How long do I have to sleep on my back after my back lift?

Question

I had a back lift on the 4th and I've been sleeping on my back every night (legs elevated the first 2) since. It is the 7th and I woke up with very bad lower back pain. When can I start sleeping on my side?

David A. Bottger, MD · Answer

With a pure back lift sleeping on your sides or stomach should usually not be an issue. This would be different story if you had had a simultaneous abdominoplasty. Best to review your own plastic surgeon's recommendations. Best.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon.  She/He is most familiar with the details of your surgery and how you've been progressing through recovery.  It is important to closely follow your surgeon's post operative instructions for optimal results.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Teagan in Oklahoma City,  thank you for your question regarding how long do you have to sleep on your back after a back lift. Congratulations on undergoing a back lift.  A back lift or back reduction is certainly a great procedure. Sleeping on your back after back lift does many things. 1) Sleeping on your back keeps minimum tension on the back lift scar. If you were to sleep upright or sit upright, your position would place more tension on the scar and potentially, lead to wound breakdown. 2) Sleeping on your back after a back lift minimizes swelling or edema.  After a back lift, swelling is your normal body‘s reaction to surgery. However, if you can minimize the swelling in the back, your recovery will be faster and you will heal quicker.  3) Sleeping on your back, helps to flatten the back scar and lead to a better overall aesthetic result. 4) Sleeping on your back drives blood just by gravity to the incision to assist with healing.  5) Sleeping on your side can make things worse. The back lift tension lines will be disrupted and could lead to wound break down. Also, by sleeping on your side, fluid can go to one side.  This could lead to an accumulation of more fluid on one side compared to the other side. This may make your assessment difficult.  Most plastic surgeons advise for their back lift patients to sleep on their back for at least three to four weeks for the reasons listed above. However, these are just generalizations. It is paramount that you follow your chosen plastic surgeon's post-operative back lift instruction set. Every plastic surgeon has their own different set of postoperative instructions and  individual guidelines for your healing. I hope that I’ve answered your question regarding how long do you have to sleep on your back after a back lift. Good luck with your healing after your back lift.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Matthew A. DelMauro, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Every plastic surgeon has his/her own postoperative protocol and recommendations for post-operative care. So answers here will vary. It is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure the best results. For that reason, you should speak with your plastic surgeon. 
Matthew A. DelMauro, M.D.

How long do I have to sleep on my back after my back lift?

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How long do I have to sleep on my back after my back lift?

Answers (4)

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