Sleeping Position After Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift / Augmentation and Lipo

Question

16 days ago I had a TT, BL on right side, BA, & LIPO. When can I start to sleep on my sides or back? My back is killing me at this point from sleeping reclined.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s
important for abdominoplasty patients to keep their abdomen flexed for one to
two weeks following surgery.This avoids
tension on the wound closure and minimizes the potential for wound breakdown
and spread of the scar.When this
procedure is performed in combination with breast augmentation, sleeping on the
back also minimizes the potential for breast implants to shift.We therefore recommend that patients
sit and sleep in a recliner chair with their knees and hips flexed following
abdominoplasty.Sleeping on the back is
difficult for some patients and they often move to their side without knowing
it.For these reasons, we recommend that
patients sleep in a recliner following breast augmentation as well.No two patients are the same and for
this reason it’s important to individualize post-operative care.If you’re concerned about this issue, it’s
important to discuss post-operative care with your surgeon.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

At 16 days post -op, you should be able to lay flat on your back. This may be a little more comfortable for you versus sleeping at an incline. It is not recommended to sleep on your side during the first six weeks because you run the risk of turning while you are asleep and this can be a big problem. The breast incision can open up and lead to an infection or bleeding. I would ask your doctor before doing this. At 6 weeks post op, in most cases, your skin strength is back to 100% and you can sleep how ever you like.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

At 16 days following the procedure, most sleeping positions are safe. Initially following breast augmentation, most surgeons prefer patients sleep on their back with their head elevated. This facilitates healing and reduces swelling. At 16 days, there is very little risk of wound dehicense (wound opening). But every surgeon is different. My advice would be sleep how you're comfortable. But, of course, check with your doc. Good luck!

Marc Schneider, MD · Answer

Though I would first ask your physicians office for their recommendation, we allow our patients to sleep on their sides as soon as they are comforatable.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

We like side sleeping the best after tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Curling up with a pillow over your chest will feel the most comfortable and relieve pressure from your back. I don't think anyone really sleeps sitting up in a recliner. If you are snug in a bra and binder you should be safe on your side.
	Best of luck,
	peterejohnsonmd

Lawrence Tong, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Dear CJ8,

	You should be able to sleep on your side at two weeks. I wouldn't sleep on your tummy yet because of the breast augmentation. If the tummy still feels tight, bend at the waist (fetal position). Good luck.

	Best regards,

	Lawrence Tong MD FACS FRCSC

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Of course, you shuold ask your doctor, but I allow patients to sleep on their side early post-op after a tummy tuck.  As long as the legs are a bit flexed it should be okay.  Check with yoru surgeon.

Lawrence C. Lin, MD · Answer

At 16 days postop, it should be able to sleep on your back or sides as long as it feels comfortable to you.  You can always add a few pillows to help.

Louise Ferland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear CJ8 -- I tell my patient that at 2 weeks post op they should be walking straight (part of the day) and be able to sleep on their back in bed. Although you should be able to sleep flat on your back at two weeks it helps to have a pillow under your knee to help relieve that tight sensation patients feel that tends to keep them awake. Also at 2 weeks post op, I tell my patients that they can try to sleep on their sides and let pain be their guide. These instructions have worked well for my patients for over 20 years that I have been in practice.

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