After your breast augmentation procedure, you’re probably eager to get back to normal. However, it’s essential that you follow all post-surgery instructions to ensure that the breasts heal properly and produce the best possible results.
Sleeping positions are one of the first things that patients need to be aware of during their recovery period. Specifically, you should avoid sleeping on your side and stomach after your breast augmentation. These sleeping positions can place added stress on the breasts that prevent them from healing properly, causing additional discomfort, bruising, swelling and even unwanted complications.
How to Sleep After Breast Augmentation
Instead of sleeping on your back or on your side, you should sleep exclusively on your back after breast augmentation. You should also elevate the upper body to help reduce swelling in the breasts. This can be accomplished by sleeping with multiple pillows or using a mattress that has an adjustable incline. Sleeping on your back can be a tough adjustment if you don’t usually sleep in this position, so we encourage patients to practice sleeping in this position leading up to their surgery. Furthermore, sleeping on your back in an elevated position can make it easier to get in and out of bed without placing significant strain on the body.
How Long After a Breast Augmentation Can I Sleep on My Side?
Once the breasts have healed enough and have approval from their surgeon, patients can resume sleeping on their side. In most cases, it will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks after breast augmentation for patients to be able to sleep on their side. However, this comes with the requirement that patients wear a full bra while sleeping on their side. The bra will provide continued support to the breasts throughout the healing process and ensure that you can sleep safely. A few months later, the breasts will be completely healed and you will be able to sleep on your side (or other positions) without restrictions.
When Can I Sleep on My Stomach After Breast Augmentation?
Although you can sleep on your side as early as 4 to 6 weeks after breast augmentation, it can take a bit longer to resume sleeping on your stomach. This is because sleeping on your stomach will place even more pressure on the breasts than sleeping on your side. Most patients will have to avoid sleeping on their stomach until their breasts have fully healed, which can take a few months. Other patients may begin sleeping on their stomachs somewhere between 6 and 12 weeks after surgery, given that they have approval from their surgeon.
Keep in mind that the sleeping positions that are appropriate for you during your recovery process may also depend on the size of your implants and the surgical techniques involved. As such, patients may have guidelines that vary slightly from the estimates provided above. To learn more about the breast augmentation recovery process or schedule a consultation for your breast augmentation, contact us today. Body by Leverett offers this and other cosmetic surgery services to the residents of Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale and the surrounding areas of Arizona.