What are the best positions for sitting and sleeping after a tummy tuck surgery? (Photo)

Thank you for your question.  I recommend to my patients that they sleep on their back with their hips flexed at 30 degrees for one week following surgery - usually with a pillow under the thighs and 3 or 4 to prop up the torso.  This keeps tension off the healing incision, and pressure off the operated abdomen.  After a week it is generally acceptable to straighten at the waist, but recommended to keep sleeping on the back for several more weeks.

Thank you for your question.   It is generally recommended to reduce tension on the incision to assume a slight flexed position at the waist, 20-30 degree and flex at the hips with some pillows beneath you knees and thighs.     If you make yourself comfortable, you are in a good position.     Follow your surgeons recommendations and remember to get up and walk and flex your ankles frequently while resting to promote lower extremity circulation.     Best of luck with your recovery. 

You’ll receive instructions from your surgeon. Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid any tension on the incision line, which means being slightly flexed at the waist while standing and lying down. You can accomplish this by sleeping on your back, with a pillow under your head and one or two under your knees. You can also lie on your side also bent at the waist.

Hi Buffyduck, Thank you for your question regarding the best recovery position after a tummy tuck.  During a tummy tuck, the rectus abdominis muscles are sewn together and the skin is pulled tight. To minimize the tension on the incision, you should be bent forward at the waist.  You should be bent at the waist about 45 to 90°.  In my Beverly Hills plastic surgery practice, for the past 20 years, I have found that the best way to recover is in a recliner.  Recliners can be easily purchased at any furniture store or even rented from a medical supply store.   A recliner will keep the abdomen bent in the position needed to heal after a tummy tuck.  I would suggest you use this position for approximately two weeks after your tummy tuck. After two weeks, you can straighten out and sleep flat on your back or on your side in your normal bed.  I hope I have answered your questions regarding sleeping position after a tummy tuck. If you have any more questions regarding the tummy tuck or the recovery after tummy tuck, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.  

While you are in the first couple of weeks of healing after a TT, it is best to roll on your side to get up from bed or off the couch, while sure that you are wearing any compression garment that is suggested by your PS. This is not a standard restriction or rule, and if you are having any specific problems go ahead and contact your surgeon to see what may be best for you.