How to sleep after liposuction and fat transfer to hips?

Question

Hi I'm planning to have liposuction to my lower, upper and love handles and have the fat transfered to my hips. What is the best position to sleep in?

Marshall T. Partington, MD, FACS · Answer

The important principle here is to avoid pressure on the areas of the fat
where it has been reinjected. Therefore sleeping on the back or the tummy might
be best as positions. Also using fluffy pillows to support any contact areas of
fat transfer helps.

Dana Khuthaila, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. For my patients I recommend sleeping on the sides with extra pillows for cushions or the stomach and not reclining so as not to put pressure on the area where the fat was transferred to. Please confirm with your Plastic surgeon.Best of luck!Dr. Khuthaila

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you will be healing following surgery.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I usually recommend sleeping on your abdomen after this procedure.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The
most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I
recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic
surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is whichever position is most comfortable for you!  I recommend using a lot of pillows to prop yourself up.  You should avoid pressure on the area of the fat injections.  Some patients are very comfortable sleeping on their abdomens whereas others never sleep in this position and would prefer to move from side to side.

How to sleep after liposuction and fat transfer to hips?

Answers (6)