Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure intended to increase the size of the breasts. This is achieved through purposefully designed implants, such as those manufactured by industry leaders GC Aesthetics and Motiva. While this is a relatively straightforward surgery with typical risk factors, resting can be awkward due to the bodily position of the breasts. Our recommendations following surgeries like breast augmentation are always given with quality of patient experience in mind.
Sleeping after breast augmentation surgery
After any surgical procedure, it’s important that patients get adequate rest and follow any recommendations from the doctor. When you are asleep, your body focuses more on rejuvenation and repair. Following surgeries, this can help to:
- Promote healthy blood flow.
- Limit and reduce inflammation.
- Encourage regeneration of cells.
- Reduce residual pain and tenderness.
The recommended position for sleeping after breast augmentation surgery is lying flat on your back with the upper body slightly elevated. This helps prevent fluids from building up, improves circulation, and keeps the breasts in a steady position as they heal.
What if I’m not used to sleeping upright?
For those who aren’t accustomed to sleeping on their back, the change might seem difficult at first. However, there are some steps you can take to help ease yourself into sleeping in this position. This includes:
- Using pillows to position the body accordingly. This might take some experimenting to find a position that’s comfortable.
- Putting pillows or other soft items either side of your head to keep it in place.
- Placing a pillow under the knees in order to maintain back alignment.
- Roll back to your back when you notice yourself going over onto your side or stomach.
When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
Rolling onto your side can put pressure on new implants and the incisions around the breasts. In most cases, patients will be able to sleep on their side two weeks after the surgery. Although a supportive bra should still be worn. If you’re unsure at any stage during the recovery period, simply schedule a consultation with your surgeon and they will advise on the best course of action. You must receive approval from your surgeon before sleeping on your stomach however.
What if I have to get up in the middle of the night?
It’s relatively common for those recovering from medical and cosmetic surgeries to experience unusual bowel movements. If this, or another reason, causes you to get out of bed in the night, don’t make any sudden movements and try to keep your torso in an upright position. You can take steps to help control your bowel movements, such as taking a fibre supplement or a mild laxative.
Other considerations when recovering from breast augmentation surgery
As we’ve discussed, getting adequate sleep will help you to recover. However, during this period it’s important to be mindful of putting unnecessary strain on the body as this could extend the recovery time and risk injury. Specifically, you should avoid heavy lifting, bending down, motions that bring the arms above your head, and activities which result in an increased blood flow. For the first two weeks following breast augmentation surgery, you will likely experience some of the following:
- Fatigue.
- Discomfort and tenderness in the chest.
- Difficulty washing.
- Dehydration.
- Any effects related to prescribed medication such as constipation.
If you have undergone breast augmentation revision, you will be advised to follow similar sleeping recommendations.
Cosmetic expertise with a friendly face
No two patients will have the same experience when trying to sleep after surgery, especially one affecting the torso such as breast augmentation. So while this piece contains medical advice for sleeping after undergoing breast augmentation, you can also incorporate some of your usual routine. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Recent Comments