After a breast augmentation surgery, you should sleep on your back, with your upper body in an upright position at approximately 30-45° angle.
By doing so, you will reduce swelling, prevent pressure on the breasts and help maintain the implants' placement for optimal healing. Using pillows to support your back and keep yourself elevated can enhance comfort during sleep and assist in maintaining the recommended posture.
Rest and sleep are vital in healing
Rest and sleep are essential to a smooth recovery after breast augmentation. Good sleep helps the body repair tissues and control inflammation, lowering the risk of complications.
Getting enough rest can speed up healing, and adopting the correct sleeping position can minimise swelling and discomfort, leading to a more comfortable recovery.
Your sleeping habits impact not only your comfort during recovery but also the final results of the procedure. To ensure the best possible healing, you should adhere to the guidelines provided by your surgeon.
Establish ideal healing conditions
You should foster an environment that promotes healing after breast augmentation. This includes not only the physical surroundings but also how you position your body during rest, ensuring the breasts receive proper support and minimising stress on the surgical areas. Make sure to avoid any direct pressure on the breasts while sleeping or resting during the first 4 to 6 weeks post-op.
Sleep elevated for 6 weeks
It is recommended to sleep elevated for 6 weeks after breast augmentation. This position aids in reducing swelling and decreases the risk of pressure on the surgical areas. Using pillows or a specially designed wedge pillow to maintain an elevation of 30-45 degrees helps facilitate better lymphatic drainage and contributes to a more comfortable healing process.
Some patients may be given the go-ahead to sleep on their side or flat on their back after about three weeks. However, this varies from one individual to another.
When can I sleep on my side?
It is considered safe to start sleeping on your side after breast augmentation when your implants have settled and your incisions have healed. For most patients, this is typically recommended around six weeks post-surgery, although the healing process can vary between different patients. Putting a soft pillow under your breasts will give you additional support to avoid unnecessary pressure on your breasts.
At this point it is also considered safe to sleep flat on your back.
Sleeping on the stomach after breast augmentation
Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided at all costs until you receive clearance from your surgeon. If not, this position can apply undue pressure on your breasts, potentially affecting the outcome of the surgery and causing discomfort.
Before attempting to sleep in this position, you should wait until you are sufficiently healed and comfortable. If you have any concerns about this, you should speak to your surgeon. With an Adoreal account, you can easily get in touch with your surgeon, directly from the platform.
What bra should I sleep in?
Sleeping in a supportive bra, such as a specific post-surgical or sports bra, can provide the necessary post-surgery support and stability for your breasts during the night. Your surgeon will recommend a suitable bra that facilitates healing, supports your new shape and minimises movement while sleeping. The key is to choose a bra that is not too tight but offers enough support to aid your recovery.
Tips for getting used to sleeping on your back
If you are not accustomed to sleeping in your back, some adjusting before-hand can help you transition. Here are some tips to getting used to it.
- Prepare yourself by starting to familiarise your body with sleeping on your back a couple of days before the surgery.
- Consider using several pillows to prop yourself into a comfortable, slightly inclined position, preventing you from rolling onto your side or stomach while you sleep.
- Place a pillow under your knees to alleviate lower back pressure, making the back-sleeping position more comfortable.
- Create a calming bedtime routine and avoid caffeine before bed to improve your quality of sleep.