Lying Down On A Bed After A Tummy Tuck
Because the tissues of the lower abdomen are stretched tight after a tummy tuck, its critical to maintain a bent or jackknifed body shape, whether walking, standing or climbing into bed.
When going from a standing to lying down position, pay particular attention to the shape of your body. Ideally, youll want to maintain a bent shape throughout the process, ensuring that you do not put any undue strain on the stitching.
Before getting into a lying down position, make sure that the bed or recliner is the right shape to accommodate a bent posture. Next, sit on the side of the bed with your knees facing outward, maintaining the flexion in your core. Next, swivel your legs onto the bed so that they face in front of you. Finally, lower your torso down. You should not have to lower yourself over too far a distance if you are sleeping on a recliner or a bed that raises.
Dont Sleep Lying Flat
Extending your body straight from head to toe may put pressure on your incisions and hamper their healing. Its best to find a comfortable position that relieves this pressure and allows those sutures to stay in place without any pulling or stretching. Although sleeping on your side may be acceptable, many may find themselves tossing and turning, which can cause wounds to be pulled or open. Because you cant sleep on your tummy, we recommend finding the most comfortable position on your back.
Recliners offer the optimal position to ensure there is little to no pressure on your wounds. The head is slightly lifted with the knees up and the buttocks down. This position is ideal for healing but may not be the best for many to fall asleep. To prepare for your surgery, you may want to start sleeping in this position before your tummy tuck to get used to sleeping soundly like this before your recovery.
If you dont own a recliner, you can create the same scenario with incline or horseshoe pillows designed to elevate certain parts of your body. Many patients feel a large, body-sized horseshoe pillow will give them the position they need in their bed. Using a large pillow under the knees will give you the best position in your lower extremities as well.
What Are The Dos And Donts After A Tummy Tuck
- Here are a few dos and donts after the surgery:
- Dos
- Eat a fibre-rich, healthy diet to avoid constipation.
- Keep your knees bent while sleeping.
- Wear the compression garment for at least eight weeks.
- Walk slowly and regularly.
- Take your medications on time.
Also Check: What Is The Safest Stomach Acid Reducer
Of Course The Recovery After The Procedure Greatly Depends Upon The Health Conditions Of The Patient Rest Lifestyle And Diet
How to sleep on side after tummy tuck. Using pillows on your bed or sleeping in a recliner. The obvious answer to your question is to check with your plastic surgeon and follow his or her instructions to the t. When can i sleep on my stomach after tummy tuck?
After a tummy tuck, dr. Although it can be uncomfortable, this will increase your chances of getting the best possible results from the surgery. Surgeons often recommend sleeping on your back while recovering from a tummy tuck, but you may be able to sleep on your side a few weeks after surgery.
My tummy tuck patients wear a girdle with reston foam inside on their abdomen for 2 weeks. Although sleeping on your side may be acceptable, many may find themselves tossing and turning, which can cause wounds to be pulled or open. Clinton asks his patients to temporarily sleep in an elevated position.
The best position to sleep just after the procedure is on ones back with the upper body elevated at a certain angle with the help of pillows or a recliner. There are two main ways to prop yourself up for elevated sleep after a tummy tuck: Foods such as berries, broccoli, and nuts contain significant amounts of collagen which is renowned for reducing inflammation levels.
The better rested you are, the quicker youll be fully recovered. Of course, you must refrain from lying on your stomach since you want to avoid damaging the abdominal area. After the tummy tuck surgery, it is painful to stand up, sit down and sleep.
Tucked Tummy Sleeping Posture
While recovering from abdominoplasty, your body needs to seal the incisions made by your surgeon. The best way to do this is to ensure you place no pressure or strain on the sutures, which means keeping your abdomen tucked in and relaxed.
While you sleep, elevate your head, neck, and knees. Use plenty of quality pillows, so that you curl similar to a hedgehog sleeping on its back. This position will protect your sutures and incisions and encourage rapid healing. Most find that sleeping in a recliner is the easiest way to stay in this position.
Don’t Miss: How To Lose Big Stomach
Dont Rush Your Washington Dc Tummy Tuck Recovery The Results Will Be Worth It
No one likes the idea of downtime after surgery, but the recovery period is necessary for ensuring complete healing and a gorgeous result. In the case of tummy tuck surgery, the vast majority of patients agree that their stunning, slim, sexy new look is well worth the downtime! To learn more about the exciting possibilities of tummy tuck in Washington, D.C., the knowledgeable team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA to schedule your private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon and transformation expert Dr. Alex Mesbahi today!
Skin Tightening And Body Contouring Surgery
Cosmetic procedures such as tummy tuck and breast augmentation are performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Specifically, there are many surgical options that are considered when a tummy tuck procedure is performed. This includes an extended, mini, or no-drain tummy tuck. After a stay in the surgical facility, Dr. Dauwe will place a compression garment to control swelling and encourage healthy circulation. Fortunately, swelling and bruising should begin to dissipate after the first week or so.
Standing and walking may be difficult for the first few weeks, so we recommend taking it easy at home. Patients can resume their normal routine at home and work after about two weeks. Pending a follow-up examination with Dr. Dauwe in Dallas, TX, exercise can begin after about 3 6 weeks. Each person recovers at a different pace, but you can expect some discomfort and tightness before feeling healthy and normal again. As a result of this procedure, the abdomen should appear smaller, flatter, and tighter.
You May Like: What Medicine To Take For Stomach Virus
Sleep In Bed In The Fetal Position
If youre not a back sleeper, your final sleeping option is to sleep on your side in the fetal position. This position is especially helpful to alleviate any back pain that you may be feeling after your Mommy Makeover surgery. If you choose to sleep in the fetal position, make sure that you hug lots of pillows or a full body pillow for added comfort.
How To Recover Quickly After The Surgery
It is important to give your body enough time to heal after the surgery. First things first, take plenty of rest after the surgery. Make sure you take the specified time off work, so you can give your body adequate time to recover. Your drains will be left in a few days after the surgery to empty out any excess fluids. You will most likely be asked to take antibiotic and anticoagulant while the drains are in place. Wearing an abdominal binder or compression garment is critical for recovery as it supports the abdomen, avoids fluid build-up and reduces swelling after the surgery.
Avoiding strenuous activities for a period of six to eight weeks is critical. It includes everything from lifting heavy weights to working out excessively. Mild walking is permitted and recommended after the first two weeks. Over exercising can damage fragile tissue as it tries to heal and result in a poor quality scar or wound dehiscence.
Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking as it hinders the healing process and causes poor wound healing and other complications. Avoid taking any over the counter medications and herbal supplements without consulting your surgeon first.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Know I Have Stomach Cancer
Sleep After Tummy Tuck
Sleep is one of the most critical ingredients for a safe recovery. During this regenerative period, your body needs sleep to repair and complete what your surgeons starteda trimmer, natural-looking midsection. Its not just how much you sleep either, but how you sleep also has a profound effect on the quality and rate of recovery.
Sleeping in certain positions can compromise results and heighten your risk of discomfort. There are two recommended ways to sleep post-op. First, consider modifying your bed. By creating a raised section of the bed for your head and torso with pillows, youll be able to maintain a slightly bent posture during the night. Many patients choose this option for ease and simplicity, as all you need are a few pillows or a quality foam wedge.
Sleeping on a bed does increase the likelihood that you may change positions at night and inadvertently compromise the optimum healing position, though. Pillows can also move unexpectedly or fall from the bed, which may put your sutures at risk.
The other option is to sleep on a recliner. Recliners provide support and help maintain your body in a bent position. Armrests also inhibit you from turning over in your sleep. If youre looking to invest in a recliner for recovery, look for a model that can raise both your head and feet, creating a V-shape thats quite comfortable for sleeping. On the downside, recliners can be expensive and may not be an option for some patients.
How To Sleep Comfortably During Tummy Tuck Recovery
A tummy tuck is an excellent way to remove pockets of unwanted fat and loose skin in your abdomen area. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today by plastic surgeons. More and more women and men turn to a tummy tuck procedure to get the toned, flat stomach they have always wanted. Read on to learn more about tummy tuck recovery, mainly how you sleep correctly, from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso in Miami, FL.
Also Check: How To Remove Stomach Pain
How Should I Sleep After Tummy Tuck Surgery
During tummy tuck recovery, patients should plan to sleep on their back with their upper body slightly elevated. Just like walking at a slight bend, this modified sleeping position minimizes tension on the tummy tuck incision, reduces discomfort, and encourages proper healing and attractive results. Many patients choose to sleep in a recliner in the initial stages of recovery to prevent inadvertently shifting positions while sleeping. It may be several weeks or months before patients are able to safely resume sleeping on their stomach or side. While this may sound challenging, most men and women find back-sleeping to be most comfortable during tummy tuck recovery.
When Can I Sleep On My Stomach After Tummy Tuck
NISHIOHMIYA” alt=”When can i sleep flat after tummy tuck > NISHIOHMIYA”> Depending on the nature and extent of your procedure, you may need to continue sleeping on your back at a bent angle for about 3 6 weeks or longer. In some cases, patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck or less extensive procedure may be able to return to stomach-sleeping earlier. However, it is important to follow Dr. Mesbahis postoperative guidelines closely to avoid possible complications or delayed healing. During your tummy tuck follow-up appointments, Dr. Mesbahi will evaluate your progress and let you know when it is safe to sleep on your stomach again.
Also Check: What Medication Is Good For Stomach Pain
Answer: When Is It Safe To Sleep On Your Stomach After A Tummy Tuck
Many of my patients find the use of a recliner very helpful during the recovery period. This type of chair helps patients stay in the flexed position and may make getting it in/out of the resting position easier . Otherwise, utilizing several pillows behind the back and under the knees works as well. Most of my patients feel comfortable lying on their stomachs about two to three months after tummy tuck surgery.I hope this helps.
When Can I Lay On My Stomach After A Tummy Tuck
Most patients can sleep on their back or side after a tummy tuck with a muscle repair. It may take until week 6, when the muscle repair is very strong, before patients can begin sleeping on their tummy. For a skin pinch procedure without a muscle repair, patients can begin sleeping on their back and side immediately.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Gas Out Of Your Stomach
Get The Right Mattress
Are you stuck with a mattress that sags in the middle? Does it show additional signs of struggling to provide adequate support throughout the night? It can make it hard to sleep during recovery from any type of surgery including a tummy tuck.
A new mattress may come in handy at this point as the body requires all the support it can get to navigate the tricky process of recovery. When shopping, it is important to choose a mattress that:
- Allows the back and head to sink in while offering superior support for the neck and pelvis
- Provides consistent airflow
- Insulates your partners movements during the night to prevent sleep disruptions
The Ashley Furniture Signature Design Chime Express Memory Foam Mattress from Amazon has transformed my sleep since it arrived 6 months ago. It offers amazing body contouring, firm support, and pressure relief with an ultra-plush feeling. I couldnt recommend it highly enough.
Be Prepared On How You Will Recover After Tummy Tuck Surgery
During tummy tuck recovery, walking and standing may be difficult for the first few weeks. You will not be able to stand upright for a short time, so you will need assistance with tasks, like getting out of bed or showering. While adequate rest is critical, we will encourage you to take short walks throughout the day to increase circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. It would help if you had things planned out so you can rest comfortably. Ensure you have access to your phone charger, favorite books or magazines, plenty of water, and meals prepped and ready to go. Whatever it is, make sure that you have it all laid out beforehand, including how you will sleep, and be better prepared when you get home.
Also Check: What Food To Eat For Bloated Stomach
How To Sleep Comfortably In A Raised Position
There are two main ways to prop yourself up for elevated sleep after a tummy tuck: using pillows on your bed or sleeping in a recliner.
A basic arrangement on your bed might include two or more pillows under your head and upper torso, one to lift your knees, and one under each arm. The goal is to have the pillows support a flex at your waist, not just raise your head and shoulders. Its a good idea to experiment with the pillow arrangement before your surgery and practice sleeping in this elevated position. That way, youll have the needed pillows on hand when you come home from the surgery, and it will be a familiar and comfortable sleeping position to you.
You may want to buy a wedge pillow. This specially shaped cushion raises your upper body and is less likely to move while you sleep. If you find your normal pillows too thin to lift your knees, you might try a bolster, such as those used for yoga.
If you have a recliner, that can be an even better option for sleep after your tummy tuck. Most recliners are adjustable to support your back and your legs at different angles. And, a recliner provides support on both sides, so you are less likely to move out of position during sleep. Some recliners also tilt forward to help you get up after sleep.
Why Not To Sleep On Your Side After A Tummy Tuck
The patients are discouraged from sleep on their side as that might lead to further complications and pain if the incision is not properly healed. Also, the elevation of the upper body is important as it is less likely the patient will roll onto their side than if they are just laying flat on their back. However, sleep and quality sleep is equally important for the recovery of the patient after the procedure, if the person doesnt get adequate sleep, that will only delay the recovery. So even though no one likes the downtime after the tuck, it is essential for their wellbeing and recovery.
It is also advisable that the person practices sleeping on their back even before the surgery, that way they will have a practice of it once they are operated on. The major complications post-surgery can be due to fluid accumulation beneath the skin, poor wound healing, scarring, and even a feeling of numbness. Other than sleeping on the back it is important to maintain a stable weight, avoid certain medications like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anything which causes blood loss. After the procedure, the person might feel moderate pain which can be controlled via various pain medications.
You May Like: What To Eat After Stomach Bug
How To Sleep After A Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck can be a great way to shift unwanted excess skin from your abdomen when diets and exercise dont seem to work. But, as a major surgical intervention, tummy tucks can affect how you sit down, stand up, and most importantly, sleep.
Tummy tucks offer a range of advantages. These include feeling more confident about the way you look, not having to carry around so much excess weight, being more athletic, and removing skin that has lost its elasticity. But because tummy tucks involve removing a significant amount of tissue, its vital that you do everything you can to ensure a speedy recovery. Tummy tucks are a significant surgical event that requires proper consideration.