When is it safe to sleep on your stomach after a tummy tuck?

Question

Hi! I'm 8 days post op from a skin pinch TT with no muscle repair. I'm feeling great - almost no pain and i'm off pain killers. When can i sleep on my stomach? Sleeping on my back is the worst! Thank you,

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.Most Plastic Surgeons on this forum will advise you to speak to your surgeon for explicit instructions. I am no different and would also encourage you to get your instructions from him.Having said that, I will give you my input. Most patients can sleep on their back or side after a tummy tuck with a muscle repair. It may take until week 6, when the muscle repair is very strong, before patients can begin sleeping on their tummy.For a skin pinch procedure without a muscle repair, patients can begin sleeping on their back and side immediately. If the skin pinch wasn't too extreme and didn't leave you hunched over, then you can probably sleep on your tummy in 2-3 weeks.It is always best to make a quick phone call to your Plastic Surgeon's office and get their instructions.Good Luck!

Robert P. Schmid, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! In my experience of doing thousands of abdominoplasties & body contouring procedures, I find that usually after a couple of weeks (& this varies from person to person), you should be fine to sleep on your stomach. However, you should check with your plastic surgeon to see what his/her post op protocol is. Best of luck to you!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Many of my patients find the use of a recliner very helpful during the recovery period.  This type of chair helps patients stay in the flexed position and may make getting it in/out of the resting position easier (although help from a "caretaker"  is necessary during the first few days). Otherwise, utilizing several pillows behind the back and under the knees (in bed) works as well. Most of my patients feel comfortable lying on their stomachs about two to three months after tummy tuck surgery.

I hope this helps.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, you really need to ask your surgeon.  You seem you will need less recovery restrictions, because you had less surgery--but only your surgeon will know, good luck.

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,Typically, you would wait approximately 6 weeks. However, it sounds like you likely had a mini tummy tuck and I recommend asking your surgeon as he/she will be the best to answer that. Glad you are healing so well,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

When is it safe to sleep on your stomach after a tummy tuck?

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Answer: Sleeping on tummy

Answer: Sleeping on tummy

Answer: Stomach sleeping after TT

Answer: Stomach sleeping after TT

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When is it safe to sleep on your stomach after a tummy tuck?

Answers (7)

Answer: Sleeping on tummy

Answer: Sleeping on tummy

Answer: Stomach sleeping after TT

Answer: Stomach sleeping after TT

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.