What is the best sleep position after tummy tuck surgery?

Question

I am considering having 2 procedures at once to save time. Lipo of the hips and tummy tuck. I prefer to sleep on my side or stomach. On back is not that comfortable as I have GERD. If I have both procedures done at once, I assume I cannot sleep on either my stomach or sides. but for how long? how long after hip lipo can I sleep on my hips? how long afer TT can I sleep on my stomach? how do I sleep until I recover? What position?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	After about 5-7 days, it is okay to sleep on your sides with knees and hips slightly flexed as long as you are wearing your wrap or compression garment. You can pad specific areas with pillows as needed. Obviously, you will need to follow your surgeon's instructions.

	To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.  I hope this helps.

David J. Levens, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the flanks and hips combined with tummy tuck is quite common to help contour the whole circumference of your torso, not just the front.  The major procedure is the tummy tuck and you will need to remain mostly in a semi-flexed position either on your back or from side to side.  You should not try to stretch up and back for at least 5-7 days at the direction of your surgeon.  You will not be able to sleep on your stomach for about 2 weeks.

	The best sleep aid is a recliner which can help you stay on your back or sides, help you to get up easier without straining your abdominal muscles and also keep your back propped up to minimize your GERD symptoms.  If you don't have one at home, there are many companies that rent clean, comfortable recliners for short term use and will drop off/pick up at your home.

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

This combination of procedures you are considering is very common. I would recommend my patients to lay on their back in the semi-flexed or "beach chair" position for two nights with pillows behind the back and under the knees. After that, you can move from side to side provided you keep the abdominal compression wrap on at all times. You will not be able to sleep on your front until the drains are removed and you are able to stand up straight. This usually takes 2-3 weeks. Hope that helps.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I encourage my tummy tuck patients to ambulate the same day of surgery.  But you will be walking in the flexed position.  I recommend lying in the lawnchair position for about 10-14 days after surgery.   You want to remain flexed at your waist.  Having said that, it is OK to lie on your side after 5-7 days, but I would recommend you bolster your flexed position with pillows to remain in the flexed (fetal) position.  But if you are having lipo of your waist/hips, I'm almost certain that you will be more comfortable lying on your back.  Hope this helps.

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you sleep on your back with knees bent or in a semi-upright position for 2 weeks.   At this point, you should be more than comfortable on your side.   Every patient is different when it comes to comfortably lying on their stomach.   I prepare patients that it may take up to 4 weeks to do this.

	 

	I wish you a safe recovery and amazing result!!

	
	Dr. Gill

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

After TT and hip lipo, your best sleep position will be on your back slightly bent at the waist. A recliner is most useful in the first few days. You can sleep on your stomach when you can straighten out, which is often by about 5 days. It is probably best not to lay directly on the liposuction sites, so the recliner works well here. 

	Once you are in a bed, all you can control is how you lie down when going to sleep. The good thing about pain is that it will prevent you from staying in an uncomfortable position for long, and that is a good safety valve for you. 

	Good luck with your procedures and your recovery.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I think that you are smart in combining these two procedures. You will save a considerable amount of money and time by having both procedures at the same time and going through only one recovery. I recommend that you sleep in a reclining chair after a tummy tuck. There are very few limitations after liposuction and this will not stop you from sleeping on your sides. It will probably be a couple of weeks before you can sleep on your stomach. Good luck with your surgery.

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