Getting enough sleep following mommy makeover surgery is essential. At our Gilbert, AZ practice, we provide patients with post-op instructions that can help them be as comfortable as possible without compromising their results during the first few weeks of recovery.
I’ll provide some tips in this blog post that help women with how to sleep after a mommy makeover, a procedure that typically includes a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation with implants.
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Tips for Sleeping Post-Mommy Makeover
It’s fairly common to find it difficult to sleep on your back after a mommy makeover, which is why patients are eager to return to their normal sleeping positions on their sides or abdomens. Unfortunately, resuming your normal sleeping position too soon can create tension on your sutures and increase the risk of visible scarring. Wearing compression garments while you sleep eases the tension on your incisions to ensure a smooth and even result.
Here are some ways to get a good night’s rest:
Sleep in a recliner—It’s important to sleep in an upright position after a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Not only will this position help keep the abdomen in a flexed position and avoid pressure on the implants, but it will also minimize swelling and fluid accumulation in the torso during the initial weeks of recovery. Most patients benefit by sleeping in a recliner for at least a week or two. You can prepare by starting to sleep in a recliner several days before your scheduled surgery date.
Transition to sleeping on your back—It’s usually a good idea to sleep on your back in general, but it’s something we strongly recommend to avoid creating excess pressure on your chest and abdomen. Propping up your torso with pillows can help increase your comfort. You can also position pillows under each arm to prevent rolling over onto your side or stomach.
Avoid drinks or foods that can inhibit sleep—If you’re trying to adjust to a new sleep position and feeling the normal post-op discomfort of a mommy makeover, avoiding foods or drinks that can make it even harder to fall and stay asleep can help. Caffeine, alcohol, and sugar can all disrupt sleep, and so can browsing your tablet or smartphone at night. By cutting back on these habits and focusing on drinking more water and eating healthier foods, you’ll find it easier to sleep in an unfamiliar position.
Make sure to move around during the day—In the first day or two, we recommend getting up for brief periods and walking around the house. You can gradually transition to taking longer walks. This movement improves circulation, minimizes the risk of blood clots, enhances the recovery process, and helps make it easier to sleep at night. Just be sure to limit yourself to light activities, and don’t push yourself physically.
Explore Your Mommy Makeover Options
If you’re thinking about getting a mommy makeover and want a little motivation, browse our gallery of before-and-after photos featuring some of our actual patients to see the types of results you can expect. You can learn more about the surgery and why combining procedures can be a good idea for the right patients by contacting us using the online form to request a consultation. Or call our office at (480) 466-7355 to schedule an appointment.
This post was originally published in February 2021 and updated in May 2024.
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