When May I Sleep on my Side After Facelift?

One of the most common questions patients ask after a facelift is, “when can I sleep on my side again?” While the answer depends on individual healing processes, there are general guidelines to follow. This blog post will answer this question and discuss more tips for a comfortable recovery following rhytidectomy surgery.

Why Do You Need to Sleep On Your Back after Facelift Surgery

Dr. Chaowen Wu and another plastic surgeons ask that you sleep on your back following your facial rejuvenation surgery. Below are some of the main reasons why this is important:

• Reduce Swelling – sleeping on your back helps minimize swelling and bruising, which are some of the more common side effects after a facelift.
• Support Healing – it allows the surgical area to heal undisturbed and promote optimal results.
• Alleviate Pressure – sleeping on your side may apply pressure on surgical incisions and potentially delay healing or cause discomfort.

When May I Start Sleeping on My Side?

The exact timing will vary from person to person based on the pace of your healing, but here’s a general timeline:

• Week 1 – you’ll mostly be instructed to sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling.
• Week 2 – you may be able to start sleeping on your side with a pillow placed between your legs for support – as your swelling subsides.
• Week 3 – you should gradually be able to sleep in any comfortable position, including on your side.

How to Ensure a Comfortable Recovery after Facelift Surgery

Below are some important tips that you may follow to ensure a comfortable and seamless recovery process following your rhytidectomy plastic surgery.

• Follow Instructions – it’s important that you follow Dr. Wu’s specific post-operative instructions.
• Use a Body Pillow – a body pillow provides extra support and comfort while sleeping on your side.
• Elevate Your Head – it’s important to continue to elevate your head on pillows for a few weeks to minimize swelling.
• Avoid Straining – avoid straining or excessive movement that could disrupt your healing.
• Be Patient – healing takes time. For this reason, you need to be patient and allow your body to recover at its own pace.

Conclusion

Following your facelift plastic surgery in Houston, Dr. Wu and her team at Revel You Facial Plastic Surgery will be available to answer all your questions and provide the support you need to ensure a smooth recovery process. You are encouraged to contact the surgeon’s office whenever you need assistance during your facelift recovery process.