One of the most asked questions we get from patients who undergo breast augmentation is, “How do I sleep after my breast augmentation?” You need to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated.
Your sleeping position matters because it helps reduce pressure on your chest. This helps you stay more comfortable, and it reduces the amount of pressure and strain on your incisions.
Always follow the exact instructions your surgeon gives you because everyone’s circumstances differ and so does their rate of recovery.
What Is The Best Sleeping Position After Breast Augmentation?
The best position for sleeping after a breast augmentation is slightly elevated and on your back. Once you are accustomed to sleeping in one position, it is challenging to try to adjust it, but getting your sleep position correct from the start can make a big difference in how your recovery goes and in your final results.
Sleep on Your Back First
Your surgeon will most likely recommend sleeping on your back right after your surgery. Many women find that it takes some getting used to this position if they are naturally side or stomach sleepers.
- Keep pressure off your breasts and incisions.
- Helps maintain the position of the implant during the early healing period.
- Reduces the chance of rolling onto your side or stomach.
Keep Your Upper Body Slightly Elevated
In addition to sleeping on your back, it is also important to keep your upper body slightly raised up in a slight inclined position.
Many women find that sleeping in a recliner and using pillows for support is one of the best ways to stay in the proper healing position.
- A wedge pillow, or pillows that are stacked up can help make you as comfortable as possible.
- Elevation helps with swelling and to prevent fluid buildup.
- It makes getting up to a standing position much easier without using your arms or putting strain on the incisions.
- It alleviates any pressure on your breasts to keep them centered and reduces the risk of the implants shifting during the important early stages of your healing process.
How Long Do You Sleep Elevated After Breast Augmentation?
The timeline of how long to sleep elevated after breast augmentation can vary by surgeon and by patient, but it is normally anywhere from four to six weeks.
- Some patients may need to stay elevated longer than others.
- How long you may need to sleep with your head elevated after your breast augmentation may depend on your rate of healing and the amount of swelling that you have.
- Your surgeon will clear you when it is safe to sleep in a flatter position.
- You also need to take into account how severe your pain is and how mobile you are on how long you should sleep at an incline.
When Can I Sleep on My Side After Breast Augmentation?
Do not sleep on your side until your surgeon gives you the all clear, which is usually several weeks but depends on the speed of your recovery.
- Sleeping on your side too soon can put too much pressure on your incisions.
- It can cause the implants to move from their correct position before the affected breast tissue has healed enough for the implant to settle properly.
- Sleeping on your side can put an uneven amount of pressure on one of your breasts, which may cause more swelling or soreness on one side.
- If you sleep on your side it can slow down blood circulation and prevent it from reaching all the needed areas, which can inhibit the normal healing process.
- It can increase tightness or pulling around the incisions, especially if you move while you are asleep.
Once your surgeon clears you to sleep on your side, you may be advised to:
- Gradually ease into side sleeping.
- Use pillows to help with support.
- Wear a supportive surgical bra.
Tips For Sleeping The First Several Weeks After Breast Augmentation
Preparing your recovery area ahead of time can help make your recovery go more smoothly. Some of the things you can do to stay as comfortable as possible include:
Prevent Rolling In Your Sleep
- Place pillows on both sides of your body.
- Add a pillow under your knees to support your lower back.
- Use a wedge pillow or recliner to help you stay elevated.
- Create a comfortable “nest” to help keep you from rolling during the night.
Keep Needed Items Within Reach
- Water
- Light snacks
- Your phone
- Prescribed medications
- Books or magazines
- Tissues
- TV remote
It is important to try to avoid reaching, twisting, or pushing yourself up with your arms.
Wear Your Compression Bra as Directed
- Provides gentle but needed support for your healing breasts.
- Can help keep implants in the proper position during healing.
- Can improve your comfort level while sleeping.
Are There Sleeping Positions To Avoid After Breast Augmentation?
Yes. Certain sleeping positions can put extra pressure on your breasts, so they should be avoided until you have been cleared by the doctor.
- Sleeping on your stomach can put a lot of pressure on your incisions and on the implants.
- If you begin to sleep on your side too soon after your breast augmentation, it can put too much strain on these areas before they are well healed.
- Sleeping completely flat increases the amount of pressure on your chest and increases the risk of your implants shifting out of place.
Sleeping in an elevated position on your back and using pillows for added support helps you heal properly and can impact your final results.
When To Call Your Surgeon
During your healing process from breast augmentation, it is important to know when something does not feel right and when you should call your surgeon.
- Worsening or severe pain.
- Sudden swelling in one or both breasts.
- You spike a fever.
- New redness or drainage from your incisions.
- Issues sleeping due to uncontrolled discomfort.
Seek immediate medical treatment if you notice:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Where Can I Learn More About Breast Augmentation And Recovery?
You can learn more about breast augmentation and recovery from Dr. Min and his team at Newvue Plastic Surgery.
Dr. George Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast augmentation in Bellevue, WA. and the surrounding areas.
If you are considering breast augmentation, or have questions about implants or how to sleep after breast augmentation, set up a personal consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation?
It depends on what your surgeon recommends that you do. A surgical support bra can help keep your incisions stable and reduce the amount of strain put on your breasts while you are healing.
What if I accidentally roll onto my side while sleeping?
Rolling onto your side too soon after breast augmentation may affect your healing process and your results. This can put uneven pressure on your breasts and your incisions. It can also increase swelling and the way your implants settle. Until your surgeon clears you for side sleeping, you should do all you can to ensure you remain on your back in a slightly elevated position.
Is it normal to have trouble sleeping after breast augmentation surgery?
Yes. It is normal to be uncomfortable after breast augmentation surgery that makes it hard for you to sleep. Your surgeon will prescribe some pain medication that you can use to ease your discomfort, but having to change your normal sleeping position can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep during the first part of your healing process.
Can I use a regular pillow instead of a wedge pillow?
Yes. You can stack up firm pillows to keep you comfortably elevated and nestled in to help prevent too much movement.
