In this article, we will look at how to sleep after a tummy tuck. The instruction is essential, and you will still need to spend some time preparing for the procedure.
To recuperate from a tummy tuck or any surgery, you must get quality sleep. During sleep, your body heals the body and completes the surgeon’s work. Think of sleep as your assistant in achieving your new attractive-looking midsection. The manner you sleep after a tummy tuck will have a significant impact on the rate and quality of your recovery. Sleeping in an improper position may jeopardize your outcomes and hinder you from obtaining enough rest.
Use A Recliner To Sleep If Possible
A tummy tuck is performed by creating a long, narrow incision between the hip bones and above the pubic mound. The surgeon will cut out the extra fat and then draw the skin down above the incision line. Excess skin is removed, and the stomach is sewn together to create a tight, flat finish. If a full tummy tuck is necessary, the abdominal muscles have been stretched apart, and your surgeon will repair them as well.
As you would expect, lying flat on your back after surgery is not a smart idea. When laying flat, it stretches out the abdomen, placing tension on the recently sewn skin, resulting in discomfort and possible future impact on your overall results. As a result, doctors recommend that you sleep in a slightly bent posture to minimize tugging on the stitching. Surgeons recommend sleeping in a reclining chair or with bolsters that keep you in the proper position while you sleep.
A recliner (a chair that folds in the center) is the best option as it allows you to sleep comfortably and safely while keeping a bend in the middle of your body. The recliner will enable you to sleep soundly without the risk of tossing and turning or harming the stitching. If you have to sleep in your bed, in addition to bolsters that keep your body in a slightly bent position, you have to have a way to keep you from turning and rolling over in your sleep.
How Long Should I Sleep in a Reclined Position?
The amount of time you need to sleep in a chair is determined by the kind of stomach tuck you have. A “mini tummy tuck,” in which the incision does not reach from hip to hip or involve the muscles, takes one to two weeks to recover with quality sleep in addition to following the doctor’s other instructions.
When the incision spans from one hip to the other, a full tummy tuck can take three to four weeks to recover fully. As a result, if you’ve had a full tummy tuck, you’ll want to sleep in a reclined posture a little longer to allow the tissues to recover. Most surgeons suggest lying down, standing, or doing anything else in a bent position for at least the first week to keep tension off your incision.
Wear Compression Garments While You Sleep
Compression garments are pieces of clothing or foam that support your midsection and provide temporary assistance to your abdominal muscles following surgery. There are many various types of compression garments available, ranging from binders to girdles. Follow your surgeon’s recommendations and wear compression garments according to their instructions appropriate to the kind of tummy tuck surgery. Compression garments should be worn throughout the day, even when sleeping.
You will most likely have some discomfort and itching in your abdomen area after surgery. Compression gear supports your stomach aiding in the healing process. Most patients have liposuction or liposculpture with a tummy tuck procedure and the compression garment is important for contouring results as well.
How To Get Out Of Bed
This may sound elementary, but these four steps can save you recovery time and even help with the appearance of your scar.
Because of the kind of incision following a tummy tuck, patients must be careful not to overstretch the skin of the lower abdomen when getting out of bed. When getting out of bed:
- Slowly roll onto your side, keeping your hips flexed.
- Gently push yourself up into a sitting posture with your hands.
- Once you’re seated, rock your body forward and utilize your leg muscles to assist you in standing.
- Maintain a bowed stance at all times.
These simple steps will protect the incision site but will reduce stretching of the area and decrease the scar’s width once all of the stitches have been removed.
What’s Next?
Doctor Cyr and his staff will gladly discuss your tummy tuck and rehabilitation recommendations if you have more questions.
During your initial appointment, you can expect an exam and an open discussion with the doctor, and together you determine the proper surgical plan for your goals. You will receive an exact quote for your procedure after your consultation.
Please fill out our contact form here to take your next step with Dr. Cyr or call today! 1 (833) CHISEL U | (833-244-7358).
