After a 360 lower body lift with fluer de lis should you be trying to walk straight and sleep flat or remain bent?

Thank you for your question regarding body position after a 360 lower body lift. Basically, I would suggest remaining bent for two weeks.In terms of position after a 360 circumferential lower body lift, there are three main issues. 1) You should not sit at a 90° angle. This puts too much strain on the back portion of the 360 circumferential lower body lift. 2) You should not lay flat. This puts too much strain on the abdominal portion of the 360 circumferential lower body lift. 3) Your feet should be elevated to minimize swelling. To achieve this, I recommend to my 360 circumferential lower body patients that they recover in a recliner. The recliner achieves perfect positioning. The back is not completely flat. You are not completely sitting upright and your legs are elevated. I encourage my patients to use this recliner for two weeks after a body lift. I would suggest you get a recliner with a power ejector button. When you push this button, it will take you from a recumbent position to a almost standing position. This makes it easier for you and the people taking care of you, to get you out of the recliner. Recliners can be rented at medical supply stores. Sometimes recliner rental is covered by your medical insurance. For two weeks after your 360 circumferential lower body lift, you should be bent at the waist. While ambulating, I was suggest you use a walker. Sincerely,J. Timothy Katzen, MD

After a lower body lift with a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, I would advise my patients to find a comfortable position that doesn't put any strain on their muscle repair or incisions.  With everything that has been tightened after these types of surgeries, it is pretty difficult to lie flat - most people get more relief in the "beach chair" position, where the head is elevated and feet/knees supported.  The tightness and discomfort generally gets better after a week, and patients slowly return to a full upright or flat position during this time.It doesn't sound like you've made any mistakes.  Hope your recovery is going well, and take care.Dr. Lim