Can I Sleep on My Stomach After Cheek Filler?

You finally took the plunge and got cheek filler to enhance your facial structure. Now you're wondering - can I sleep on my stomach after this procedure?

This is a common question many of our patients have, especially stomach sleepers. The good news is, with a proper recovery plan, you can likely return to your preferred sleeping position within about 1 week after cheek filler. However, there are some important guidelines to follow in the days immediately after to allow optimal healing and avoid complications.

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. That's why we've put together this helpful guide on sleeping after cheek filler. 

Why Your Sleep Position Matters After Cheek Filler

After any dermal filler treatment, it's crucial to avoid putting too much pressure on the area during the initial recovery period. With cheek fillers specifically, sleeping on your stomach places pressure on the delicate treated area. This can lead to:

• Increased swelling and bruising
• Filler shifting or moving from the desired placement
• More discomfort and tenderness during recovery

Additionally, directly rubbing your face against a pillow while stomach sleeping can aggravate swelling and cause irritation.

For these reasons, we recommend taking precautions with your sleep position in the first 1-2 nights after cheek filler injections. But once the worst of the swelling has resolved, most patients can return to stomach sleeping without an issue.

When Can I Sleep on My Stomach Again After Cheek Filler?

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we advise patients to avoid sleeping on their stomach for 1-2 days after cheek filler. This gives your body enough time to begin absorbing the filler material and for the swelling to start subsiding.

Here are our general cheek filler sleeping position guidelines:

Timeline	Sleeping Position	Instructions
Night 1-2	Back with head elevated	Avoid sleeping on your stomach during this initial recovery period.
Night 3-4	Transition to side sleeping	Introduce some partial time on your stomach using pillows to prop hips and chest slightly if comfortable.
1 Week After	Full stomach sleeping	Most patients are ready to resume full stomach sleeping. Ensure the treated area is not under excessive pressure.
Post-Treatment	Listen to your body	If stomach sleeping causes discomfort even at 1 week post-treatment, hold off for a few more nights. Ensure the treated area is not under excessive pressure.

We always recommend listening to your body first and foremost. If stomach sleeping causes any significant discomfort even at 1 week post-treatment, hold off for a few more nights. The key is ensuring the treated area is not under excessive pressure.

Every patient heals differently based on factors like age, metabolism, filler amount, and placement technique. Your exact timeline for returning to preferred sleep positions may vary.

Best Sleeping Positions After Cheek Fillers

Here are the ideal sleep positions Dr. Lanna recommends after cheek filler injections:

Back Sleeping

Sleeping on your back is the go-to position immediately after treatment. Elevate your upper body with an extra pillow or two to keep your head higher than your heart. This will help reduce swelling. Avoid direct pressure on your cheeks - a soft pillow under the knees can help maintain this position.

Side Sleeping

Once the initial swelling has gone down, transitioning to side sleeping lets you take pressure off the treated area. Use lots of pillows for padding and support. Alternate sides during the night to avoid putting prolonged pressure on one cheek.

Stomach Sleeping

About 1 week post-treatment you can likely resume sleeping on your stomach. The key is using slim, soft pillows that don't apply excess pressure as you transition back to this position. See our tips in the next section for how to stomach sleep comfortably.

Any Non-Face Down Positions

Back and side sleeping are preferable, but you can also try propped up positions where your face does not press into the pillow. Prop yourself up on your forearms, use pillows under your chest/stomach, or invest in a body pillow for support.

How To Sleep on Stomach After Cheek Fillers

If you're a die-hard stomach sleeper, not being able to sleep in your favorite position can be challenging. Here are Dr. Lanna's top tips for transitioning back to stomach sleeping after cheek filler:

• Invest in a slim, soft memory foam pillow to minimize pressure on the treated area. Avoid thicker, firmer pillows.
• Use pillows under your torso, hips, or legs to raise your body slightly off the bed when laying face down. This reduces direct pressure on the cheeks.
• Try turning your head to one side while stomach sleeping. Rotating sides periodically further helps avoid constant pressure.
• Secure long hair back into a loose braid or bun at night. This prevents strands from getting wrapped around and tugging on your face.
• Keep your sleeping surface soft by using a foam mattress pad or mattress topper. Hard surfaces will be more irritating.
• Stay hydrated and moisturize your skin well to prevent irritation from rubbing on pillowcases.
• If discomfort persists, wait 1-2 extra weeks until your filler has fully settled before stomach sleeping.

Other Recovery Tips for Cheek Fillers

In addition to watching your sleep position, here are some other tips for looking after yourself during the cheek filler recovery period:

• Apply cold compresses to reduce initial swelling for 1-2 days. Then switch to warm, moist heat.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after your injection to keep blood pressure low.
• Help the filler settle by massaging your cheeks gently after the first few days.
• Take arnica supplements and over-the-counter pain medication as needed for discomfort.
• Stay hydrated and follow a balanced diet high in pineapples, berries, greens, fish, and nuts.
• Wear mineral SPF 30+ daily to protect your skin while healing.
• Wait 1-2 weeks for full effects of the filler to see before assessing if you want touch-ups.

Cheek Filler Consultation With Dr. Lanna

Book a one-on-one liquid facelift consultation today to learn about the types of cheek filler best suited for your unique needs. We'll take the time to understand your cosmetic goals, thoroughly explain your options, and answer any questions you have.

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, your satisfaction is our top concern. That's our commitment. We look forward to helping you reveal your most confident, radiant self with a cheek enhancement tailored just for you!