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A tummy tuck can work wonders in transforming your midsection. The procedure removes excess skin and fat and tightens your abdominal muscles for a smooth, flat, youthful look. But it’s a major surgical intervention and requires time for recovery. That includes plenty of rest and some special steps for healthy sleep.

Why Elevated Sleep is Important After a Tummy Tuck

As with any plastic surgery procedure, you will experience some swelling in the treated area in the days after surgery. Sleeping in a gently propped-up position helps drain the area and reduce swelling while your body heals.

With a tummy tuck, there’s an added need to keep the abdomen from stretching during the early stages of healing, which can pull at the incisions. We’ll instruct you to sleep with a slight bend at your hips and your knees as if you are reclining in a beach chair. This position lets the tissue recover and helps minimize discomfort.

How to Sleep Comfortably in a Raised Position

There are two main ways to prop yourself up for elevated sleep after a tummy tuck: using pillows on your bed or sleeping in a recliner.

A basic arrangement on your bed might include two or more pillows under your head and upper torso, one to lift your knees, and one under each arm. The goal is to have the pillows support a flex at your waist, not just raise your head and shoulders. It’s a good idea to experiment with the pillow arrangement before your surgery and practice sleeping in this elevated position. That way, you’ll have the needed pillows on hand when you come home from the surgery, and it will be a familiar and comfortable sleeping position to you.

You may want to buy a wedge pillow. This specially shaped cushion raises your upper body and is less likely to move while you sleep. If you find your normal pillows too thin to lift your knees, you might try a bolster, such as those used for yoga.

If you have a recliner, that can be an even better option for sleep after your tummy tuck. Most recliners are adjustable to support your back and your legs at different angles. And, a recliner provides support on both sides, so you are less likely to move out of position during sleep. Some recliners also tilt forward to help you get up after sleep.

How Long to Sleep Elevated After Your Tummy Tuck

How long you’ll need to sleep in this reclined position will depend on the type of tummy tuck surgery you have. Your surgeon will advise you as part of your recovery care plan. After a mini tummy tuck, you’ll need to sleep in an elevated position for a least a week and possibly for two or three weeks. After a full tummy tuck, you should expect to sleep with your upper body raised for at least two weeks and up to four to six weeks.

In addition to following the advice of your surgeon as to the timing, listen to your body. Until it’s comfortable to straighten your torso, it will likely be painful to lie flat on your back or your stomach. If you are naturally a side sleeper and have trouble adjusting to propped-up sleep, your surgeon may advise you to try sleeping on your side, without extra pillows, once the swelling from the procedure has gone down.

Rest and sleep are crucial to your healing after surgery. Follow a regular bedtime routine, just as you normally would, to get your body into a healthy sleep cycle. Wearing compression garments at all times, even while you sleep, can ease discomfort, as can appropriate use of pain medication.

Learn More in a Personal Consultation

Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery have developed an impeccable reputation for stunning, natural-looking plastic surgery results, attracting patients from all over the world. Contact our practice today at 310-746-5475 or send an online request to schedule a consultation.

While a rhinoplasty may be one of the least invasive plastic surgeries, the procedure still requires a robust recovery to enjoy the best results. We want you to rest, relax, and enjoy your recovery process. Preparation before your procedure is key to a successful recovery.  

What should you have on hand for a rhinoplasty recovery? If you’re getting ready for a nose job, stock up on these goodies recommended by our Beverly Hills plastic surgeons. For more tips for a speedy rhinoplasty recovery, be sure to call Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim at (310) 746-5475. 

1. Lots of Pillows

Elevate, elevate, elevate. To reduce swelling, you’ll want to keep your head elevated in the days and weeks following surgery. Propping yourself up with plenty of pillows or a large wedge pillow can help you’re your head held high and ensure a comfortable night’s rest without the risk of accidentally rolling onto your new nose. 

2. Icy Cold Compresses

We recommend getting small gel ice packs and plenty of them. The smaller size will make it easier to hold to your nose without weighing uncomfortably on the swollen tissue. Make sure you have several. You’ll want enough so that you can easily reach for a freshly frozen pack without having to worry about constantly replacing spent packs back to the freezer. 

While cold compresses are a valuable key to fighting post-procedure swelling, remember that a little cold goes a long way. It is possible to over-ice the nose, creating damage and causing recovery complications. Limit your icing to 10-20 minutes per hour, spread throughout the day.  

3. Well-Stocked Fridge

Protein and vitamin-rich foods will give your body the nutrition it needs to heal properly. Healthy foods will help rebuild damaged and healing tissue from the inside out while supporting a weakened immune system as your nose heals. 

4. Humidifier

We’re warning you now – the internasal surgical packing will dry you out. Setting up humidifiers around your home and staying well hydrated can help alleviate the discomfort caused by a dry mouth or throat.

5. Chapstick

Speaking of drying out, patients should be prepared to exclusively mouth breathe for the first weeks following treatment. In addition to drying out your mouth, constant mouth breathing can also make dry out your lips and add to recovery discomfort. Use a lip balm frequently in the days and weeks following surgery to protect lips from chapping or cracking. 

6. Nasal Spray

While our surgeons will give you a set of post-surgery instructions on how to best care for your recovering nose, sterilized saline spray can help keep your nose hydrated in the weeks after your splint is removed. 

7. Curtains

Direct sunshine after any surgery can impact recovery and even increase your risk of sunburn or damage. When it comes to rhinoplasty, exposure to the sun can put you at risk of darkening scar tissue and increased swelling. We recommend recovering indoors, where it’s cool and staying out of direct sunlight.  

8. Zip-Up Tops and Sweaters

When it comes to post-rhinoplasty recovery, the less your nose has to touch anything, the better. This extends not just to Kleenex, but also to sweatshirts and jackets. Zip-up hoodies and loose neck t-shirts can help keep you comfortable and minimize the risk of accidentally getting the bulky nose splint caught on clothing.

9. Facial Cleansing Pads and Tissues

Nothing feels better than a freshly washed face, but after rhinoplasty, you’ll need to take a brief hiatus from your usual skincare regimen. To help stay clean, you can wash with facial cleansing pads. Avoid getting water on your face until you’re cleared by your surgeon. 

Get More Tips by Visiting Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery

Ready for your rhinoplasty? Learn more about this ever-popular procedure by scheduling your first consultation with the surgical team at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. Our specialists have years of experience reshaping noses and improving patients’ self-confidence with this facial surgery. Call 310-746-5475 today to get started!