Abdominoplasty surgery, also known as a tummy tuck, is a major surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fat from around the stomach area and may also include abdominal muscle tightening to give you the sculpted physique you desire.
Patients often choose abdominoplasty following childbirth or extreme weight loss, and the procedure can be combined with other forms of body contouring procedures or liposuction to create the ideal look.
Sinclair Gore has extensive experience carrying out abdominoplasty, and he knows that many patients worry about being able to sleep afterwards. Keep reading to find out more about how to sleep after a tummy tuck and get the best possible results.
The Importance Of Sleep After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Sleep is a key bodily function that can significantly help with healing, which is why it is vital after getting a tummy tuck that you get enough sleep.
As well as getting enough sleep, you also need to consider sleep quality. During Stage 3, or deep sleep, your body accelerates tissue repair and helps regulate your immune system to ensure your body recovers quickly.
Therefore, sleep is exceptionally important following any surgical procedure, including a tummy tuck. There are other reasons why sleep is important after a tummy tuck, such as ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
Since it is extremely challenging to get a tummy tuck on the NHS, you will usually have to pay for the procedure privately, meaning you will be committed to getting the best outcome you can.
Finding the right sleeping position can ensure that you keep your weight off the surgical site, reducing the chances of a wider, more visible scar.
The Best Sleeping Position After Having Abdominoplasty Surgery
The best sleeping position after a tummy tuck is to sleep on your back, with your upper body slightly elevated. Many patients use extra pillows to support their back and raise their upper body.
This position helps to keep the weight off your abdominal muscles and incision site, which will improve your chances of optimal recovery.
After the initial healing period, of around 4-6 weeks, you will be able to transition to sleeping on your side. If your normal sleeping position was on your stomach, you won’t be able to do this for several months.
During your regular follow-up appointments you can discuss when you’ll be able to sleep on your stomach.
If stomach sleeping is your preferred sleeping position, then while you might naturally turn in your sleep, your body will feel pain and move to a more comfortable sleeping position.
For patients who are concerned about potentially rolling onto their stomach during the night, body pillows, also known as pregnancy pillows, can be a simple way to avoid sleeping in this position and improve your chances of good sleep hygiene.
Other Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips
As well as ensuring that you sleep in the right position, some other tummy tuck recovery tips include:
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: For the first few weeks of the recovery process, ensure you refrain from too much exertion that could cause pain or irritation to the surgical site.
- Ease Into Exercise: Some light exercise, such as walking, after the first few days, can be beneficial, but make sure you get back into moving around slowly and don’t overdo it.
- Wear Compression Garments As Instructed: Initially, you’ll be given compression garments to wear to keep the surgical site from moving around and improve healing, so make sure you follow the directions given by your surgeon.
- Manage The Pain: If you’re struggling with soreness or feeling uncomfortable, use over-the-counter pain medications to manage it. Make sure you are managing pain correctly, and that you speak to your surgeon if you get persistent pain.
- Care For The Wound: Make sure you keep the incision site clean and dry, and avoiding soaking it in water such as baths or swimming pools until cleared to do by your surgeon.
- Take Care Of Your Other Basic Needs: As well as sleep, you also need to stay hydrated and eat nutritious food to give your body the best possible chance of healing.
- Talk To Your Surgeon: Your cosmetic surgeon will arrange follow-up appointments, so if you feel any unusual pain or are worried about anything, talk to them for bespoke guidance.
How To Get The Best Possible Results From Your Tummy Tuck
To get the best possible outcome from your tummy tuck surgery, you need to make sure you find the right cosmetic surgeon.
Sinclair Gore has extensive experience carrying out abdominoplasty, as well as other body contouring procedures, such as an arm lift or breast augmentation.
By discussing your aesthetic goals, Sinclair Gore can create a custom plan and guide you through the healing process to give you the best possible chances of getting the look you want.
He has extensive experience carrying out tummy tucks for a range of patients, and can help you find the right option for you, whether you want a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck or an extended abdominoplasty.
If you are planning to get a tummy tuck, get a bespoke treatment plan by contacting Sinclair Gore on +447833 221725 or by emailing admin@sinclairgore.co.uk.
+447833221725