Because abdominoplasty is an extensive surgery performed on the belly, sleeping during recovery can be challenging and requires a plan. With many men and women accumulating body fat in the abdomen after pregnancy or weight fluctuations, the tummy tuck has become a popular plastic surgery option.
Sleep is a crucial part of the tummy tuck recovery. It’s essential to consider the entire sleep process, including getting into bed, so you sleep in the best possible position. Sudden movements and lousy sleeping positions may hinder comfort level, your rest, your body’s natural healing process, and your tummy tuck outcome. It can also put unnecessary pressure on your incisions.
Devising a good strategy can help people sleep sufficiently after surgery to ensure proper rest and healing. Here are a few suggestions recommended by Drs. Gingrass and Haws for getting the sleep you need and deserve after abdominoplasty.
Sleep With a Slight Bend
The main message for sleeping after abdominoplasty is to avoid lying flat. A tummy tuck involves your plastic surgeon making a long incision from hip bone to hip bone, just above your pubic mound. They will cut and remove excess fat from your abdomen before re-draping your skin over the repaired abdominal wall.
Excess skin is removed, and the abdomen muscle is sutured, leaving a tight and smooth tummy. So, lying flat on your back after surgery may not be the best position. This can stretch your abdomen and strain the sutures, resulting in discomfort or damaged stitches.
To avoid sleeping flat, sleep in a slightly bent position. For example, sleep in a recliner or elevate your upper body with pillows.
Take Your Pain Medications
You must take all prescribed pain medications along with your doctor’s guidelines. This will make sleeping much easier, as any discomfort from a tummy tuck will be manageable.
How to Get in Bed and out After Abdominoplasty
After abdominoplasty, you mustn’t apply excessive pressure on the incisions by stretching your abdomen. Therefore, the best way to get in bed and out is to keep your body flexed. To get in bed, you should seat yourself down and then use your hands to rock yourself into an inclined position.
To get out of bed, you should flex the body and keep tension while rolling slightly to your side, use your arms to get yourself in a seated position, and then engage your leg muscles to stand. Of course, it would be ideal to have someone help you, but it can still be managed without assistance.
Why Plastic Surgery Center of Nashville
You should only consider a board-certified plastic surgeon when considering any type of cosmetic surgery.
Drs. Mary Gingrass and Melinda Haws are exceptional, board-certified plastic surgeons who recognize each patient’s unique perspective when facing aesthetic improvement. In addition, they understand the importance of developing a relationship with their patients and are committed to making each cosmetic surgery outcome as rewarding as possible.
To learn more about achieving a tighter midsection and boosting self-esteem, contact us at (615) 467-6777 or complete our online form.