Sleep is a crucial part of the recovery process following cosmetic surgery. However, sometimes getting a good night’s sleep is easier said than done. Getting a good night’s sleep can be tricky in the best of circumstances, let alone when you’re uncomfortable or in some pain.
Why Good Sleep is Important After Cosmetic Surgery
You already probably know about the importance of sleep for your overall health and wellbeing. Sleep is an essential part of your recovery process following cosmetic surgery. Whether you had a tummy tuck, BBL, or a facelift, you need to sleep properly to heal and recover. Like any surgery, sleep is a crucial part of a proper recovery.
Quality sleep can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and help to heal tissue and wounds following surgery. After surgery, your body works hard to recover. The position you sleep in following your procedure also helps to reduce swelling and encourage symmetrical results.
Beauty sleep takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to post-op recovery. Catching those ZZZs is a vital part of the healing process for both surgical procedures and minimally invasive procedures like fillers and non-surgical rhinoplasty. Good sleep hygiene helps to minimise post-surgery side effects and risks.
In addition to sticking to your plastic surgeon’s post-operative guidelines, there are certain things you can do to help sleep after surgery like:
- Avoid alcohol
- Go caffeine-free
- Wear loose-fitting nightwear
- Don’t forget to get out of bed and walk
- Keep stress levels low
Plastic Surgery Recovery: The Best Sleeping Positions
Depending on the type of procedure you have, the best sleeping position will differ. Because incisions and bandages can affect how you should sleep, you may need to get a little creative with your sleeping positions. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to sleep after specific cosmetic procedures, so you know what to expect.
1. Breast Surgeries
After breast surgeries like breast augmentation or a breast lift, naturally, you need to avoid sleeping on your front. It’s best to sleep either on your back, upright or with a slight bend at the waist. Try putting lots of pillows around your back to support you and avoid over-using your pectoral muscles too early on. Avoid sleeping on your front for at least 4-6 weeks to achieve the best results.
If you’re a front sleeper, start sleeping on your back a few weeks before your surgery. Between the incisions and the discomfort, sleeping after cosmetic surgery isn’t the most comfortable. If you add to the mix that you’re a front-sleeper, it takes a little time to adjust. To sleep on your back, either use a lot of cushions or a recliner chair.
The second best position to sleep in after breast surgery is your side. But you do need to be careful. You don’t want to accidentally roll over onto your breasts during the night, as this could put unnecessary pressure on the area. Use pillows under the breast to take the pressure off. You should wait to side sleep until your doctor has given you the all-clear.
2. Tummy Tuck
As you can imagine, with a tummy tuck, you want to avoid lying on your front. The main thing to remember is that you should sleep in a bent position. This can be done by either lying on a bed or a recliner chair.
If you lay flat out, it can stretch the incisions and put pressure on the stomach. Sleeping in a slightly bent position helps to avoid putting tension on the stomach. You may need to sleep in this position for up to 6 weeks after full abdominoplasty.
The aim of sleeping after a tummy tuck is to find a position that puts the least amount of pressure on your incisions as well as reduces discomfort and encourages proper healing. Lying on your back with a slight bend is the best way to do this.
3. Facial Surgeries
For facial surgeries like a facelift, rhinoplasty, or forehead reduction, it makes sense to sleep on your back. But for some procedures, like a facelift, you will need to elevate your head for up to 4 weeks following the surgery. This helps to prevent swelling and ease discomfort.
Most patients can generally resume side sleeping after a facelift at about 4 weeks. It could be possible to return to side sleeping at 2-3 weeks, but this will depend on your healing and the surgery.
Recovery: Facial Plastic Surgery London at the Harley Clinic
4. Brazilian Butt Lift
The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, requires quite a heavy adjustment to your sleeping. You need to avoid putting pressure on your buttocks for 6 to 8 weeks as your cells regain blood supply. This means you need to sleep on your front until the tissue is fully healed.
You won’t be able to sleep on your back for at least a few weeks as it’s so important you avoid putting pressure on your bum. Unnecessary pressure could impact your overall results. Try getting a pregnancy pillow to support your hips and back while asleep.
Sleep is crucial for recovery and healing. While it can be difficult to get into a comfortable position straight after your surgery, it’s important that you stick to your surgeon’s post-operative instructions to achieve the best results possible.
Finding a way to get comfortable after cosmetic surgery can be a bit tricky. By following your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, you can recover properly. The right sleeping positions take pressure off your incisions, reduce swelling, and encourage proper healing so you can start to enjoy your results as soon as possible.
Try not to stress too much about your recovery. Your doctor is there to help and lead you through the process. As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and contact your surgeon if you have any concerns, it’s difficult to go wrong.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, book a consultation today at the Harley Clinic to speak with an expert plastic surgeon. You can also read our Cosmetic Surgery Blog for the latest insights, tips, and advice.
