What You Need To Know About Driving After Breast Surgery

Enhancing your breasts is a big step, and you might be wondering when you can start driving after breast surgery. Whether you’ve had breast augmentation surgery or a breast lift, your body needs time to recover before you get back behind the wheel.

In this article, you’ll learn what affects your driving ability after breast surgery. We’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to help you return to driving comfortably while enjoying your transformation.

How Soon Can You Start Driving After Breast Surgery?

After breast surgery, you’ll be moved to the recovery room, where you can rest and begin the healing process. It’s important to let your body heal first.

This section will help you understand when it’s okay to drive again and explain why it’s best to wait before you get behind the wheel.

The First Week: Why You Should Wait

The first week after breast surgery is when your body starts to heal. You may feel swollen or uncomfortable, and moving around could be hard.

During this time, you may need pain medication. This can make you feel sleepy or dizzy, which makes it hard to focus.

If you have a general anaesthetic, it can stay in your body for a few days, so it’s not safe to drive yet.

Many patients are advised to wait at least one week after surgery before thinking about driving.

The Two-Week Mark: Assessing Your Readiness

By the two-week mark, you will feel a bit better. Yet, there are still a few things to keep in mind:

Your chest might still be swollen, and seatbelts could feel uncomfortable.
You may not be able to perform an emergency stop without feeling pain.
Arm exercises can help you move your arms, but sudden movements might still be hard.

At your post-operative appointment, your surgeon can help decide if you’re ready to drive again.

Six Weeks And Beyond: Regaining Full Mobility

By six weeks, you can return to driving comfortably. Yet, if you’ve had a larger surgery, you may need a bit more time to heal.

You should be able to return to your usual activities in six weeks. You should also be wide awake and alert when driving without needing pain medication.

Your blood pressure and heart rate should be stable, and wearing a supportive bra can help reduce any discomfort while driving.

Factors That Affect When You Can Drive After Breast Surgery

Several important factors will affect when it is safe for you to start driving after breast surgery. Everyone heals differently, so it’s crucial to understand the things that can impact your recovery.

Here are the different things that could influence your ability to get back behind the wheel.

Type Of Breast Surgery

The type of breast surgery you’ve had will play a big role in how long it takes for you to heal and when you can start driving again.

Here’s a quick look at how different surgeries can affect your recovery:

Breast Augmentation Surgery: This surgery involves getting breast implants. You’ll usually need at least one week to recover before considering driving again.
Breast Lift: This surgery is often less intense than others, but you will still need to take it easy and make sure you are comfortable. It’s important to control any discomfort and avoid pushing your body too soon.

Pain Control

If you are still taking pain medication after surgery, it is not safe to drive. Some pain medications can cause side effects that make driving dangerous. These include:

Feeling Dizzy Or Light-headed: This can make it difficult to focus and react quickly while driving.
Slowed Reaction Times: Pain medications can slow your ability to respond to changes on the road.
Blurred Vision: This can impact your ability to see clearly while driving.

If you are on any pain medication, it’s best to wait until you feel alert and awake before getting behind the wheel.

Ability To Perform An Emergency Stop

Before driving again, it’s important to check that you can perform key driving actions without pain or discomfort.

These include:

Turning the steering wheel comfortably without strain.
Pressing the brake pedal quickly in an emergency without feeling any discomfort or pain.
Checking blind spots and turning your head without any discomfort.

If you cannot do these things easily, it’s best to wait until you are fully recovered before driving.

Swelling And Seatbelt Comfort

After surgery, your breast skin might still be sensitive or swollen. Seatbelts might also be uncomfortable, so it’s important to be careful.

Wearing a supportive bra can help provide comfort and protect your healing area. You may also want a splash-proof dressing to protect your skin and reduce irritation while driving.

Understanding these factors will help you make the right decision about when to start driving again after breast surgery.

Remember, your body needs time to heal, and it’s important not to rush your recovery. Always follow your doctor’s advice and make sure you feel comfortable and ready before you hit the road.

Tips For A Safe Return To Driving

When you are ready to begin driving again after breast surgery, it’s important to make sure you do so safely.

Here are some helpful tips that can guide you as you return to driving:

Consult Your Surgeon: Before you get behind the wheel, make sure to attend your follow-up appointment with your surgeon. They will check your recovery and make sure everything is healing properly. This is an important step to ensure it’s safe for you to drive.
Practise First: Before going on any longer trips, it’s a good idea to take a short drive around your neighbourhood. This will help you see how your body feels while driving and how well you can focus. It’s best to start small and take it easy.
Use A Cushion For Support: Wearing a supportive bra is a great way to reduce any discomfort while driving. You can also place a small cushion under your seatbelt to help reduce pressure on your chest area. This will keep you more comfortable and prevent any irritation while driving.
Avoid Heavy Lifting Before Driving: It’s important to avoid heavy lifting for a while after surgery. Lifting too soon can strain your muscles, making it harder to turn the steering wheel or move your arms while driving. Make sure you are fully healed and strong enough before driving for longer distances.
Stay Hydrated And Well-Rested: When you’re getting ready to drive, make sure you are well-rested and hydrated. If you feel tired, it can slow your reaction time and make driving more dangerous. Take care of yourself, rest well, and drink plenty of water before getting on the road.

By following these easy tips, you can help ensure that your return to driving is safe and comfortable. Take your time and listen to your body as you recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift?

Breast augmentation is when doctors use implants or fat to make your breasts bigger and give them a better shape. A breast lift is done to lift and reshape breasts that have sagged.

Will I have scars after a breast lift or augmentation?

Both surgeries can leave scars because they need to make cuts. But good surgeons try to make the scars as small as possible. Over time, scars usually fade. The scars might be hidden under your breasts or in natural folds.

How long do breast implants last?

Breast implants last a long time, but not forever. Depending on the type of implant and how your body reacts, they can last between 10 and 20 years. It’s important to have regular check-ups with your surgeon to make sure they are still working well.

What are the risks of breast surgery?

Like any surgery, breast surgery has some risks. These can include:

Infection: The area where the surgery was done can get infected.
Pain: You might feel some pain or discomfort while healing.
Changes In Sensation: Some people notice changes in how their breasts feel.
Blood Clots: There is a small risk of blood clots forming, which can cause serious problems.

Conclusion

Driving after breast surgery takes time and care. Most patients feel ready to drive after one or two weeks, but listening to your body and following your surgeon’s advice is important.

By giving yourself enough time to heal, you will be comfortable when you start driving again. If you’re unsure when it’s okay to drive, talk to your surgeon to get the results you want.

If you have questions or need help recovering, we’re here in Sydney! Call Refine Clinic today at (02) 8599 7161 to speak with our team and get the support you need. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

Fletcher, J. (2022, October 17). What to Expect During Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery. Medical News Today. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/breast-augmentation-recovery

Kita, N. (2023, December 2). Breast Lift Surgery (Mastopexy): Everything You Need to Know. Verywell Health. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.verywellhealth.com/a-mastopexy-can-lift-and-reshape-sagging-breasts-2709986

Nunez, K. (2020, January 28). What’s It Like to Recover from Breast Augmentation Surgery? Healthline. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-augmentation-recovery

Risks and Complications of Breast Implants. (2023, December 15). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants