Many patients who have plastic surgery opt to have multiple procedures at once. There are various benefits to having multiple procedures at once, including less recovery time, only having to undergo anesthesia once, and overall fewer medical expenses. Two procedures that patients often opt to have done at the same time are the tummy tuck and the Brazilian butt lift (BBL). A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a popular procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal area, and for many patients, tightens and restores the stomach muscles to their former shape and positioning. The benefits of a tummy tuck include a smoother, firmer midsection with improved overall contour. There are variations on the tummy tuck, and the procedure is customized to suit each patient’s specific needs. On the other hand, a BBL sculpts the buttocks and adds volume using the patient’s own fat from other areas of the body. No matter the patient’s age, genetics, or other factors, butt enhancement can lift, tighten, and improve the overall appearance of the buttocks. The procedure has recently become the fastest-growing cosmetic surgery in the nation, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Having a tummy tuck and a BBL at the same time allows the patient to achieve a flat, tight tummy along with a contoured waistline and a full booty.
While convenient and transformative, opting to have multiple procedures at once also poses some inconveniences. One of the most commonly reported inconveniences from having a tummy tuck and a BBL at the same time is trouble sleeping comfortably. This is because after a tummy tuck, you will be advised to not sit on your buttocks. On the flip side, after getting a tummy tuck, you won’t immediately be able to stand up straight, and all you will want to do is sit! While getting comfortable after having these two procedures is certainly complicated, it is not impossible. Below are some suggestions for how to sleep after getting a tummy tuck and a BBL:
1. Use Supportive Pillows
Most doctors will suggest using supportive pillows as a first resort when trying to sleep after a tummy tuck and a BBL. Patients can place pillows both under their back and under their thighs. This way, pressure will be relieved from the buttocks area as well as the tummy. While there are supportive pillows specifically designed for recovering patients, regular pillows work just as well, and can be stacked up to accommodate each patient’s needs.
2. Depending on Where your Fat was Transferred, Try Sleeping on your Side
For some patients, sleeping on their sides works well when recovering from a tummy tuck and a BBL. However, it is important to note that this is only a good idea if the patient did not have any fat inserted into their hips or sides during their BBL. If fat was inserted into the side of the body, then sleeping on the side may actually compromise the patient’s results. Talk to your surgeon to see if sleeping on your side may be a viable option for you based on the manner in which your BBL was performed.
3. Create a Relaxing Environment
While changing up the ambiance of your room won’t be able to directly affect your sleeping comfort, it may be able to indirectly influence how well you sleep. Try adding a soothing oil diffuser or melodic music to your bedroom when you are recovering from surgery. The soothing ambiance may make you feel more relaxed, thus allowing you to fall asleep faster and more deeply.
4. In Conclusion
Sleeping after having a tummy tuck and a BBL is not the easiest feat. Patients may find that using supportive pillows or sleeping on their side allows for more comfort at night. Additionally, making sure your bedroom has a soothing ambiance may help get you more relaxed before bedtime. If the benefits of having a tummy tuck and a BBL at the same time outweigh the drawbacks for you, making these preparations can help guarantee that you experience the smoothest recovery possible!