Is it true you cannot sleep on your side after a facelift?

In my own practice I don't have a problem with patient's sleeping on their side after a facelift. For the sake of swelling we ask that they use a couple of pillows so the hit is slightly elevated. However specific instruction should come from your own surgeon.

You shouldn't sleep on your face for a while after surgery. After about 2-4 weeks, you can start to sleep on your side. In case of any problems, you should contact a Board Certified Surgeon.

Patients are able to sleep on
their side when their face is no longer tender.This usually takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks post-surgery.

Youcan sleep on your side, but it’s not recommended. Sleeping on your back,slightly elevated, decreases the swelling and discomfort after surgery.We usually recommend that you try to sleep onyour back for anywhere from one to two weeks after surgery. If you use a pillowto prop up your head, one under your knees, and one on each side to preventyourself from rolling over, this helps. Also, some patients find sleeping in areclining chair helpful too.

Every surgeon will have their own protocols for post-op patients. I always recommend that patients who have just had a facelift sleep with extra pillows to elevate their head for a couple of weeks after surgery. This helps reduce the any swelling that they may have. Sleeping on your  back is definitely preferable for the first 3 weeks after surgery to minimize any extra pressure on your incisions. After that, I tell my patients that they can sleep on their side. Most importantly, be sure to check with the operating surgeon to get their recommendation, because they will know the details of your surgery better than anyone.

Thank you for your question.  You should sleep on your back, but I would not say that it is prohibited for you to sleep on your side.  All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

I recommend to avoid sleeping on your side for 1 week after the procedure in order to allow for adequate healing without added pressure to the face.

It is very important to maintain elevation of
your head, for the first 4 weeks post-operatively,
to minimize swelling. There after you may resume sleeping on your side.

It is highly recommended to sleep elevated on your back during the first week of facelift recovery. Having pillows under your arms will help you to stay in that position. Sleeping on your side causes long tern pressure on the facial flap that may compromise the healing process. Sleeping pills are useful to sleep comfortably. 

I agree that sleeping on your back with your head elevated is the preferred position. Place some pillow on each side of you to prevent you from turning. A sleeping pill will assist. You'll want to protect your investment so it's likely you won't have as much difficulty as you think.