Sleep Well After Your Tummy Tuck

Thursday, 15 August 2019 03:57

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Sleep is one of the cornerstones of good health. More than providing us with the rest we need to succeed in our ultra-busy society, sleep is the catalyst for physical rejuvenation and healing. Knowing this, plastic surgery patients can give themselves permission to rest as much as their body dictates after their selected procedure. Depending on the type of surgery, though, sleep can be somewhat of a challenge.

Tummy tuck surgery is performed to restore muscle tone to the abdomen. The procedure achieves outstanding outcomes by surgically repositioning the abdominal muscle and trimming excess that has become loose. Understandably, when abdominal tissue is altered from a very loose state to one that is flat and tight, it takes time for settling to occur. After a tummy tuck, this can be 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, it is not possible to sleep on the side or the stomach. This can be a challenge for many patients but not one that is insurmountable.

Dr. Kimmel’s patients are encouraged to sleep only on their back while they are recovering from abdominoplasty. Because pressure and strain on incisions should be minimized, it is also necessary to sleep in a somewhat included position. This can be achieved by sleeping on several pillows or in a recliner. Even in a recliner, some patients like to place a pillow behind their head and one under their knees. This slightly inclined position may also be more comfortable on a sofa than in a bed.

Some of the ways that good sleep can be fostered after abdominoplasty include:

• Pad the recovery area with various sized pillows, some that can be placed under the head and some that can be placed around the body. Contoured pillows are also an option that many patients select.
• Prepare before surgery. Because it can take time to get used to sleeping in a new position, patients may begin making this transition before surgery. This can be especially helpful for stomach or side sleepers who may be challenged to stay on their back. Placing a pillow on each side of the body works wonderfully for this change.

Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation at Keystone Surgery Center

Dr. Kimmel has been providing outstanding care to patients in the Pottsville and Hazleton areas for more than 20 years. During this time, he has performed thousands of face, breast and body procedures. Schedule a consultation in an office near you to discover the benefits of a customized tummy tuck.