When Can I Sleep On My Side After Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation surgery is generally well tolerated and most patients experience minimal pain or hindrances during their recovery. However, some post-operative instructions are easier to follow than others. Many surgeries—includingbreast augmentation Sarasota—require patients to sleep solely in one position. Therefore, it is not uncommon to have patients ask, “When can I sleep on my side again?”
To understand the timeline for when a patient can return to more natural sleeping positions, let’s look at why it is important to sleep on your back following breast augmentation surgery.
Sleeping After Breast Augmentation Sarasota
Immediately after a breast augmentation, Dr. Sessa instructs patients to sleep on their backs. Firstly, in the days following surgery, swelling will start to become more evident. To minimize swelling and fluid build-up, patients are advised to sleep at a 45 degree angle, which is easiest on your back. Additionally, even if lying elevated in another position, the breasts still are susceptible to fluid build-up whereas laying on your back uses gravity to keep fluids from building up in or around the breasts.
Secondly, the breasts are in their most natural state when standing or lying flat. Therefore, it is best to let them heal this way and it also helps reduce stress on the incisions. As the breasts continue to heal, pressure or uneven forces—like laying on your side—can cause the implants to not settle as attractively.
Patients also need to sleep in their surgical bra until Dr. Sessa says it is no longer necessary. The bra also helps reduce swelling through compression, increase patient comfort, and maintain the shape of the breasts. When a patient is okayed to begin sleeping on their side again, they will need to do so in their surgical bra.
Returning To Side Sleeping
Patients can usually return to side sleeping after about six weeks. However, based on a patient’s individual procedure and healing, it can vary. Stomach sleeping; however, cannot occur for several more weeks. If there is a dire reason a patient must sleep on their side, Dr. Sessa may come up with a plan that limits movement and keeps the breasts supported as they need to be. This is only done in extreme circumstances.
Patients can discontinue elevation after two weeks. Though, residual swelling will persist and it is not a bad idea to keep yourself sleeping in a slightly elevated position for longer. If you have concerns about moving too much or sleeping in a position you are not used to, here are a few tips:
- Practice sleeping on your back and reclined for a few nights before surgery
- Surround yourself with pillows to limit body movement
- Sleep in a recliner if you tend to toss and turn
- Ensure your surgery bra is snug, but not too tight
- Get help from a partner or spouse
Conclusion
Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts is an experienced and renowned cosmetic surgeon. He has performed cosmetic breast surgery in Florida for nearly two decades. He uses a patient-centered approach that helps patients find the right breast implant for them. Dr. Sessa prides himself on educating his patients and up-and-coming cosmetic surgeons.
To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 941-923-1736. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
