Key Takeaways
- Finding the comfortable sleep position to use after lipo or bbl is really important to protecting your new surgical areas and aiding in your recovery.
- With the right supportive pillows and a dedicated sleep space, you can comfortably stay in doctor-recommended positions all night long.
- Keeping pillows on hand to elevate treated areas can help reduce swelling and bruising, as well as keeping harsh pressure away from sensitive spots.
- By following your surgeon’s specific instructions on sleep positions, you can ensure a more secure healing process and maintain optimal results in the long run.
- Getting comfortable with new sleep positions and routines ahead of your procedure will make the transition much smoother post-op.
- Be persistent and monitor your body closely. Doing this will ensure you’re being as accommodating as possible to help your body heal and to get back to sleeping normally in due time.
Finding a comfortable sleep position after lipo or bbl is key to the healing process. Pick positions that help reduce your pain and let you remain in that position the entire evening.
In Los Angeles, long summer days and sultry evenings lead to a diverse array of cultural activities. Consequently, many patients find themselves side sleeping or using body pillows to prevent placing pressure on sensitive spots.
It’s simply not realistic to sleep on your back or stomach post-op for most patients. As a result, people attempt to sleep in side-lying positions or propped-up locations with multiple cushions.
Using a wedge pillow or a soft foam donut under the thighs can help raise the pressure off sore spots. In addition to being comfy sleep positions, being light and cool at night with little bedding helps.
Then, find out which sleep arrangements are most conducive to LA life.
Why Sleep Position Is Crucial
Choosing your sleep position post liposuction or Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is crucial for proper healing and recovery. Well, I’ll tell you … it’s terribly important to your healing process! During those initial weeks post surgery, recommended sleeping positions can significantly affect your recovery progress, influencing how your results from the BBL procedure are showing up.
Protecting Your Investment
Getting your sleep position right helps to protect these important areas, where lipo or fat grafting may have been performed. After a BBL, the transplanted fat cells require time to “take root” and receive blood supply from surrounding tissues. Excessive pressure—such as that caused by sleeping on your back—can damage those cells and decrease fat survival rates.
Pillows behind the knees and under the belly will assist in keeping weight off the grafted areas. Maintaining a side or stomach sleeping position for the first 6–8 weeks prevents direct pressure on your butt. This prevents complications such as seromas or an infection. It’s important to follow all general sleep guidelines provided by your surgeon; it can be key to your healing progress.
Speeding Up Your Healing
Good sleep helps you heal faster. The key is sleeping on your stomach or side supported by pillows so that gravity works to help you heal. This method reduces inflammation and helps you stay pain-free!
A regular sleep schedule allows your body to restore more quickly each night by allowing tissues to regenerate during sleep. Better, higher quality sleep translates to less pain and a quicker recovery.
Minimizing Swelling and Bruising
Using pillows to elevate areas of your body helps reduce bruising and swelling. For instance, if you’re sleeping on your tummy, putting a pillow under your hips takes pressure away from bruised spots.
A little soft movement before bed can be good for circulation, which will promote bruises fading.
Ensuring Optimal Results
Follow your surgeon’s sleep recommendations to ensure the best possible results. If you experience any new soreness, change your sleep environment.
As you sleep, your body repairs itself, and a cool, dark, quiet room can help you sleep more deeply.
Best Sleep Positions Post-Surgery
If you’re recovering from lipo or a BBL, finding a comfortable sleep position might feel impossible. It’s necessary for your healing! Your sleep patterns directly influence how quickly you heal. They affect how comfortable you are sleeping at night and how your end results look.
This section breaks down sleep positions that work for most people, how body shape and surgery type play a role, and how you can tweak your setup at home to get through those first few nights and weeks. Each method comes with benefits and drawbacks, and identifying the best method for your physique and stage of healing is key.
1. Stomach Sleeping: The BBL Go-To
Stomach sleeping might be the most common go-to after BBL, but it isn’t as easy as just turning over. Surprisingly, most surgeons don’t recommend stomach sleeping immediately after surgery. Stomach sleeping on your new curves can place too much pressure directly on your new curves, hindering the healing transferred fat cells.
This pressure could be damaging your results! These newly transplanted fat cells require time to settle down and establish their own blood supply. If there’s too much pressure too soon, these new cells will either die or move.
If sleeping on your stomach is your only option, contact your surgeon immediately. They can help you find the safest way to accomplish it. In some cases, minor changes such as placing thin pillows under the hips or chest might help remove pressure from the buttocks.
For the majority of people, this sleep position is not ideal, and you should consider one of the alternatives below. Only your doctor will be able to tell you how your body is healing and what potential risks there are for you. If you have been given the go-ahead to start sleeping on your stomach, ease into it.
Continue to gauge your comfort level and look out for any irritation or tingling sensations!
2. Back Sleeping: Lipo Recovery Focus
Back sleeping is lipo recovery’s favorite. Once you get past the first two weeks, it’s the typical go-to guidance for BBLers. Now, the new shape is protected from any direct pressure! Lying on your back distributes pressure across your body.
Because this position allows you to keep your buttocks and hips elevated off the bed, it reduces swelling, allowing the fat to find its home. It can be difficult for some people to adjust to back sleeping, even more so if you’re tender from incision points.
Wedge pillows or a stack of firm pillows underneath your knees and upper back help form a slight slope for your body. This position alleviates pressure on healing areas and helps with deeper breath expansion. Your spine should remain neutral, keeping your head and neck aligned with your back.
If you’re still waking up with aches and pains, try changing your pillows. Continue adjusting them until you find your ideal position and get some snug sleep! Even small adjustments, such as a rolled towel under your knees, can really help.
3. Modified Side Sleeping: When Permitted
Moving to side sleeping can be a possibility later in recovery, but it’s all about timing. As a rule, most surgeons will advise no side sleeping for at least six weeks following lipo or BBL. Even then, do not apply any weight on the areas to which fat was transferred.
Avoid new incisions, too! A body pillow can provide added support and help you remain in position. Place the pillow against your lower back to prevent rolling onto your back or stomach while you sleep.
Rest a small pillow between your knees to maintain hip alignment. This one easy tip can soothe your aching back and help prevent pain from coming back. When you begin sleeping on your side, monitor yourself for pain or increased swelling. Take it slow, and don’t push beyond your comfort level.
4. Positions to Absolutely Avoid
Some positions can impede your recovery or worse, create new issues. Sleeping completely flat on your back is dangerous during the first two weeks following a BBL. That’s because it creates undue pressure on your new, enhanced buttocks.
Stomach sleeping is typically forbidden for at least six weeks, but may be cleared sooner by your surgeon. If you curl up tightly or sleep in a position where your body is twisted, it can tug on incision sites and impede your healing process.
For the fidgety sleeper, use pillows to mark off areas of your bed. In this manner, you’ll be able to prevent yourself from rolling into hazardous places. Each morning, pay attention to any areas that are sore, numb, or swollen and make adjustments to find the optimal position.
5. Lipo vs. BBL: Sleep Nuances
While there are overlaps with sleep advice between Lipo and BBL, there are important differences. After lipo, sleeping on your back is generally okay immediately, with proper support. This prevents adding pressure to the areas that were just treated.
For BBL, sleeping on your back is best after the first two weeks, but you need to avoid direct pressure on the buttocks early on. Side sleeping may be permitted after around six weeks, but as always consult your surgeon as to when is advisable for you.
Your recovery timeline, how many areas you had treated, and of course your own comfort level can all change what’s going to be best.
6. How Your Body Shape Impacts Positioning
If you have a wider waist, you might require more cushioning beneath your lower back. If you’re a side sleeper, large hips may require more padding. For those with larger hips and curves, standard pillows may not cut it, which is why adjustable or body pillows are helpful.
Experiment with a variety setups until you find the combination that allows your body to release tension and awaken without pain. Your best setup might vary as you recover, since some of your postoperative swelling will subside, so continue adjusting your arrangement during your recovery.
7. Surgeon’s Advice: Always Priority One
They are most familiar with your individual case, your pace of healing and the positions that will ensure the safety of your results. Mention any sleep problems during your post-operative follow-up appointments, and don’t hesitate to request advice.
If you aren’t feeling quite right or sleeping comfortably, your surgical team should be able to work with you on modifications. No matter how experienced your team is, there’s no substitute for keeping an open line with them to ensure that your recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
Create Your Recovery Sleep Nest
Building a recovery sleep nest after lipo or BBL helps you find a position you can stick with all night, while helping your body heal. In Los Angeles, smart comfort is the new wellness. This arrangement can make a huge difference in how you recuperate from your ride!
The ideal recovery sleep nest includes supportive pillows, soft bedding, and calming touches. Combined, they provide a foundation for consistent restful sleep and alleviate pressure on sensitive areas.
Essential Pillow Strategies
Essential Pillow Strategies
If you must sleep on your stomach, try putting a wedge pillow beneath your chest. This is what you’d typically hear as pillow advice for the first month after BBL. Create a barrier with pillows on either side to prevent you from rolling over.
Experiment with styles, such as memory foam or down-alternative, until you find the right fit. Many post-surgery recoverers adopt specially shaped pillows designed as sleep nests. These pillows prevent excess pressure on new contours and promote swelling reduction.
BBL Pillows: Do They Work?
BBL pillows are designed to raise your thighs and relieve pressure from your backside. Everyone in LA loves these pillows! They’re fantastic, especially for those long nights to prevent that pressure of pain.
Most people report they’re useful for making sure you follow doctor’s sleep recommendations, but some go the extra mile and add additional padding for comfort. Outfitting your sleep environment with a BBL pillow will help you get quality, safer sleep.
The Recliner: Your Early Ally
The recliner for most is the go-to in those early weeks. It allows you to elevate both your legs and upper body, assisting with the return of blood flow and reduction of swelling.
Choose a recliner that has adjustable features. Better sleep is found in cooler rooms—60-67°F—and you can keep a fluffy throw close for cuddling warmth.
Garments and Sleep Comfort
Look for garments that are snug enough to shape without pinching. While in all-day, all-night, all-play mode, loose, soft, breathable fabrics are the way to go.
Restrictive garments can interfere with recovery and disrupt an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
My DIY Pillow Fort Technique
Create a recovery-sized sleep nest out of layers of pillows that props up your chest and knees, and cradles your sides. Readjust as your body recovers.
At first, sleep positions may be uncomfortable or even painful. Angelenos all across the city spread the word about this lifesaving little secret. It’s relatively simple to make and keeps you from moving around during sleep!
Actually Maintaining Sleep Positions
When you come home after lipo or a BBL, staying on your back while you sleep isn’t just a recommendation—it’s essential for your recovery and optimal results. Very few folks in LA and places like it can afford to sleep on their stomach for months. This crucial step keeps pressure off those newly rounder buttocks.
There’s a learning curve for the first couple of nights, but if you stay committed, each subsequent night will be a little easier.
Practice Before Your Surgery
Begin acclimating to prone sleeping well in advance of your surgery date. Experiment with various types of pillows or cushions to find what helps you stay in position best.
Prepare your sleeping environment. Arrange your bed with body pillows, foam wedges, or an actual BBL recovery pillow. These devices can maintain your position and prevent you from rolling onto your back.
Practice naps during the day. Allow your body to adjust to the new routine. Consider gentle breathing exercises or playing soothing music while you relax in your face down position to make the process more comfortable.
Tricks to Stay Put All Night
Use pillows on either side of you as buffers. Farida Sharan, sleep consultant, suggests that a full-length body pillow is the best option for keeping your hips aligned.
For those who like the feel of a weighted blanket, it can offer the calming cocoon and make you feel less restless. A quality sleep mask can prevent disruptions and cue your body that it’s time to sleep.
Sticking to a routine—same time, same process—conditions your mind and body to know what’s coming.
Handling Accidental Position Shifts
If you do wake up out of position, don’t fret. Keep additional pillows on hand to help reposition yourself.
A smartwatch with a gentle alarm or vibration can alert you to correct your posture. Pay attention to your body’s feedback—subtle pains are indications that it’s time to change position.
How Long Until “Normal” Sleep?
Most patients are able to sleep on their back or side within six weeks once again. Maintain a log of your daily progress and seek advice from your surgeon.
It’s important to be patient — healing rates are different for everyone.
Enlisting a Sleep Helper (Partner/Friend)
A sleep partner or friend can provide a second pair of eyes to ensure good posture or alert you if you start turning.
The better you can communicate to them, the better they can support you.
Smart Tips for Better Recovery Sleep
Finding a comfortable BBL sleeping position can be challenging after the Brazilian butt lift procedure. However, making small changes to your space and daily habits can enhance your overall sleep quality and aid in the recovery process, ensuring restorative sleep during this crucial recovery stage.
Manage Pain for Restful Nights
Pain can be a major cause of sleep disruption after surgery. Taking your prescribed pain medicine as directed can minimize these disruptions. With your doctor’s blessing, non-narcotic, over-the-counter aids such as acetaminophen can help cover cracks.
Establish a pain management routine that aligns with your sleep cycle to avoid waking up in pain. Some even maintain a pain journal to identify trends and modify their schedule accordingly. Supportive tools—such as body pillows or foam wedges—can help you stay propped up and shield sensitive healing areas.
Your Pre-Sleep Comfort Routine
A soothing pre-sleep routine will help cue your body to relax and get ready for recovery. Consider reading a book or some gentle stretches to distract yourself from the excitement. The 4-7-8 breathing technique can slow your heart rate and calm your anxiety.
Make sure your room is dark—keep lights low and consider using blackout curtains or a sleep mask to cut out any rush-hour stray streetlights. White noise, sound machines, or the soft hum of a fan all contribute to the feeling of comfort. Loose, lightweight cotton sleepwear will allow you to stay cool and be comfortable.
Diet’s Role in Sleep Quality
Pick foods that are sleep-promoting, such as bananas or almonds. Have your last meal at least two hours before bedtime, and avoid big, fatty meals late in the day. Drink at least eight glasses of water each day!
Do limit fluids in the hour before bed so you don’t wake to use the restroom.
Gentle Movement for Sleep Comfort
Light stretches or yoga — after getting approval from your physician — can help reduce muscle tightness and tension. Get some gentle movement during the day to help your body stay supple.
Avoid overexerting yourself—only do movements that can be done without strain. These gentle movements ensure you not only fall asleep quickly but stay asleep through the night.
Navigating Sleep Challenges Safely
After liposuction or a Brazilian butt lift, sleeping comfortably in the proper position can pose special difficulties. For example, most patients should try not to lie flat on their back for at least eight weeks. This move reduces tension on grafts and allows fat cells to integrate more efficiently during the Brazilian butt lift recovery process.
During the first month, sleeping on the stomach is often recommended to protect the new shape and minimize swelling. Don’t worry, it’s normal for the first couple of nights to feel a little strange. Mild to moderate aching, particularly around lateral incisions, may persist for several days as your body adjusts to your new anatomy.
Sleep disruptions are inevitable in this phase. Restlessness due to shifting in bed or waking up from pain can break deep sleep, which is essential for recovery. Establishing a calming night routine creates the right atmosphere for sleep, giving you the chance to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Fix the issue by cooling your bedroom to between 60-67°F so you can sleep soundly. Anyone who’s ever spent a hot summer night in Los Angeles will tell you that a good fan or air conditioner is a lifesaver. A Brazilian butt lift pillow prevents you from rolling backward onto your back and removes pressure from sensitive areas.
It’s little steps like these that make a difference and help you achieve a good night’s sleep. This is why it pays to stay proactive. Report any unusual pain, numbness or swelling immediately. Be vigilant about your sleep health.
If something doesn’t seem right, contact your surgical team right away! Individuals who have pre-existing health problems, including sleep apnea or chronic pain should work in conjunction with their primary care physicians and surgeons. Together, they can make meaningful changes to sleep routines.
Creating a culture of open and honest communication will help identify any issues sooner and keep you moving forward in your recovery.
My Real Talk on Recovery Sleep
Finding the best sleeping position after lipo or BBL in Los Angeles isn’t simple, at least, not right away. Those first nights are painfully long. One roll over in bed will teach you the new game!
No back-sleeping for 6-8 weeks and no stomach sleeping for an entire month. That can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you’re a side or back sleeper. Others experiment with using inflatable or other special pillows to avoid lying on their backs.
Many people have the best success with a soft, wedge-shaped pillow or a body pillow snugged firm along the border. Keeping the bedroom dark and cool, ideally between 60-67°F, truly can help you fall asleep faster—even if your body is out of whack.
What I Wish I Knew Sooner
Nobody discusses the mental aspect of sleep in the wake of surgery. I discovered quickly that it takes the average person a few weeks before you really start to feel balanced. That’s a very normal assumption to have, that you need to get back on your feet immediately.
Your body needs time for the fat to graft aka take hold and time for the healing process. Some people believe there is a singular “correct” way to sleep—there is not. Experiment to see what works best for you and stick to it consistently.
The Mental Game of Sleep Changes
There’s a lot of anger, there’s a lot of annoyance, there’s a lot of discontent. Feeling stressed about not sleeping well only compounds the situation. I’ve found that mindfulness practices and deep breaths can be beneficial when anxiety attacks at night.
Often, it just helps to know you aren’t alone and other people are experiencing the same thing.
Celebrating Small Sleep Victories
Each night that you go to bed and know how to get comfortable after your bbl surgery is a victory. Celebrating these small victories is essential, as everyone’s recovery path is different, and they signify progress in your overall recovery.
Don’t Underestimate Sleep Frustration
Don’t underestimate sleep frustration. Get onstage and give a TED Talk about it. Be vulnerable with friends and support networks. Don’t underestimate sleep frustration.
Sleep setbacks are to be expected. Your recovery is just as much on schedule.
Conclusion
Finding comfortable sleep positions after lipo/bbl in LA might seem like a circus act. Luckily, you have some great options that truly do work! Here’s how to lay on your belly or side long term after lipo/bbl. Throw some soft pillows under your knees or chest, and let go of that body! Consider using a donut cushion or wedge pillow if you require extra elevation. Follow the guidelines, but listen to your body—if something doesn’t feel right, change it. So stay relaxed, make your environment comfortable, and don’t stress about it too much. Whether you’re recovering in Los Angeles or anywhere else, you have the privilege of good care and support all around you, so let yourself rely on your people. Looking for more genuine advice or unfiltered experiences? Read our complete guide, or tell us your sleep hacks in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest sleep position after lipo or BBL in Los Angeles?
What is the best sleep position after liposuction in Los Angeles? After your bbl procedure, avoid applying weight to your backside. It’s crucial to listen to your surgeon’s operative instructions, as support pillows can help ensure proper healing and prevent rolling during sleep.
How long should I avoid sleeping on my back after BBL?
In general, after a cosmetic procedure like the Brazilian butt lift, surgeons will recommend not sleeping on your back for anywhere from 2–8 weeks. Following your doctor’s care instructions closely is essential for a smooth recovery and surgical success.
Can I use a pillow to help maintain my sleep position after surgery?
The right supportive pillows, such as specialized pillows or wedge pillows, can keep you comfortable during the recovery stage of your Brazilian butt lift procedure and help maintain proper sleeping positions.
What if I accidentally roll over while sleeping?
If you roll over in your sleep after a cosmetic procedure like the Brazilian butt lift, simply return to your original position upon waking. Using additional pillows or a specialized pillow can ensure this doesn’t happen regularly, aiding in your recovery progress.
Is it normal to have trouble sleeping after lipo or BBL?
Is it normal to have difficulty sleeping after a BBL surgery or liposuction? It’s the norm in the Los Angeles region and across the country. Practicing good sleep hygiene and utilizing specialized pillows can enhance recovery during the Brazilian butt lift process.
When can I return to my normal sleep position?
Generally, you’ll be able to return to your normal sleeping positions once approved by your surgeon—typically around 6–8 weeks after the Brazilian butt lift procedure. Always consult your provider before making any adjustments to your recovery stage.
Are there any sleep aids recommended for recovery after lipo/BBL?
Other patients take melatonin or other medications prescribed by their medical professional. Always check with your plastic surgeon before taking any sleep aids to ensure they’re safe for your recovery after a bbl procedure.