Sleeping on Your Stomach After Tummy Tuck? (photo)

It’s important for abdominoplasty patients to keep their
abdomen flexed for one to two weeks following surgery. This avoids tension on
the wound closure and minimizes the potential for wound breakdown and spread of
the scar. Therefore we generally recommend that patients sit and sleep in a
recliner chair with their knees and hips flexed for one to two weeks following
abdominoplasty. Fifteen
days is still very early in the post-operative course. At this point, it’s
reasonable to start sleeping on your side and slowly start transitioning to
your abdomen.It’s
important to realize that no two patients are ever exactly alike. For this
reason, it’s always important to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon.

Hello Tori70, thank you for your question regarding sleeping positions after a tummy tuck.

It's important to follow your surgeon's specific post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and the best possible results. Generally, most surgeons recommend sleeping with your legs elevated and your upper body slightly inclined for the first few weeks after a tummy tuck. This position helps to reduce swelling and tension on the incision, promoting better healing.

You mentioned that it's day 15 after your procedure. At this stage, you should continue to follow your surgeon's recommendations regarding your sleeping position. Transitioning to sleeping on your stomach too soon can put unnecessary pressure on your healing incision and potentially compromise your results.

In terms of the tape on your incision, it's typically left in place to protect the area and should only be removed according to your surgeon's instructions. The tape helps to support the incision as it heals and can reduce scarring. If the tape is not peeling off on its own, it’s best to leave it until your surgeon advises otherwise.

If you are experiencing significant discomfort or have concerns about your sleeping position or the tape on your incision, I recommend reaching out to your surgeon for personalized advice. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and ensure that your recovery is on track.

Good luck with your recovery. I hope I’ve answered your question regarding sleeping positions and incision care after a tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Thank you for your question.
Your plastic surgeon is the best person to guide you as to the best sleeping position during the recovery process.  In general, my patients sleep on their backs in a reclined position (recliners or multiple pillows work well) for about two weeks after surgery.    Most patients feel comfortable sleeping on their sides (fetal position) 2-3 weeks after having tummy tuck surgery.   It can take about 2 months ( even longer if breast surgery has been performed) before most patients feel comfortable sleeping on their stomaches.
I hope this helps.