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What Are the Best Sleeping Positions After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
2 Minute Read:We all enjoy our sleep. Unfortunately, many of us do not get enough of it.
Recovering from a tummy tuck is a perfect opportunity to catch up on much-needed rest. However, after tummy tuck surgery, you are required to stay off your stomach for several weeks, which can be difficult for stomach-sleepers.
During your tummy tuck recovery, you will need to find new comfortable sleeping positions that allow you to stay off your stomach. 
Why Can I Not Sleep on My Stomach After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
For many of us, sleeping on our stomach feels natural. It is when we are the most comfortable.
However, a tummy tuck is a major surgery, and it takes time for the muscles and tissues to heal and recover. Sleeping directly on your stomach puts too much weight and pressure on your abdomen, interfering with its ability to heal. This can not only damage your muscles, but it can affect your results.
After spending the time and money to undergo a tummy tuck, the last thing you want is for your sleeping position to mess up your results—or cause you pain.
When Can I Sleep on My Stomach Following My Surgery?
As you know by now, sleeping on your stomach while recovering from tummy tuck surgery can be damaging to your results.
So, how long will you have to avoid sleeping on your stomach?
It is recommended that patients avoid stomach sleeping for at least six weeks after surgery. During those six weeks, your abdomen is healing and producing your results. You do not want your sleeping position to disrupt this process.
It is important to note that some patients heal differently and may need to stay off their stomachs for more than six weeks. Please speak with your surgeon regarding when it is safe to return to your normal sleeping position.
If I Cannot Sleep on My Stomach After My Tummy Tuck, How Should I Sleep?
Since you cannot sleep on your stomach after your tummy tuck, you may be wondering what comfortable, safe sleeping position is right for you. Surgeons often recommend sleeping on your back while recovering from a tummy tuck, but you may be able to sleep on your side a few weeks after surgery.
When you sleep on your back, you should elevate yourself with pillows. This can help make sleeping on your back more comfortable and easier to get used to. Additionally, sleeping flat on your back stretches out your abdomen and can harm the incisions.
Elevation and lots of pillows are going to be the best option.