Ensuring that you have the correct sleeping position after your facelift relieves the pressure in the surgery sites. If you do not assume the right position, your sutures could open. This would increase swelling and cause bleeding. After your facelift procedure, you should lie on your back with your head elevated above your heart. If you are a side sleeper, this could be a big challenge. It would help if you started practicing sleeping on your back a few months before your surgery.
Dermatologists say that sleeping on your back is good for your skin, even if you do not get a facelift. Side sleeping is one of the leading causes of facial wrinkles and fine lines. Back sleeping also relieves back pain. It can provide you with restful and deep sleep as well. ‘
Sleeping sideways after your facelift causes swelling. It can also irritate the healing facial tissues and cause friction on your facial skin. Sleeping on your side also puts pressure and weight on your facial tissues. This results in swelling and disturbance of the suture lines. You should elevate your head at 30-45 degrees to control and even stop swelling
Generally, it is safe to resume sleeping on your side about 2 to 4 weeks after your facelift surgery. The exact timeline can vary depending on individual healing processes and the specifics of the surgery performed. During follow-up appointments, your surgeon will monitor your recovery and advise you when it’s safe to switch back to side-sleeping.
To help prevent rolling onto your side during sleep, you can use extra pillows or rolled-up towels placed around your body. This precaution can help you maintain the recommended sleeping position and promote a smoother recovery.
Always consult with your surgeon before making any changes to your post-operative care routine, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
You can start by sleeping in a recliner. This type of chair forces you to stay on your back as you sleep. When you sleep on this chair, your risk of turning over is low. You are then less likely to irritate your surgical sites.
Choose a firm mattress if you want to try to sleep in your bed. This type of mattress can stabilize you enough to maintain your back sleeping position. A pillow with arms or a horseshoe-shaped travel pillow can help you stay on your back. You can also place pillows and rolled-up towels on your sides to keep you from rolling on your sides as you sleep. A 30-degree wedge-type pillow can also do the job.
Be sure to place the extra pillows behind your head down to the area between your scapula or shoulder blades. Doing so will help extend your chin. You should also place a pillow under your knees. This will support the natural curve of your body and increase your level of comfort.
It may take some effort to sleep on your back after your facelift, but the rewards will be significant. At Aesthetic Surgical Associates, we guide our patients even during post-surgery aftercare to ensure that they achieve their cosmetic goals. You can visit our clinic in Metairie, Louisiana, for an in-person consultation. Please call us at (504) 226-8200 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about our facelift packages.
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