Recovery
September 9, 2026
ยท
5 min read

Sleeping, showering and driving after surgery

Dr. Amelia Hart, MD
Dr. Amelia Hart, MD
Woman sleeping on raised pillows in a sunlit bedroom

The small things are what patients ask about most. Here are the answers we give every week.

Sleeping

Sleep on your back with your head or knees raised for the first two weeks, depending on the operation. A recliner helps after a tummy tuck.

Showering

Most patients shower after 48 hours. Pat incisions dry and avoid baths, pools and hot tubs until we say the wounds have closed.

Driving

Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication. Most patients drive again after one to two weeks, once they can turn and brake hard without pain.