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We all dream of having the perfect body but sometimes the path to achieving it can cause you to lose sleep. If you want to achieve a firmer butt and tighter abdomen, a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and tummy tuck combo could be the perfect option. Before you book your appointment, however, it’s important to understand the procedure and to know what to expect from the recovery process.
After a cosmetic procedure like BBL or tummy tuck, you’ll need to avoid certain activities and you may need to change the way you sleep. Here’s what you need to know about sleeping properly after a Brazilian butt lift and tummy tuck procedure.
What is a Brazilian Butt Lift and Tummy Tuck?
Body contouring surgeries can help you achieve your dream body, and they are a popular option following pregnancy and significant weight loss. A Brazilian butt lift involves removing fat from problem areas like the abdomen, thighs, or love handles via liposuction and injecting it into the gluteal muscles. This creates a contoured, natural-looking shape. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen to create a slimmer, tighter look.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovery from cosmetic surgery can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Many doctors recommend taking at least 10 to 14 days off work following a BBL or tummy tuck and you should avoid exercise for at least 6 weeks. Do not sit on your butt or do any squatting or stretching for at least 2 weeks after these procedures and always wear your girdles (except when showering) to provide compression.
Tips for Sleeping After Contouring Surgery
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your health and wellness, but after cosmetic surgery you may need to make some adjustments to your nightly routine. After a Brazilian butt lift, you want to avoid lying flat on your back because pressure on the butt can damage the fat cells that have been transferred there. Following a tummy tuck, you’ll want to keep your upper half elevated during sleep to encourage drainage of the area and to reduce swelling.
Having a BBL and a tummy tuck at the same time presents some challenges for sleeping. You can’t sleep on your back AND you need to keep your upper half elevated.
Here are some tips for sleeping comfortably:
- Sleep on your side to avoid creating pressure points that might damage the newly transferred fat cells, causing them to re-absorb into the tissue.
- Get creative with wedge pillows to make sleeping on your side more comfortable – you might even try a pregnancy pillow.
- Try using a hernia pillow (a donut-shaped pillow) to accommodate short periods of back sleeping – these pillows cradle the outer buttocks without putting pressure on the middle.
- Consider sleeping in a recliner so you can keep your upper half elevated – just be sure to use pillows to support your body while sleeping on your side.
- Create a relaxing environment in your room to encourage sleep – use black-out curtains, an essential oil diffuser, or a white noise machine.
You have the right to choose what you do with your body but if you choose to undergo cosmetic surgery like a BBL or tummy tuck, follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions to maximize your results. Following the tips above will help you sleep comfortably without compromising your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best position to sleep in after a tummy tuck?
After a tummy tuck, it’s important to sleep with your upper body elevated to help drain the abdominal area and reduce swelling as your body heals. One option is to sleep in a recliner, or you can use pillows under your head and upper torso to elevate your body properly in bed.
How long do you sleep elevated after a tummy tuck?
It depends on the extent of your surgery. For a mini tummy tuck, you may only need to sleep elevated for 2 to 3 weeks. With a full tummy tuck, you’ll need to sleep with your upper body elevated for at least two weeks but possibly 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I sleep on my stomach after tummy tuck and BBL?
If you have both a BBL and a tummy tuck at the same time, finding the right sleeping position can be tough. It’s best to sleep on your side, using pillows to make yourself comfortable.