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.

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. 

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

Hi Chinababe60,  Thank you for your question regarding sleeping position after a tummy tuck. Every plastic surgeon has their own set of post-operative care protocols for all plastic surgery procedures.  For my tummy tuck patients, I have them sleep on the back for 10 to 14 days. After a tummy tuck, I prefer my patients to recover in a recliner. A recliner provides the correct position of your back, abdomen, and legs. In a recliner, your back is flexed and is approximately 90° in relation to your abdomen. After a tummy tuck, this 90° flexed position minimizes strain on the incision and the rectus abdominis muscle repair.  In addition, the recliner elevates your legs and minimizes swelling.   After a tummy tuck, I do not suggest sleeping on your side. After a tummy tuck, sleeping on your side puts too much strain on the abdominal incision and muscle repair.  In addition, sleeping on your side after a tummy tuck, forces all the fluid to collect at your sides.  If fluid collects at the side of your tummy tuck, it is difficult for the drains to function.   This leads to an accumulation of fluid on your sides.  This can delay your healing.  Also, sleeping on your sides puts direct pressure on your incision and could cause the incision to open.  Thank you for your questions regarding sleeping position after a tummy tuck.  If you have more questions regarding a tummy tuck or any other plastic surgery procedure, please contact my office. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

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!

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. 

Thank you for your question,
what I always recommend to my patients is that they sleep on their back for at least the first  month because if they sleep on their side, that side will be a little swollen.
good luck !

I allow my tummy tuck patients to sleep on their side following surgery, but it is important to keep your hips flexed so that you do not put too much tension on your incision. It is always a good idea to check with your surgeon. Good luck.

Very good question. The answer will depend on your surgeon's preferences and on the extent of your procedure. Generally speaking, patients should sleep with their knees bent and back elevated so as to keep the abdomen flexed. This reduces tension on the scar and on the  muscle repair and therefore helps with healing. This position also helps if lipo was performed because it helps avoid uneven swelling. In my practice, I almost always perform a Low Scar Tummy Tuck Technique plus lipo. This means the abdominal skin is tighter and really needs to be flexed while sleeping and walking around. Because of the lipo it is also important to not sleep on your side. Be sure to ask your doctor and see what he or she feels is best for you!Dr.Miguel Mota

Try to be in a somewhat semi-flexed position after a tummy tuck to relieve tension on your abdominal muscles. You can be somewhat on your side if you are comfortable. Consult with your plastic surgeon for more specific instructions.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

It’s best to follow the recommendations that your surgeon outlined for you in your post-op instructions. There is a risk that sleeping on your side may negatively affect the incision line by pulling it at an awkward angle. That’s why it’s recommended that you sleep on your back with a slight bend at the waist.