What is the most comfortable and safe sleeping position after a tummy tuck?

                  It’s
not unusual for patients to have difficulty sleeping on their back following
surgery.  For this reason, they are
often eager to return to side or abdomen sleeping.  Unfortunately after abdominoplasty we feel that it’s
important to keep the 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 sleep in a recliner chair for one to two
weeks following abdominoplasty. 
Although patients may stay flexed while sleeping on their sides, they
sometimes turn and extend their backs reflexedly.  This doesn’t happen in a recliner chair. 

                  No
two patients are the same and for this reason, it’s
important to individualize post-operative care.  If you’re concerned about this issue, it’s important to
discuss post-operative care with your surgeon.

I actually prefer that patients sleep on their backs with pillows beneath their knees and behind their backs for at least a month after surgery.

Thank you for your question! I recommend sleeping elevated on pillows or sidelying in the fetal position. Some patients find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner for the first week or so after the procedure. Best of luck!

The human body is designed for self protection. Pain, and discomfort guide us in the right direction. If a position is comfortable, most likely it will not have a negative effect. Obviously common sense play a big factor. If there are drains that can be kinked or other obvious issues check with your surgeon for specific details.Best,Dr Results

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery.  Typically I recommend patients to sleep in a flexed position for the first week or so, for example a recliner with their knees elevated with some pillows.  I would recommend speaking with your surgeon and seeing what they recommend.  Best of luck to you. 

There should be no problem sleeping on your side after a Tummy Tuck. I would recommend that you sleep equal time on each side by turning from one side to the other. Turning is necessary to prevent excess lymphatic fluid from accumulating on one side resulting in more swelling.