Sleep is an essential part of your health. Countless studies have shown adequate sleep improves your memory, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and even has some anti-aging benefits. Getting enough rest during tummy tuck recovery will help you heal quickly and optimally by promoting healing and protecting your immune system as abdominoplasty is an invasive surgery. You won’t be able to sleep on your side or your stomach during this process, which can be a difficult adjustment, but there are ways to improve your sleep quality while you recover.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon recommends patients sleep on their back while slightly bending forward at the waste to avoid putting pressure or strain on your incisions. You could create a recovery space in your home in your living room on a recliner or using pillows under your head and knees on the couch or bed to help you stay in the right position while you sleep. You’ll need to sleep like this for 4-6 weeks, so invest in some excellent support or contoured pillows and prepare yourself as best as possible to rest in this way.
Sleeping at an Incline Before Surgery
Some patients practice sleeping at an incline in the weeks leading up to their tummy tuck surgery to help their body get used to it. The mini-abdominoplasty may require less recovery, which means you can return to your normal sleeping position sooner, but only do so after our plastic surgeon has given you the go ahead.
Your tummy tuck could part of a combination of procedures such as the Mommy Makeover that involves a form of breast surgery (a breast augmentation or breast lift), liposuction, and abdominoplasty. The recovery process may be more extensive but you’ll achieve your complete desired results with one surgery instead of three separate procedures that require anesthesia. For breast augmentation or breast lift, you’ll need to avoid putting pressure on your breasts to prevent jeopardizing your results. The breasts, particularly those with breast implants, need time to settle in so sleeping on your back will ensure the best outcome possible.
Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for Your Tummy Tuck
Regardless of the form of plastic surgery you’re interested in, you’ll want to consult with and choose a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). The ABPS certification requires doctors to go through additional years of training, testing, and exams, which gives you, the patient, the best opportunity for success with your tummy tuck. Dr. Obaid has performed thousands of face, breast, and body procedures and can help you achieve your cosmetic goals for your stomach.
A tummy tuck can address sagging skin, stubborn fat, and get rid of stretch marks in many cases. We offer three types of tummy tucks which range from getting rid of lower abdominal loose skin and fat to a 360-degree extended abdominoplasty that addresses the entire abdomen and lower back.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation at North Texas Plastic Surgery
If you’re interested in a tummy tuck, please contact us today. North Texas Plastic Surgery offers Virtual Consultations for patients who live outside the Dallas area.