After a massive weight loss, many women and men are looking for ways to “shave off’ the sagging skin and contour their bodies and abdomen through a procedure known as tummy tuck. This procedure is requested more and more because it can help you get rid of stubborn fat deposits (the ones you can’t lose with diet or exercise) and also tighten your skin around your midsection.
Just like with any other surgical procedure, tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a major surgical intervention. It means doing a wide-range of adjustments and corrections and the recovery can be extensive.
Proper sleep is a vital part of that recovery if you want to get the best results possible. When the body is well-rested it can heal better, faster and recover quicker. However, many women and men struggle with sleeping after a tummy tuck procedure, specifically during the first few weeks. So let’s discuss the procedure itself, the recovery process and how to sleep in the right position during the recovery period.
What is a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that tones, reshapes and tightens your abdomen. The aim of this procedure is to provide a slimmer and pleasing appearance. Depending on the extent of the procedure, there can be various types like mini-abdominoplasty, extended tummy tuck or lipo-abdominoplasty.
Since there are a few types of this procedure, not all of them will fit your body’s needs. So we recommend that you contact Dr. Kotoske and schedule a consultation. He will evaluate your situation and recommend the best approach.
A tummy tuck procedure is a good option for you if:
- Your tummy lacks tone no matter how much you diet or exercise
- You don’t plan on having any more children
- You feel that your tummy muscles and skin are sagging
- You have sagging skin due to big weight loss
During a tummy tuck procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will tighten the abdominal muscles and remove any excess or sagging skin. This will create a flatter and more appealing abdomen and better body contour. Even though the procedure sounds simple, it actually involves extensive manipulation of the abdominal muscles so the recovery can be longer than with other cosmetic surgeries.
Recovery after tummy tuck
Since this is an outpatient procedure, you could be discharged and sent home in a few hours after your surgery. However, if you had a more extensive abdominoplasty, you might stay in overnight so the medical care team can monitor you.
During the first week after the procedure, you will experience some moderate pain, but this can be easily managed with pain medication. The surgical site might look bruised and swollen, but that’s totally normal. Your drain will remain for a few days to prevent fluid accumulation and you might need to take antibiotics to prevent infection.
First few weeks and up to a month, you can expect to feel a bit sore on the surgical site. Consider taking time off from work and avoid any strenuous activities. Instead, make sure that you get plenty of rest.
How to properly sleep after a tummy tuck?
After every surgery, getting enough and good quality sleep is key to a successful outcome. The same applies for cosmetic procedures as well.
Sleeping during tummy tuck recovery can be difficult. And while one night of poor sleep might not setback your recovery, but if becomes a habit, it can cause problems and delay the recovery process. We highly recommend that you sleep at least 7 hours a night.
When we sleep, the blood flow in our tissues increase which means that they get more oxygen and nutrients. The tissue is then able to recover and heal faster. Furthermore, during deep sleep, the body produces growth hormones which stimulate the repair and growth of the abdominal muscles that your cosmetic surgeon reshaped and tightened.
Tummy tuck procedure doesn’t only affect how you sleep, but also how you stand and sit. The position you used to sleep in before might not be comfortable now and if you sleep in the wrong position, you won’t be able to heal well enough.
Some patients tend to sleep on their side or flat on their stomach. To them, we recommend that they develop new sleeping habits and positions way before the procedure. So for example, they can start sleeping on their back a week or two before the procedure. This way their body will get used to it and it won’t be so strange or unusual once they have to sleep that way after the procedure.
In the first month after the surgery, we recommend that you sleep in such a way that will prevent any unnecessary strain on the incision. Sleep in a reclined position. Buying a recliner could be a good investment because it will provide you with much needed comfort and prevent tossing and turning.
Instead of a recliner, you can just use extra pillows. Make an elevated section that will support your upper body. It will still be comfortable, stable and will prevent you from stretching your stiches.
Being in a bent position during the first few weeks after surgery is important. Your incisions will be from your hip bone and pubic are which is a part of our body that gets stretched when we get in and out from beds or chairs. Bent position will help you get out and back in your bed, you won’t strain the incision and potentially create scars.
Sleep routine
After a tummy tuck procedure, you might feel fatigue, bruising, swollen and have difficulty in getting into “sleep mode”. We recommend that you create a sleeping schedule that you will follow. This way you will train both your brain and body and you’ll be able to fall asleep easier. You can also take warm showers, use essential oils or avoid sleep disruptors like caffeine or electronic screens (TV, mobile, tablet etc.)
Hopefully the first month or so after your tummy tuck procedure won’t be as difficult and that you’ll be able to get plenty of sleep. Make sure that you follow your doctor’s orders, wear compression garments and avoid any strenuous activities until your doctor says otherwise.
