After your breast augmentation surgery, you’ll need to sleep on your back in an elevated position for the first several days. This keeps your breasts in a more natural position, improves circulation, and minimizes swelling. It also makes it easier to get in and out of bed without straining your arm and chest muscles.
It is essential to get plenty of rest after any type of surgery. Sleep is a vital component of a healthy immune system, which can aid in a faster recovery. The recovery period after breast augmentation may find you feeling fatigued, which is common as your body tries to increase blood flow to the areas that need nutrients and oxygen to heal. Sleeping provides your body with the mechanism to allow this to occur; however, your sleeping position after breast augmentation is an integral part of the recovery process.
Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. James Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, are some of the leading surgeons in the Long Island area when it comes to breast augmentation. When women consider getting breast implants, it’s important to remember that a vital part of the process is the recovery period.
Although there aren’t any set guidelines for the ideal sleeping position after breast augmentation, there are a few suggestions from the professionals on how to get a good night’s sleep without endangering your newly enhanced breasts.
In this blog post, we’ll look at When can I sleep flat on my back after breast augmentation and How should I sit after breast augmentation.
How Long Do I Need To Sleep Elevated After Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation overview
It has never been a better time in Long Island, NY, to consider breast implants. With medical advances and state-of-the-art surgical centers like Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, women can enhance their profile and feel better about how they look. Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, giving patients more size and shape to their natural breasts. Breast implants can have a significant impact on a woman’s life and self-confidence, but it’s important to remember that postoperative care is an essential part of the journey.
The recovery period after breast augmentation
As with any cosmetic surgery, your body will change daily as it heals. With breast implants, the final results won’t be entirely complete until 6 – 9 months after surgery. The first few weeks of recovery after breast augmentation are important to the process. By letting your body heal, your implants can settle and make the recovery process a little easier. Sleeping comfortably and getting enough rest are two main goals. One of the most common questions patients ask the experts at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery is “How should I sleep after getting breast implants?”
Can I sleep on my side with implants?
The sleeping position used after breast augmentation is essential to the healing process. After a few days, the swelling and bruising will start to dissipate, but for the first 4 – 6 weeks after surgery, you must sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back and keeping your back, shoulders, and head elevated after breast augmentation takes the pressure off the implants and incisions while they heal. If you are able to elevate your upper body by 30 – 40 degrees, it can minimize any swelling that occurs overnight. It can even help to assure the final results and reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Many patients can return to sleeping on their side while wearing full bra support after six weeks, but sleeping on your stomach is not an option until your plastic surgeon gives the okay.
Sleeping position after breast augmentation
It is a good idea to start training yourself to sleep correctly before your actual surgery. Here are some helpful tips to use when you return home to recover:
- Extra pillows are key! Use pillows to elevate your body into a more upright position on your back, while placing other pillows under each arm. This prevents your body from rolling over while sleeping.
- An extra pillow under your knees will properly align your back to alleviate any lower back discomfort.
- A special neck pillow might help to hold your head in place.
- If you accidentally roll over on your side while sleeping, carefully reposition yourself to your back as soon as possible.
Working closely with Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery can help you follow best practices during your breast augmentation recovery period.
Additional tips for sleeping after breast implant surgery:
- Avoid caffeine or other sleep disruptors before bed, such as TV or screen time.
- Take a warm shower before bed to promote relaxation.
- Wear a supportive bra while sleeping, which will ease any tension on the incisions and keep your breasts in place while enhancing your overall recovery.
- Light walking and getting up throughout the day is highly recommended to promote healing. It increases circulation, which can reduce the risk of blood clots or other postoperative complications.
When Can I Sleep Flat On My Back After Breast Augmentation
During your breast augmentation recovery period, you’ll be advised to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. To prevent shifting or rolling in your sleep, you can place extra pillows, rolled-up towels, or other supports around your sides. Some women choose to sleep in a recliner during breast augmentation recovery.
Sleeping on your back after getting breast implants helps to minimize pressure on your healing tissues and incisions while also helping to reduce postoperative swelling and discomfort. Even women who typically feel more comfortable sleeping on their stomach report that back-sleeping after a breast augmentation is naturally the most comfortable position.
When can I sleep on my stomach with breast implants?
Generally speaking, patients can resume sleeping on their side or front once they feel comfortable doing so, which typically takes about 6 – 12 weeks. After this time, the breast augmentation incisions should be fully closed, and the majority of swelling, bruising, and pain will be resolved. Because each patient is unique, however, Dr. Chiddy will closely monitor your healing and recovery progress during a series of postoperative follow-up appointments and let you know when you can be considered clear to resume sleeping on your stomach, exercising, and other activities.
What should I do to prepare for breast augmentation recovery?
Knowing what to expect ahead of time, including how your sleeping position may need to change, can help to make your breast augmentation recovery experience as seamless and comfortable as possible. Prior to your surgery, use these helpful tips for preparing for a breast implant recovery:
- Schedule time off of work
- Coordinate help with children and household chores
- Prepare healthy foods and snacks
- Adjust your medications as needed
- Stop smoking
- Take recommended supplements as directed
- Pick up your prescriptions
- Prepare a comfortable resting area
- Prepare a proper sleeping area
- Be sure to have plenty of comfortable, loose-fitting clothing handy (shirts that button or close in the front are recommended)
How Elevated Should I Sleep After Breast Augmentation
how elevated should i sleep after breast augmentation
When undergoing breast augmentation surgery, it is important to consider the positioning of your body while sleeping to ensure proper healing and optimal results. Many surgeons recommend sleeping with your upper body elevated for the first few weeks following surgery to reduce swelling and discomfort. But how elevated should you sleep after breast augmentation?
The ideal angle for sleeping after breast augmentation is typically between 30 to 45 degrees. This angle helps to promote proper circulation, reduce swelling, and minimize the risk of complications such as capsular contracture. Sleeping at a slight incline also helps to keep pressure off the chest area, allowing the implants to settle into place more naturally.
There are several ways to achieve the recommended elevation while sleeping after breast augmentation:
1. Use a wedge pillow: A wedge pillow is a specially designed pillow that provides support and elevation for your upper body. Placing a wedge pillow under your back and shoulders can help you maintain the proper angle while sleeping.
2. Stack pillows: If you don’t have a wedge pillow, you can stack regular pillows to create a similar incline. Make sure the pillows are securely stacked to prevent them from shifting during the night.
3. Adjustable bed: If you have an adjustable bed, you can easily raise the head of the bed to the desired angle for sleeping. This allows you to customize the elevation to your comfort level.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions for sleeping after breast augmentation, as individual recommendations may vary based on the type of implants used and the surgical technique. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend sleeping in a recliner or on your back to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
In addition to proper elevation while sleeping, it is also important to avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides for the first few weeks after surgery. This can put pressure on the implants and disrupt the healing process. Instead, try to sleep on your back with pillows supporting your upper body and arms to maintain the recommended angle.
Overall, the key to successful healing after breast augmentation is to follow your surgeon’s instructions closely and take proper care of yourself during the recovery process. By sleeping with your upper body elevated at the recommended angle, you can help promote optimal healing and achieve the best possible results from your breast augmentation surgery.
How Should I Sit After Breast Augmentation
After undergoing breast augmentation surgery, it is crucial to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. One important aspect of recovery is sleeping in an elevated position for at least one to two months, with the majority of patients needing to do so for around six weeks. This elevated position helps to reduce swelling, which is a common side effect of surgery, by taking pressure off the incision areas and the implants themselves.
When sleeping in an elevated position after breast augmentation surgery, it is recommended to use a wedge pillow or multiple pillows to prop yourself up at a 30 to 45-degree angle. This angle allows for proper drainage of fluids and reduces the risk of complications such as hematoma or seroma formation. Additionally, sleeping in an elevated position can help improve circulation and promote faster healing.
Swelling is a natural response to surgery and is part of the body’s healing process. By sleeping in an elevated position, you can help minimize swelling and discomfort, allowing for a smoother recovery. It is important to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions regarding sleeping positions and post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome.
In addition to sleeping in an elevated position, it is important to avoid sleeping on your stomach or sides for the first few weeks after surgery. This can put pressure on the incision sites and implants, potentially causing complications or affecting the final results. It is best to sleep on your back with your upper body elevated to reduce strain on the surgical areas.
Overall, sleeping in an elevated position after breast augmentation surgery is a crucial aspect of the recovery process. By following this recommendation, you can help reduce swelling, promote proper healing, and achieve the best possible results from your surgery. Remember to consult with your surgeon for personalized advice and guidance throughout your recovery journey.
| Days Post-Surgery | Recommended Sleeping Position |
|——————-|——————————|
| 1-14 days | Back with upper body elevated |
| 15-30 days | Back with slight elevation |
| 31-60 days | Back with minimal elevation |