What Is the Best Way to Sleep After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery can be a life-changing experience that provides physical and psychological benefits that can last for decades, but proper recovery is essential for optimal results. For many patients considering a tummy tuck, one of the first questions about tummy tuck recovery is how they'll need to adjust their sleeping position — and for how long. At The Plastics Doc, Beverly Hills, CA board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Samuel Salcedo is committed to prioritizing your comfort and safety throughout every step of the tummy tuck process, including recovery, but it may be necessary to temporarily modify your favorite sleeping position for a successful tummy tuck recovery and outcome. Here, you'll find helpful tips on how to sleep after tummy tuck surgery to promote healing and enhance your overall comfort.

How is tummy tuck surgery performed?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular body contouring procedure designed to reshape the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the underlying muscles, helping to create a dramatic transformation and reverse many of the unwanted side effects of aging, weight loss, pregnancy, childbirth, and more. Tummy tuck surgery typically involves making an incision on the lower abdomen, followed by techniques such as skin tightening, muscle repair, and liposuction to achieve the desired contour. While each tummy tuck is customized to align with the patient's needs and preferred outcome, some of the primary components of tummy tuck surgery often include:

• Skin excision
• Tightening loose abdominal skin
• Fat removal via liposuction
• Muscle reinforcement and tightening
• Repair of diastasis recti
• Repositioning the belly button

With the many improvements that can be made during tummy tuck surgery, patients near Beverly Hills and Riverside, CA often achieve dramatic results, including a slimmer physique, smaller clothing size, and more.

What should I expect after tummy tuck surgery?

After tummy tuck surgery, it's normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and limited mobility in the initial few days and weeks. Dr. Salcedo emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations regarding downtime, as the recovery period may span several weeks. Patients will need to take precautions to protect their incisions and will need to refrain from strenuous activities for an extended period to ensure optimal healing and attractive results in Riverside, CA.

What's the best way to sleep after a tummy tuck?

Proper sleeping position after an abdominoplasty is essential for promoting healing and minimizing discomfort following tummy tuck surgery. In general, tummy tuck patients should plan to sleep on their back with their upper body slightly elevated. This position helps reduce tension on the incision site and encourages proper blood flow, aiding in the healing process. Many patients find sleeping in a reclined position or with pillows supporting their back and legs to be helpful in maintaining this posture. While it may take several weeks or months before you can comfortably resume sleeping on your stomach or side, most patients find that back-sleeping is the most comfortable option during the initial stages of recovery.

In some cases, the suggested sleeping position may change somewhat — such as when a patient combines tummy tuck surgery with another procedure, like in the case of a mommy makeover. Dr. Salcedo and his team can provide personalized guidance on sleeping positions tailored to each patient's specific needs and case factors to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery process and a beautiful, long-lasting outcome.

Reinvent your figure with tummy tuck surgery in Riverside, CA

If you have loose skin, stubborn fat, separated ab muscles, and other unwanted cosmetic concerns involving your abdomen, a tummy tuck may be the body contouring solution you've been searching for. Take the first step toward transforming your look and feeling more confident than ever — and learn more about what to expect during abdominoplasty recovery in Beverly Hills by calling The Plastics Doc to schedule your tummy tuck consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Samuel Salcedo today.