When Can I Drive After Plastic Surgery?

After plastic surgery, getting back to everyday tasks and life takes planning. One of the most common questions patients ask is, “When can I drive again?”

The answer is different for each person. It depends on the procedure, your level of discomfort, the medication you are taking, your range of movement and your ability to react quickly behind the wheel. Driving too soon can place strain on healing tissues and can affect your ability to brake, steer, check blind spots, reverse, park or respond to traffic.

This guide covers general considerations for driving after plastic surgery, and in particular, procedures of the face. If you are in Melbourne and would like specialist guidance specific to you, your procedure, recovery and post-operative review, consult with Dr Jeremy Richardson.

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General rules before driving after plastic surgery

Before returning to driving, you should be able to:

• Stop taking prescription pain medication that may cause drowsiness or delayed response
• Move comfortably enough to steer, brake and turn your body
• Wear a seatbelt without discomfort
• React quickly in an emergency
• Get in and out of the car without strain
• See clearly and check blind spots
• Feel alert behind the wheel

If you have had a general anaesthetic or sedation, you will need someone to drive you home after surgery. You should also check your car insurance policy, as some insurers may have rules around driving after surgery or anaesthesia.

Driving after facelift surgery                             

Driving after facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy or meloplasty, is not advised in the early recovery period.

Swelling, bruising, tightness and reduced neck movement can make it harder to turn your head and check blind spots. You may also feel tired in the first stage of recovery, especially if you have had a longer procedure or combined surgery.

Patients are advised to avoid driving until they can move their head and neck comfortably, see clearly and no longer require medication that affects alertness.

This, for many patients is around 1 to 2 weeks after facelift surgery, though recovery can vary. If you have also had a neck lift, eyelid surgery or another facial procedure at the same time, your timeframe will likely be longer.

Driving after neck lift surgery                            

Neck lift surgery, or cervicoplasty, can affect driving because it involves the neck, jawline and lower face area.

In the early recovery period, swelling, dressings, tightness and reduced neck rotation can make driving uncomfortable, impractical and unsafe. Turning to check blind spots, reversing and parking can be difficult if your neck movement is limited.

Before driving after neck lift surgery, you should be able to turn your head without strain, wear a seatbelt without much discomfort and respond quickly if you need to brake or move suddenly.

If your neck lift has been combined with facelift surgery, Dr Richardson will guide your return to driving based on the full procedure and your recovery progress.

Driving after eyelid surgery                               

Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, may affect driving because it can involve swelling, bruising, light sensitivity, eye watering, blurry vision or temporary eye discomfort during early healing.

You should not drive if your vision is affected, if your eyes feel uncomfortable or if swelling limits your field of vision. Sunglasses may help with light sensitivity, but they should not interfere with your ability to see clearly.

Before driving after eyelid surgery, you should feel alert, have clear enough vision to drive, be able to check mirrors and blind spots, and no longer need medication that affects concentration or reaction time.

Dr Richardson will advise you based on your procedure and review appointments.

Driving after brow lift surgery                           

Brow lift surgery, which may be known as a lateral temporal lift, may involve swelling, bruising, tightness around the forehead or temples and some early discomfort with facial movement.

Driving is not advised in the early recovery period because of prescription pain medication or drowsiness after anaesthesia. Swelling around the upper face can also affect comfort, concentration or vision in the first stage of healing.

You should feel alert, be able to see clearly, turn your head comfortably, check mirrors and blind spots and respond quickly before driving after brow lift surgery. During your post-operative review, Dr Jeremy Richardson will be able to provide clearer advice or clearance based on your procedure and healing.

Driving after buccal fat pad reduction             

Buccal fat pad reduction, or buccal fat pad excision, is a facial procedure involving the cheek area. Although it may not affect arm or leg movement, early swelling, oral discomfort, tiredness and medication can still affect your ability to drive.

You should not drive if you are taking medication that may cause drowsiness, if you feel lightheaded, or if swelling and discomfort make it hard to concentrate.

Before driving after buccal fat pad reduction, you should feel alert, comfortable enough to turn your head, and able to respond quickly in traffic. If you have had the procedure combined with another facial surgery, your return to driving may take longer.

Driving after nose surgery                                 

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, can involve swelling, congestion, bruising around the eyes, dressings or a nasal splint in the early recovery period.

These may affect comfort, vision, concentration and confidence when driving. Even if your arms and legs feel fine, facial swelling, tiredness or medication can still make driving a poor choice in the first stage of recovery.

Before driving after rhinoplasty, you should be off sedating medication, able to see clearly, feel alert and be comfortable enough to turn your head and respond to traffic.

If you have had functional nasal surgery as well as cosmetic changes, your post-operative advice may be more specific to your procedure.

Driving after lip lift surgery                                

Lip lift surgery may include an upper lip lift or corner lip lift (commissuroplasty or cheiloplasty) surgery. These procedures may cause swelling, bruising, tightness and tenderness during early recovery around the upper lips, corners of the lips and lower face.

Early recovery may also make it uncomfortable to speak, eat, drink or make facial movements.

Driving should be avoided until you are no longer taking sedating medication, feel alert and can concentrate without discomfort. Even though the procedure is localised to the lip area, recovery can still affect your well-being and focus. You should be able to wear a seatbelt comfortably, check your surroundings, move your head freely to check blind spots, reverse and respond to traffic quickly if needed.

If your lip lift has been combined with another facial procedure, your recovery instructions and return to driving may be different or take longer. Dr Richardson will provide advice based on your procedure, healing and review appointments.

Check in with your surgeon

Ask your surgeon before returning to driving, especially if you are unsure or the below is relevant to you.

• Still need prescription pain medication
• Have restricted arm, neck, facial or abdominal movement
• Feel dizzy, tired or slow to react
• Have dressings, drains or compression garments affecting movement
• Have had more than one procedure at the same time

Dr Richardson and his team will discuss recovery instructions with you, and specific to you including activity restrictions and when driving may be considered.

A careful return to normal routines

Returning to driving is not only about how many days have passed since surgery. It is about your comfort, movement, vision, alertness and ability to drive responsibly.

Plastic surgery recovery takes time, and each person heals differently. Following your post-operative instructions and attending review appointments gives your surgical team the opportunity to assess your progress and guide your return to daily activities.

If you would like a catalogue of information, general or specific to recovery, check this link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive myself home after plastic surgery?
No. If you have had surgery under sedation or general anaesthetic, you will need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you as advised. You should not drive yourself home after plastic surgery.

Can I drive if I am still taking pain medication?
You should not drive while taking any prescription medication, or over-the-counter medication that can cause drowsiness, slower reaction times or reduced concentration. Ask your surgeon, anaesthetist or pharmacist if you are unsure.

What about short trips?
Even short trips should be treated carefully after surgery, as even a quick drive to the shops still requires alertness, steering, braking, parking and getting in and out of the car. It is better to arrange transport with a family member, friend or rideshare service.
Longer drives may also increase swelling, stiffness or discomfort. If you are a passenger, take breaks, move gently as advised and follow your post-operative instructions.

How do I know I am ready to drive again?
You may be ready when you are off sedating medication and can move comfortably, wear a seatbelt, check blind spots, see clearly and brake suddenly if needed. Dr Richardson will advise when you should be clear for driving based on your individual recovery.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne

Dr Jeremy Richardson, MED0001204528, is a Melbourne-based Specialist Plastic Surgeon with a special interest and extensive experience in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, including facelift, neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty nose surgery.

Consultation and post-operative review give patients in the City of Yarra the opportunity to discuss surgery and recovery specific to them, including activity restrictions and when driving may be considered after surgery.

To discuss facial cosmetic or reconstructive surgery with Dr Jeremy Richardson, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, contact Queens Parade Specialists in Fitzroy North.

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References

Australian Society of Anaesthetists. (2026). After your anaesthetic. https://asa.org.au/patients/after-your-anaesthetic

Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Preparing for surgery and for after. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/preparing-for-surgery#after

Transport Victoria. (2026). Alcohol, drugs and driving. https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-and-active-transport/road-rules-and-safety/alcohol-drugs-and-driving/

This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All surgery carries risk and results may vary. Consult Dr Jeremy Richardson, MED0001204528, MBBS (Hons), BMedSc (Hons), DipSurgAnat, FRACS (Plast), Specialist Plastic Surgeon, for personalised advice and tailored treatment.