After a tummy tuck, Dr. Clinton asks his patients to temporarily sleep in an elevated position. Elevating the upper body relaxes tension and takes strain off your incisions. When you’re fully lying down, the skin and abdominal muscles stretch out and extend. A curved positioning is gentler on your incisions than lying flat on your back.
Sleeping enough and in the right position will help you heal quickly after your tummy tuck in Birmingham, AL.
How to Elevate After a Tummy Tuck
One of the most crucial things you can do for your body after a tummy tuck is rest. Your body has gone through major surgery and need to spend its energy on healing. As you rest, your body can concentrate on this important task.
After a tummy tuck, you’ll need extra sleep. We recommend sleeping as much as you can for the first week or two. When you are awake, focus on eating healthy meals, taking gentle walks, and getting lots of hydration.
Elevating your torso is essential for comfortable and safe sleep. Dr. Clinton suggests a slight elevation of the upper body, head, and torso. Extra pillows can lift your head and upper body. We find that a wedge pillow is one of the best options for post-surgery sleep positioning. These triangle-shaped pillows lift the head, shoulders, and upper back. You can pair them with standard bed pillows for more elevation, if needed.
Our Tips for Sleeping After Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Use a wedge or similar pillow to slightly lift the upper body while sleeping.
- Pillows are ideal for positioning. They can help you maintain positioning while sleeping and get comfortable. We recommend stocking up on various shapes and sizes of pillows before your surgery.
- Sleep on your back, not your stomach or sides. Many patients find it helpful to practice this sleep position for a few weeks before surgery.
- If you have a recliner, turn it into a temporary bed while you heal. Many patients use a recliner to maintain positioning and can help move your body from a lying to a sitting position while your abdominal muscles heal.
- Sleep as much as you can. Rest is essential for fast healing after surgery.
- Sleep alone if you can. Bed partners and pets may accidentally bump you during the night, leading to healing complications.
- Use pain medications as needed. Managing your discomfort after surgery will enable you to rest and heal more effectively. We’ll provide a prescription for pain medications and can provide information on the most effective over-the-counter options for easing discomfort.
Our staff is here for you. If you have questions or need tips for finding a comfortable sleep position, get in touch and we’ll help.
How Long Should I Sleep in an Elevated Position After a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients heal quickly after their tummy tuck. Plan on sleeping in an elevated position for one to two weeks after a mini-tummy tuck and two to three weeks after a full tummy tuck.
Contact us to learn more about tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Clinton.
