Exact Answer: 3 to 6 weeks at least
A tummy tuck is one of the most popular and desired plastic surgery availed by most people. Even though now due to advancement in technology and medicine, the recovery period and pain caused due to it are reduced, however depending upon the nature and extent of the operation it is best for the patient to sleep on their back or at a bent angle. It takes about 10 to 14 days on average for the bruising and swelling to improve if the procedure was an extensive one, however for smaller ones the recovery period is less.
How Long After A Tummy Tuck can I sleep on my side?
People concerned with loose skin, stomach pouch, Hernia, Diastasis recti, or loose skin after pregnancy undergo tummy tuck wherein surgery is performed under generalized anesthesia and a strategic incision is made on the lower abdomen line depending upon the extent of the procedure. The conclusion from the procedure is a contoured stomach as per the patient’s desires. Of course, the recovery after the procedure greatly depends upon the health conditions of the patient, rest, lifestyle, and diet.
The best position to sleep just after the procedure is on one’s back with the upper body elevated at a certain angle with the help of pillows or a recliner. The time of recovery can only be properly predicted by the surgeon who is performing the procedure, so it is always advised to consult them before making even the smallest changes. If it is an extensive procedure, it is best to invest in a recliner before the procedure if you don’t have one, as the recliner will help you sleep on your back and discourage moments during the night. But for a smaller procedure, few extra pillows should be able to do the work.
The timeline of the recovery can be stated as:
| Time | Activity |
| 2 to 3 weeks | Light work and similar activities |
| 3 to 6 weeks | Sleeping on the side is allowed, in most cases |
| Upwards of 8 weeks | Exercise and lifting can be started only after consulting with the doctor. |
Why Not To Sleep On Your Side After A Tummy Tuck?
The patients are discouraged from sleep on their side as that might lead to further complications and pain if the incision is not properly healed. Also, the elevation of the upper body is important as it is less likely the patient will roll onto their side than if they are just laying flat on their back. However, sleep and quality sleep is equally important for the recovery of the patient after the procedure, if the person doesn’t get adequate sleep, that will only delay the recovery. So even though no one likes the downtime after the tuck, it is essential for their wellbeing and recovery.
It is also advisable that the person practices sleeping on their back even before the surgery, that way they will have a practice of it once they are operated on. The major complications post-surgery can be due to fluid accumulation beneath the skin, poor wound healing, scarring, and even a feeling of numbness. Other than sleeping on the back it is important to maintain a stable weight, avoid certain medications like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anything which causes blood loss. After the procedure, the person might feel moderate pain which can be controlled via various pain medications.
Conclusion
So be it for a professional reason or a personal one, a tummy tuck is availed by a lot of people. It is important that if one wants a slimmer waist or a flat stomach that they should do as their doctor advises to have a healthy diet, ample rest, proper sleep, and medications after the operation. As for sleeping on the side, the time period varies from 3 to 6 weeks depending upon the person’s health, and other various factors as discussed earlier. In conclusion, as it is not a serious procedure, it is done by people from various walks of life, and as the complications are very less, recovery is high.
Reference
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00266-012-9977-z.pdf
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=vRdtAAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA76&dq=How+Long+After+A+Tummy+Tuck+can+I+sleep+on+my+side+(And+Why)%3F&ots=gfICAWEpui&sig=nNBldlenWgsIaTPvT5wMwd355SA
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This article presents the information in a comprehensive manner.
The recovery time is quite extensive, more than I had realized.
Absolutely, it’s important to consider all aspects of this.
Yes, it’s always best to be well-prepared for what’s to come.
It’s great to see such detailed information available to inform people about these procedures.
Yes, it’s very useful to have such comprehensive information.
The article is really interesting and talks in detail about post-surgery recovery and the possible complications. It’s good to know that even minor things like sleeping positions are so important.
I agree with you. It’s quite informative and highlights the importance of following your doctor’s advice.
Very valuable information. I’m sure this will be useful to anyone considering this procedure.
The recovery time seems quite extensive. It’s not an easy procedure.
Yes, recovery seems to be a significant part of the process.
It’s important to consider these factors before deciding on a tummy tuck.
Interesting, there are many considerations to take into account for such a procedure.
I had no idea the recovery period was this long. This article has been eye-opening and informative.
Absolutely, I too was surprised. It’s always good to be aware of such things.
This is a very detailed explanation of the post-tummy tuck recovery process. It’s good to have this level of information available.
It’s great to read an article that covers all these aspects. It’s important to be well-informed before undergoing any procedure.
This article makes it clear that proper rest and recovery is essential for the success of a tummy tuck procedure.
Absolutely, this is a vital part of the whole process.
The recovery phase seems quite challenging. Adequate planning is definitely required.
Indeed, this article really highlights how important preparation and recovery is.