How to Sleep After Tummy Tuck

Recovery after abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is largely determined by your aftercare. Getting enough sleep after surgery like this is essential to your healing and recuperation. 

In this article, we will provide the best tips for sleeping after a tummy tuck to preserve your results and ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Best Sleeping Positions After Tummy Tuck

The ideal way to sleep after a tummy tuck is on your back in an elevated position. Slight elevation under the lower back will reduce tension on incisions, reducing discomfort but also preventing wound damage. 

You may wish to try propping yourself up with a pillow or buying an orthopedic wedge pillow in order to sleep comfortably after the surgery. 

What If You Roll on Your Stomach While Sleeping?

Usually, the tightness of your abdomen after the surgery will stop you from rolling over in your sleep. More so, sleeping in a reclined position will also prevent this.

However, in order to avoid rolling on your stomach during the night, you may wish to also use pillows or rolled-up towels on either side of you to inhibit movement. 

Tips for Sleeping After Tummy Tuck

Practice Sleeping on Your Back

Before the surgery, you may benefit from sleeping on your back to get used to the position, especially if you are naturally a side or front sleeper. 

Sleeping on your back has many benefits, such as posture alignment, reduced chronic pain, and relief of sinus build-up. Getting used to the position will make it easier and more comfortable post-surgery.

Sleep in a Recliner

Sleeping in a recliner chair can also get you used to resting in an elevated position which is essential immediately after the surgery. A cushioned recliner chair can increase comfort whilst recovering. 

Wear Compression Garments

Compression garments are extremely helpful in keeping pressure on the treatment area during sleep so that injury can be avoided. The CREO Clinic will provide a compression garment as part of your package.

Take Your Pain Medications 

It is essential that you take all prescribed pain medications along with your doctor’s guidelines. This will make it a lot easier to sleep, as any pain from a tummy tuck will be easier to manage.

How to Get In and Out of Bed After Abdominoplasty

After the surgery, it is pertinent not to apply too much pressure on the incisions by stretching the skin. Therefore, the best way to get in and out of bed is to keep the body flexed and in a bent position. To get in, you should seat yourself down and then use your hands to rock yourself into an elevated position. 

To get out, you should flex the body and keep tension whilst rolling slightly to your side, use your arms to get yourself in a seated position, and then engage your leg muscles to stand. It would be ideal to have someone help you, but it can still be managed without.

When Can You Sleep on Your Stomach After Tummy Tuck?

You should avoid sleeping on your stomach for as long as possible to encourage the best healing. However, usually, you can resume sleeping on your stomach if the tightness in your abdomen has dissipated, which usually takes place between 4-6 weeks. 

Your surgeon will be monitoring your progress and will let you know during your post-op consultations when you can safely sleep flat on your stomach again.

Is a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Tummy tuck surgery is highly beneficial for people who want a more toned and contoured abdomen. It can be a useful surgery after weight loss, as well as after pregnancy. 

Despite its temporary effects on sleep, a tummy tuck can be worthwhile due to its range of vast array of aesthetic and medical benefits.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

To get started on your journey towards a more taut and flat abdomen, book a consultation with CREO Clinic today.

CREO’s Dr Omar Tillo has extensive experience in performing the different variations of tummy tucks with satisfying and natural-looking results. He can create a bespoke treatment plan tailored to satisfy your unique cosmetic desires and help you achieve your ideal figure.