The concept of beauty sleep takes on a whole new level of importance after cosmetic surgery. Regardless of whether you’ve had facial, breast, or body enhancement, hitting the hay correctly can minimize swelling and bruising, while hastening the recovery process.
In a world that’s chronically sleep-deprived, we know the best ways to combine healthy sleep habits with surgical recovery. Here are the best tips to ensure you wake up beautiful on the right side of the bed.
1. Find the Right Sleep Position
The best position for sleeping after a cosmetic procedure depends on the area you had worked on.
- Face: After surgeries such as a nose job or a facelift, you’ll want to sleep on your back with your head and torso elevated at a 45-degree angle. This position will help with swelling and proper drainage. If you typically sleep on your side or stomach, you may want to surround yourself with pillows to prevent you from unconsciously rolling over.
- Breasts: After upper torso surgery like breast augmentation, the 45-degree angle we recommend for face work is ideal.
- Below the neck: For surgeries below your neck, your sleep position depends on which side of your body you had worked on. If it’s on the backside, as a Brazilian butt lift, you’ll want to sleep on your tummy. For procedures involving the lower torso, like a tummy tuck, we recommend sleeping with your knees flexed with pillows beneath them.
2. Kick Your Feet Up
Leg elevation is an excellent idea for almost everyone when sleeping on their backs, no matter what kind of work you have had done. Sleep with your ankles, at least at knee level. It’s vital to ensure bodily fluids drain properly and don’t settle in the lower extremities, where they can increase the chance of blood clots.
3. Dress Smarter
The more comfortable you are when dressing for bed, the better you’ll sleep. Make sure your PJs are comfortable and appropriate for the temperature. If you must cover the treated area, do so with loose-fitting, breathable cotton pajamas. They are forgiving enough to slide over any surgical garment prescribed.
4. Fall Asleep Faster by Managing Discomfort
Sometimes, discomfort or anxiety over your results can interfere with post-surgery sleep cycles. That’s one of the reasons we stress the significance of pain management. Carefully follow all provided instructions for prescribed or over-the-counter meds, and don’t try to tough it out.
5. Don’t Take It Too Easy
Plenty of high-quality rest is essential after a procedure, but remember, mild to moderate activity is essential for proper blood flow and avoiding blood clots. Walk around the house occasionally, starting right after surgery.
The Takeaway
While these sleep tips should promote a comfortable, complication-free recovery, you don’t have to worry too much if you follow your surgeon’s instructions. Good sleep habits are primarily about getting you back to your regular routine safely and smoothly.
If you want more information about cosmetic surgery recovery and how to heal quickly, contact Dr. Sandel or Dr. Duggal by calling (410) 266-7120 or scheduling your consultation.