Wedge Pillow After Tummy Tuck
An arm wedge pillow can be a great addition to your recovery routine after post and cosmetic surgery. This unique pillow is designed to support and firm your tummy while also helping to prevent sagging skin and folds. Made from 3D mesh and filled with an innovative gas spring, this pillow provides continuous support and comfort without the need for external body weight.
During the recovery process, it’s important for patients to take full advantage of their bed to ensure they are as comfortable as possible. With an arm wedge pillow, patients can elevate their arms and torso at the proper angle to promote healing and reduce discomfort. This pillow can also help improve circulation and prevent swelling, which are common issues after surgery.
One popular arm wedge pillow on Amazon is the Hermell Products Arm Wedge Pillow. This pillow is designed to provide gentle support and elevate the arms and torso for added comfort during recovery. It is made from high-quality materials and is specially designed to fit most body shapes and sizes.
Another popular option is the Jobri Arm Rest Wedge Pillow. This pillow is made from high-density foam and is designed to provide firm support for the arms and torso. It is also covered in a soft, removable washable cover for easy cleaning.
Overall, an arm wedge pillow can be a valuable tool for post and cosmetic surgery patients. By providing support and elevation for the arms and torso, these pillows can help improve comfort, promote healing, and prevent sagging skin and folds. Consider adding an arm wedge pillow to your recovery routine for added support and comfort.
Hermell Products Arm Wedge Pillow |
Jobri Arm Rest Wedge Pillow |
For the first few weeks following a tummy tuck, it is typically advised to sleep on your back with your upper body elevated, using pillows or a wedge pillow to support your head, neck, and shoulders. This position can help reduce swelling, promote proper blood circulation, and alleviate tension in the abdominal area.
After the initial recovery period, you should consult your surgeon for personalised advice on when it may be safe to return to stomach sleeping or other sleep positions. This timeline can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the surgery, your individual healing progress, and any potential complications.
To ensure a comfortable and smooth recovery after a tummy tuck, follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, and gradually reintroduce your preferred sleeping positions only when it is deemed safe to do so.
How Long Do I Need to Sleep Elevated After a Tummy Tuck?

After undergoing a tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Clinton in Birmingham, AL, patients are advised to sleep in an elevated position. This recommendation is not just a suggestion, but an essential part of the post-operative care plan that can greatly impact the healing process. Elevating the upper body while sleeping can help relax tension and reduce strain on the incisions, promoting a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
When you lie flat on your back, the skin and abdominal muscles can stretch out and extend, potentially causing discomfort or putting additional pressure on the incision sites. In contrast, sleeping in a curved position can be gentler on the incisions and provide better support for your healing body. By following Dr. Clinton’s advice and sleeping in an elevated position, you can help ensure that your recovery after a tummy tuck is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Proper sleep and positioning are crucial factors in the healing process after cosmetic surgery. In addition to sleeping in an elevated position, it’s important to ensure that you are getting enough rest each night. Adequate sleep allows your body to repair itself and regenerate tissues, which is essential for optimal healing after a tummy tuck. By prioritizing your sleep and following Dr. Clinton’s recommendations, you can enhance the results of your procedure and minimize any potential complications.
As you navigate the recovery process after a tummy tuck, it can be helpful to invest in products that support proper sleep and positioning. Here are some popular items on Amazon that may aid in your post-operative care:
Product | Description | Price |
---|---|---|
Pillow Wedge | A foam wedge pillow that can be placed under your upper body to elevate it while sleeping. | $50 |
Body Pillow | A long, supportive pillow that can help you maintain a curved sleeping position. | $30 |
Adjustable Bed Frame | A bed frame that allows you to customize the angle of your upper body for optimal sleep positioning. | $500 |
By incorporating these products into your post-operative routine and following Dr. Clinton’s recommendations for sleep and positioning, you can support a successful recovery after a tummy tuck. Remember, proper rest and care are key to achieving the best possible results from your cosmetic surgery procedure.
How to Elevate After a Tummy Tuck
One of the most crucial things you can do for your body after a tummy tuck is rest. Your body has gone through major surgery and need to spend its energy on healing. As you rest, your body can concentrate on this important task.
After a tummy tuck, you’ll need extra sleep. We recommend sleeping as much as you can for the first week or two. When you are awake, focus on eating healthy meals, taking gentle walks, and getting lots of hydration.
Elevating your torso is essential for comfortable and safe sleep. Dr. Clinton suggests a slight elevation of the upper body, head, and torso. Extra pillows can lift your head and upper body. We find that a wedge pillow is one of the best options for post-surgery sleep positioning. These triangle-shaped pillows lift the head, shoulders, and upper back. You can pair them with standard bed pillows for more elevation, if needed.
Our Tips for Sleeping After Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Use a wedge or similar pillow to slightly lift the upper body while sleeping.
- Pillows are ideal for positioning. They can help you maintain positioning while sleeping and get comfortable. We recommend stocking up on various shapes and sizes of pillows before your surgery.
- Sleep on your back, not your stomach or sides. Many patients find it helpful to practice this sleep position for a few weeks before surgery.
- If you have a recliner, turn it into a temporary bed while you heal. Many patients use a recliner to maintain positioning and can help move your body from a lying to a sitting position while your abdominal muscles heal.
- Sleep as much as you can. Rest is essential for fast healing after surgery.
- Sleep alone if you can. Bed partners and pets may accidentally bump you during the night, leading to healing complications.
- Use pain medications as needed. Managing your discomfort after surgery will enable you to rest and heal more effectively. We’ll provide a prescription for pain medications and can provide information on the most effective over-the-counter options for easing discomfort.
Our staff is here for you. If you have questions or need tips for finding a comfortable sleep position, get in touch and we’ll help.
How Long Should I Sleep in an Elevated Position After a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients heal quickly after their tummy tuck. Plan on sleeping in an elevated position for one to two weeks after a mini-tummy tuck and two to three weeks after a full tummy tuck.

HOW LONG DO I NEED TO SLEEP ELEVATED AFTER A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck gives you a flatter, firmer stomach and a leaner profile. It restores a younger look after childbearing or weight changes. It’s also a significant surgical procedure that requires time for recovery. You’ll need to sleep in an elevated position while your muscles adjust and heal.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO SLEEP IN AN ELEVATED POSITION AFTER A TUMMY TUCK
When you have a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from your midsection and your abdominal muscles are tightened and reconnected. That tightening will make it uncomfortable, at first, to fully straighten your body. Sleeping in an elevated position will prevent strain on the incisions and help your body recover with minimal discomfort.
You’re also likely to have some temporary swelling in the area of surgery, as with any surgical procedure. Keeping the area elevated will help your body drain the area and speed the healing process.
HOW TO SLEEP COMFORTABLY IN AN ELEVATED POSITION
For both comfort and healing, you’ll want to position yourself for sleep with your waist bent slightly and your knees raised. That puts the least strain on your newly tightened abdomen.
One way to do that is to prop yourself up in bed using pillows. Pile two or more pillows to support your head and upper torso, place another to lift your knees and put one under each arm. The pillows at your sides will help to keep you from rolling out of position. Position the upper pillows so that they support a bend at your hips and don’t just lift your head and shoulders.
It’s a good idea to practice sleeping in this position before your surgery, both to get used to it and to work out any problems and make sure you have enough pillows for support. If you find that your movements in the night push the piled pillows out of position, you might consider buying a wedge pillow to support your upper body. If a normal pillow is too thin to lift your knees comfortably, a bolster, such as one used in many yoga classes, might be worth trying.
The other way to sleep comfortably in an elevated position is on a recliner. A recliner supports you on your sides, so you won’t be able to roll out of position in your sleep. Most recliners also allow adjustments to the angle of your back and knee supports. Automated recliners can tilt you forward when you are ready to stand up after sleeping.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SLEEP ELEVATED AFTER YOUR TUMMY TUCK?
Different types of tummy tuck surgery have shorter and longer recovery times. Your plastic surgeon will give you care instructions for your recovery, based on the specifics of your procedure. After a full tummy tuck, you’ll typically be advised to sleep in an elevated position for at least two weeks and possibly up to four to six weeks. After a mini tummy tuck, you’ll be instructed to sleep with your upper body raised for at least a week and possibly for two or three weeks.
You might adjust the timing in consultation with your plastic surgeon based on your progress in recovery. If your swelling goes down quickly, there will be less need to sleep elevated for drainage and circulation. So if swelling isn’t an issue and you think you’ll get a better night of sleep lying on your side, you might try that change after discussion with your surgeon.
The key is to find a comfortable way to sleep that promotes healing and doesn’t pull at the incisions. Rest and sleep are important to your recovery. Follow a regular sleep schedule and do what you can to minimize discomfort. Beyond adjusting pillows or the angle of your recliner, that might include wearing compression garments and taking appropriate pain medication.
How To Sleep After Tummy Tuck
Why You Should Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach after a Mini-Abdominoplasty
After undergoing a mini-abdominoplasty, also known as a mini tummy tuck, it is important to take proper care of your incision site to ensure smooth healing and optimal results. One key recommendation from plastic surgeons is to avoid sleeping on your stomach for a few weeks following the procedure. This is because sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on the incision area, which may lead to complications and hinder the healing process.
Instead, it is advised to sleep on your back with your head and upper body elevated. This position helps reduce swelling and discomfort, promotes proper circulation, and allows the incision site to heal properly. You can achieve this position by using pillows or a wedge pillow to elevate your head and upper body.
Choosing the right pillow or wedge pillow is crucial to ensure comfort and support during sleep post mini-abdominoplasty. Here are some popular products on Amazon that are recommended for sleeping in an elevated position:
Pillows:
Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Loft Pillow | – Adjustable loft – Hypoallergenic – Memory foam | $59.99 |
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow | – Cooling gel technology – Luxury hotel quality – Hypoallergenic | $39.99 |
Wedge Pillows:
Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
InteVision Foam Bed Wedge Pillow | – Memory foam – Helps with acid reflux – Washable cover | $41.95 |
Brentwood Home Zuma Therapeutic Wedge Pillow | – CertiPUR-US certified foam – Helps with snoring – Removable cover | $49.60 |
By following these recommendations and using the right pillows or wedge pillows, you can ensure a comfortable and effective recovery after a mini-abdominoplasty. Remember to consult with your plastic surgeon for personalized advice on post-operative care and sleep positions that suit your individual needs.