limited mobility after a tummy tuck make driving early in recovery unsafe.
Tips For Finding Help To Drive Your Kids Around After A Tummy Tuck
Having kids that need a ride can make mums feel pressure to drive sooner. You can harm others on the road and yourself if you do not give yourself enough time to heal before you are ready to drive again. That is why it is important to make other arrangements while you heal.
Having a plan is vital. Do not be afraid to ask others for help. This can include your partner, extended family, friends, and neighbors. You may be surprised to see who is willing to lend a hand if you only ask. If your children are old enough, public transportation may also be a good option, even if they are used to getting a ride.
What about getting to work?
Busy professional can also feel pressure to get back to work after surgery. If you drive to work in a car, be mindful of putting your safety first. Taking the appropriate time off work is very important. Trying to drive when you are not ready just to go to work is not wise. You would be doing yourself and others on the road a real disservice.
Taking time off work is not always easy. There is pressure from bosses and colleagues. There are bills to be paid. It makes sense. If you absolutely must work soon after surgery, ask for permission to work from home. These days, that is becoming much more common, so your higher ups may be receptive to the idea.
Patients who work in the service industry may have a harder time getting approved for time off, and working home is not always possible. If you have a sedentary job, ask for a ride from a friend, family member, or colleague. See if ride sharing is available in your city. Taxi services can be a pricier option, but it is only a temporary measure.
No matter what, you do not want to strain yourself in early recovery. If you must work, finding a ride alternative is necessary.
How do I know when I am ready to drive?
Since the guidelines below are only guidelines, it is up to your pain threshold and healing progress to determine when you can drive again. If you think you are ready to get behind the wheel, you should first assess that you are comfortable in the car. For example, can you sit comfortably? Open the door? Work the controls? If you had to make a sudden emergency stop or turn the wheel sharply to avoid an accident, could you?
Next, put your seatbelt on. Is there any uncomfortable rubbing or pressure? This can be especially bothersome for long drives, so keep that in mind. You do not want to irritate incisions as they heal. Then, look over your shoulder to see if you feel discomfort. Finally, you may want to inch forward in a safe, secure area like your driveway or garage. Can you turn the wheel comfortably? When you feel ready to do all of these things, you are ready to drive.
Of course, you also cannot drive when using certain pain medications that indicate to avoid driving.
General guidelines for driving after each kind of tummy tuck:
- Mini tummy tuck: 7-10 days after surgery
- Full tummy tuck: 2-3 weeks
- Mummy makeover: 2-3 weeks
- Body lift: 4 weeks
- Extended tummy tuck: 3-4 weeks
- Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty: 3-4 weeks
Insurance implications for driving after a tummy tuck
Insurance companies are usually guided by medical advice when it comes to driving after surgery. It is a good idea to inquire with your auto insurer about any policy exclusions. Most Australian insurance companies surveyed said that all patients will be fully insured when driving after surgery, as long as they were given medical clearance to drive.
Take it slow after cosmetic surgery
Don’t be in a rush to get behind the wheel after surgery. It is important to give yourself time to heal. Ask your doctor how much time you will need to take off work. If you have kids that need to be driven from place to place, make other arrangements for up to the first few weeks after getting surgery. Same goes for getting to and from work. You will also need a ride home from the hospital on the day of surgery. A qualified surgeon will be able to advise you on what to expect afterwards based on their experience so that you can plan to take time off from driving.
How To Improve Sleep After A Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks involve removing a large amount of tissue. The natural reaction of the body is to send inflammatory markers to the site of the operation, which can result in swelling and pain. It can be difficult, therefore, to get quality, restful sleep after a tummy tuck. So what can you do to ensure that you get the rest that you need to recover?
Take Pain Medications
Pain medications can be taken before bed to help ease discomfort as you try to sleep for the first few days after receiving a tummy tuck. Avoid using painkillers which contain stimulants as these may prevent you from sleeping.
Make Getting Into Bed A Ritual
Much of what our brains do is unconscious, including getting ready for sleep. It’s a good idea, therefore, to train your mind to be prepared for rest as soon as you hit the sack. You can do this by turning the process of getting into bed into a ritual. Before you undergo surgery, start sleeping in a recliner, or a reclined position. Train yourself to expect sleep once in this position by turning off the lights and electronic devices.
Talk To Your Surgeon
Your surgeon will likely have a lot of experience helping patients sleep after a tummy tuck. Speak to them about your options and how you can sleep better during the most critical phases of the recovery process.
Tummy Tuck Vs Liposuction
Tummy tucks differ from liposuction. Tummy tucks involve removing skin, while liposuction refers to the removal of fat under the skin