Tips for Sleeping after a Cosmetic Breast Procedure

If you are having breast augmentation surgery with breast implants or a breast lift procedure, getting enough sleep is going to be an important part of your recovery. Your plastic surgeon will advise you about certain precautions that you need to take in the first few weeks, including sleeping positions after cosmetic breast surgery. Here are some tips on sleeping safely and comfortably after undergoing a cosmetic breast procedure.

Do and don'ts after breast surgery

Do Get Enough Sleep

When you're sleeping, your body enters into a state of repair. That's why it's very important to get enough sleep during your recovery from cosmetic breast surgery. Sleep will give your body a chance to heal itself and reduce pain and inflammation, thereby speeding up the healing process after breast enlargement or lift.

Do Practice Mindfulness

Being stressed, unhappy, or mentally tired can delay healing after breast surgery. It's not uncommon to experience a range of emotions after a surgery, and these emotions can affect your sleep quality. That's why it's important to proactively practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which in turn, will set the stage for more restful sleep. Even something as simple as deep breathing or focusing on pleasant thoughts can work wonders for breast augmentation patients during recovery.

Do Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Plan to go to bed and get up at around the same time every day, including weekends. Ensure that your bedroom is dark, quiet, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature. Stop using electronic devices such as computers, tablets, mobile phones, and TVs at least 2 hours before bedtime. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine later in the day. These are small changes that can calm and clear your mind before bedtime and help you sleep comfortably.

Do Start Moving

You should start moving around after your breast augmentation surgery as soon as your plastic surgeon gives you the green signal. Usually, gentle walking is recommended from day 1. Not only is this good for your overall health, but it also boosts sleep quality and duration. Do not undertake any strenuous exercise, however, until your surgeon says it's okay.

Don't Sleep on Your Stomach Until Cleared

Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your breast implants after breast augmentation and cause them to slide out of place.

Don't Smoke

Smoking cigarettes or any other tobacco products can reduce blood flow to the breast tissue at the surgical site and delay healing.

Don't Shower, Bathe, or Swim Until Cleared

Follow your plastic surgeon's instructions about showering, bathing, and swimming. In general, it is okay to shower 48 hours after your surgery. However, you will need to avoid baths, hot tubs, and swimming pools for 6 weeks.

Don't Lift Anything Heavy Until Cleared

You should avoid any heavy lifting, including lifting and carrying heavy grocery bags, small children, etc., after your plastic surgery until your surgeon clears you to do so.

Don't Skip Appointments

It's important to keep all follow-up appointments with your board certified plastic surgeon so that they can make sure you are healing up okay after breast augmentation, lift, or other cosmetic surgery on the breasts.

What is the best sleeping position after breast implants?

The best sleeping position after breast enhancement plastic surgery is sleeping on your back with the upper body slightly elevated on a few soft pillows. You can also sleep in a recliner, if that works better for you. This sleeping position ensures that your incisions heal without any pressure on them. It also allows your breast implants, if put in place, to settle into position. It is the safest sleeping position that also helps to minimize breast soreness and swelling. Sleeping on your back also allows scar tissue to form and heal properly. Lastly, sleeping on your back involves less use of the upper body when getting out of bed.

Can you sleep on your side after breast surgery?

Sleeping on your side is the second best position after cosmetic breast surgery. It is okay to do so if you absolutely cannot sleep on your back. If you choose to sleep on your side, you will need to take some precautions. You should place a pillow under your breasts to reduce the pressure on them. You will also need to wear the surgical bra recommended by your plastic surgeon to keep swelling down and keep your new implants in place.

How long do I need to sleep upright after breast augmentation surgery?

Plastic surgeons recommend that you sleep on your back with the upper body elevated at a 30-45 degree angle for 4-6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery.

Should I wear a bra to bed after breast surgery?

Yes, your plastic surgeon will advise you to wear a surgical support bra at all times for the first 4 weeks after breast augmentation plastic surgery. After 4 weeks, you may stop wearing a bra at night. However, you should continue wearing a supportive but non-underwire bra for a total of 8 weeks after breast augmentation. After 8 weeks, you can return to wearing underwire bras.

What happens if you don't wear a compression bra after breast augmentation?

Failure to wear a compression bra after breast augmentation plastic surgery puts you at risk of implant dislocation (the implants can slip down or slide to the side). It can also prolong your recovery with the soreness and swelling lasting longer.

How do I prepare for post surgery sleeping positions?

Many people are used to sleeping on their sides or stomach. Sleeping on your back after breast augmentation can take some getting used to. That's why it's important to start preparing before your surgery. Just a few nights of "practice" and experimentation can help you find a comfortable position that is also safe for sleeping after breast augmentation. Here are some tips that might help.

Positioning pillows can help you get comfortable. For instance, a pillow under each arm can make it easier to sleep on your back.

People with low back discomfort may find that a pillow under the knees makes this sleeping position more comfortable.

A pillow that holds your head in place can help prevent you from rolling onto your side or stomach.

Once you are fully healed, you will be able to sleep in whatever position you like. But it's important to sleep on your back for the first few weeks after breast augmentation surgery. And if you find this position is comfortable, go ahead and continue to do so - it can reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and keep your spine in a relaxed, neutral position.