Tummy tuck/muscle repair - advice on transitioning to sleeping in a recliner to a bed?

Hello @arii_harris, thank you for your question. It is always important to take into consideration the opinion of the specialist who performed the surgery. It depends a lot on the surgical technique and the technology used in this procedure. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Dear arii_harris,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You should be able to sleep in your bed at two weeks. Use a stool to get on the bed if needed, or stay in the recliner or sofa until you can easily get into bed.

As long as you are careful, at two weeks you should be able to go to your bed and sleep with pillows under your legs and behind your head. You may need a step up to help you get into the bed if it is very elevated.

Each surgeon will have her/his own post op protocol based on personal preferences as well as the details of your surgery. Typically patients are able to sleep in either a recliner or a bed after returning home from surgery. The semi reclined position with knees partially bent takes the pressure off of the healing abdomen. Pillows strategically placed under the knees and supporting the body are helpful for comfort.

Is generally considered inappropriate for other surgeons to dictate postoperative protocols.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own recommendations and out of respect to your surgeon most of us are going to advise that you ask your provider what he or she recommends in regards to postoperative care.
They may have particular requests or recommendations that we are unaware of and it would be inappropriate for us to give you contrary information.
Patients are often worried about tearing sutures, incision lines or muscle repair. in reality that really never happens.
When incisions open up it’s not because the patient put tension on their incision line but rather because of complications related to surgery such as tissue necrosis and infection.
Patients who are healing well should be able to put gradual increased tension on their incision and work towards being able to stand up straight and lay flat on their back.
Failure of regaining full range of motion relatively early after surgery will create stiffness and difficulty in obtaining full range of motion later.
These are highly appropriate questions to forward to your surgeon.
When you paid for your surgery it included pre-and postoperative care.
Get your moneys worth and ask your surgeon to give you guidance.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD