Sleeping after any surgery is one of the best ways to boost your immune system and help your body heal quickly.
However, sleeping is often difficult during the post-operative phase.
So, after a facelift, patients are advised not to sleep on their sides and try to move as little as possible while sleeping, at least for the first week after surgery to avoid pressure on the surgical sites as it can damage the sutures, cause bleeding and increase swelling.
What is the ideal position for sleeping after a facelift ?
The ideal position for sleeping after a facelift is lying on your back with your head elevated.
Sleeping in this position can be difficult for people who are used to sleeping on their side, so it would be a good idea to start getting used to it a few months before the surgery.
Sleeping on your back is a good habit to develop regardless of surgery as many dermatologists say that sleeping on your side is one of the main factors in the formation of facial wrinkles. In addition, sleeping on your back offers some other benefits : it helps relieve back pain and allows for deeper and more restful sleep.
After surgery, patients should avoid sleeping on their side because this position does not only increase swelling, but, it can also cause friction on the facial skin and impede tissue healing especially in the early postoperative period.
When you sleep on your side, the swelling on that side will become greater due to the weight and pressure you put on it. More importantly, sleeping on your side can interfere with the suture. Elevating the head about 30 to 45 degrees is important after any facial surgery to control and decrease swelling.
