How to sleep after lower body lift?

Question

I’m having a lower body lift done later this month. I’m really worried because I have researched tummy tucks and what to expect after them, however I do want to be prepared way ahead of time and make sure I have everything needed. How will I sleep after the lower body lift? Walk? I know with a TT, they ask you walk hunched over because of the incision, however my incision will really the way around so if I hunch, I could rip my back incisions. Thank you!

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Definitely you must follow your doctors instructions, more than anything.I recommend my patients, to bend over just a bit for 10 days, sleep with pillows under the knees and 2 pillos under the chest or use a recliner.We as experts on the After weight Loss surgeries, we must plan our incision with the certain tension to prevent the dehiscense of the incision while our patient is sitting. That is planned in surgery or before.Be encouragedDr. Cardenas

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  typically, you will sleep with the elevated on your back with a pillow under your knees and lower legs. Walking, slightly bent at the waist.  Allowing the body to gradually and naturally return to a normal position over the next couple of weeks after surgery.  We would love to sit down with you and discuss your options.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question regarding the recovery after a 360 circumferential lower body lift.  During a lower body lift, an incision is made completely around your body.  The tummy is pulled down and the hips and buttock are pulled up. Also, to tighten the abdominal wall, the tummy muscles (rectus abdomens muscles) are sown together.  Strict adherence to YOUR plastic surgeon's body lift instructions is very important for a successful outcome.  Each plastic surgeon has their own specific set of instructions for a body lift recovery.  For MY 360 circumferential lower body lift patients, I have you sleep on your back with the head of the bed raised at about 45 degrees for 2-3 weeks. A recliner is perfect.  Once cleared by me, you can walk once or twice a day for about 10-20 feet.  My 360 circumferential lower body lift patients walk lumbar flexed (hunched over) at about 45 degrees over a walker.  The trick with the 360 circumferential lower body lift, is that you do NOT lay flat (for fear of tearing the abdomen), nor sit 90 degrees upright (for fear of tearing the back). These laying and walking positions should be followed for about 2-3 weeks.  I specialize in the 360 circumferential lower body lift.  If you have any more questions regarding reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss, please contact my office. .  Since the 360 circumferential lower body is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 360 circumferential lower body on massive weight loss patients.  Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon , Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery,  and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource as he/she knows exactly what procedure was performed and how you are recovering. Some patients find that sleeping in a recliner is more comfortable for the first few days / weeks but each patient differs in regards to discomfort after surgery. Follow up with your surgeon for most accurate advice.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In complex surgeries like this it is best to follow protocol suggested by your surgeon. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Fabulous0908,
every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

How to sleep after lower body lift?

Answers (6)

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