Best Sleeping Position For Men After Surgery

By Vitali Azouz M.D.

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Published on March 2025

Sleeping Your Way to Recovery

Your surgery is just the beginning – if you are interested in optimizing your new surgical results, you must pay special attention to the recovery process at home. The most underestimated aid to recovery is your sleep. When you sleep better, you feel better and heal faster! Hence, it is critical that you follow your surgeon’s instructions and any recommendations on sleeping positions and aids. While the best sleeping position for men after surgery will depend on the surgery type and the operation’s target area, some general guidelines are listed below. Please contact us at HIM Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, if you have any questions or concerns.

Tips for Better Sleep After Plastic Surgery:

  • Elevation: Patients are recommended to elevate the surgical area during sleep by using pillows or an elevated bed. This helps prevent and alleviate fluid buildup and relieve extra pressure at the surgical site. The upper body is elevated for upper-body surgeries, and the lower body is elevated for lower-body surgeries.
  • Sleeping On Your Back: Sleeping on your back is generally recommended for most surgeries unless it is a back surgery. When you are resting on your back, your body weight is evenly distributed. This position prevents extra pressure on any part of the body and lets the musculoskeletal frame carry its burden naturally.
  • Sleeping On Your Side: While this position is usually discouraged for most surgeries due to the uneven pressure it can put on the body, for some surgeries, such as back surgery, this is the only way a patient can sleep during the recovery period. It is important to try not to sleep on your shoulders as this may weaken your shoulder joints over time.
  • Body and Firm Pillows: Patients are recommended to use firm pillows to help alleviate the pressure on the surgical site. Some patients may prefer body pillows that help lift various body parts to create a more comfortable contour during sleep. These pillows can also act as a barrier to the body rolling into a position of detriment to the surgical site.
  • Maintaining Sleep Routine: Patients are encouraged to maintain a regular sleep schedule to help recovery. Deep sleep is essential for the body to rebuild its tissue.

It is important to remember that every patient’s recovery journey is unique, and what may work for one person may not work for another. Patients are encouraged to consult their plastic surgeon for personalized advice on the best sleeping positions after their surgery. At HIM Plastic Surgery, we are committed to helping you build back stronger.

Why Choose HIM Plastic Surgery?

At HIM Plastic Surgery, we aim to empower men to look and feel their best by providing top-tier, specialized plastic surgery services tailored exclusively for them. Our skilled surgical team combines expert techniques with personalized care to help every man who walks through our doors feel more confident and improve his quality of life. We focus on tailoring each treatment plan to meet individual needs, ensuring natural and harmonious results. Our goal is to provide a comfortable, male-friendly environment equipped with the latest technology to guarantee the highest standards of safety and effectiveness.

Schedule A Consultation

HIM Plastic Surgery is your one-stop shop for aesthetic male surgeries. We pride ourselves on providing preparatory and post-surgical patient care. Call (469) 507-3446 to schedule your consultation, or use our consultation request form. A concierge team member will contact you promptly.

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