Your plastic surgeon will tell you to get plenty of rest while recovering from your breast augmentation procedure and then promptly tell you what position to sleep in and what position not to. Unfortunately, your favorite sleeping position might be on the list of forbidden ones, which can make getting the rest you need more challenging. While we do appreciate the irony here, how you sleep after plastic surgery does matter and can impact your results. After a breast augmentation specifically, an improper sleeping position can increase swelling in your breasts and even cause your new implants to shift.
We need you to sleep in the correct position while you heal, but we want you to be as comfortable as possible while doing it. This guide will help you understand how you need to sleep as you recover from your breast augmentation and provide tips on the best ways to make that happen. We’ll let you know when you can get back to sleeping on your side and start sleeping without a bra again (mercifully), among other things. Whatever you want to know, you’ll probably find it here.
After your breast augmentation, it’s best to sleep on your back with your upper body somewhat elevated. This position reduces swelling, improves circulation around your breasts, and avoids placing strain on your incisions and your new implants. It can also make the transition from lying to standing a bit easier. Some patients find it easier to sleep in a recliner, but you can use a few pillows or a wedge pillow to lift your upper body to a 35- or 45-degree angle if you’re more comfortable in bed.
You’ll need to sleep like this for about four to six weeks after your surgery. If sleeping on your back is difficult for you, consider practicing for a few nights before your surgery. This gives you time to work out the kinks in your new sleeping system so you’re not struggling after surgery when you’re sore and tired.
To keep your breast implants where your surgeon put them, you should wait to resume sleeping on your side for about four to six weeks. You’re ready to do so when your implants start to settle and the swelling in your breasts begins to ease. If you’re not sure if you’re ready, check in with your plastic surgeon.
Take it slow when transitioning from sleeping on your back to your side. Tuck a pillow under your chest and hold one between your arms. Doing this will give you a bit of extra support and reduce the pressure on your breasts.
Sleeping in a bra isn’t the most comfortable thing ever, but your surgical bra further helps to reduce swelling and holds your implants in place. You’ll need to wear one 24/7, including when sleeping, for the first four to six weeks after surgery. After that, some surgeons still recommend wearing the bra at night for up to three months. Fortunately, compression bras don’t contain underwire and provide only mild pressure, so sleeping in yours won’t feel as bad as it sounds.
Some breast augmentation patients have no issues with sleeping on their backs but can’t wait to be able to lie flat again. This too must wait about four to six weeks. Returning to a flat sleeping position too quickly encourages fluid retention, which causes discomfort. While you may feel great while you’re lying flat, it’s a decision you’ll likely regret in the morning.
We know that maintaining the proper sleep position after a breast augmentation can prove challenging, especially if you don’t naturally sleep on your back. We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to make it easier:
Sleeping on your back with your torso elevated is crucial for the first four to six weeks after breast augmentation. You’ll also need to sleep in your compression bra for at least this long to reduce swelling and support your implants. If you have questions or find yourself struggling to sleep after your procedure, reach out to your plastic surgeon for help. Adequate rest is important for promoting healing, making it important to ask for help if sleep becomes a struggle.