Proper sleep positioning is crucial for healing after breast augmentation with implants. During the recovery period, you will need time to recover, and how you sleep can significantly impact your comfort, the healing of the surgical incisions, and the final results of the procedure. Understanding the correct sleeping positions, along with any adjustments that need to be made, can help reduce discomfort and promote recovery. Here’s what you need to know about sleeping after the breast augmentation procedure.
Sleep on Your Back
During the initial healing phase, it is important that you avoid putting any tension or pressure on the incision sites. To do this, you need to sleep on your back. This sleeping position also prevents any strain on the healing tissues, reducing the risk of implant shifting or discomfort. When sleeping on your back, put extra pillows on your sides to maintain the position. This will also prevent you from rolling to your sides or chest, which can put unnecessary tension on the healing breasts.
Elevate Your Upper Body
Keeping your upper body elevated during sleep or when resting is important for reducing swelling and improving blood flow to the healing breast tissues. An elevated position helps drain fluid from the breast area through the aid of gravity, thus reducing swelling, inflammation, and discomfort. To elevate your upper body, use a wedge pillow or multiple pillows placed under your back and head. This does not only maintain the elevated position but also provides adequate support. Make sure to keep your body elevated at a 30 to 45-degree angle to help reduce pressure on the breast implants and promote a more comfortable sleep.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side
It is important to avoid sleeping on your stomach or side after breast augmentation surgery. These positions can negatively affect the wound-healing process by putting direct pressure on the surgical wounds and breast area. If this happens, the wounds may reopen and lead to more prominent scarring. In addition, unnecessary pressure can also affect the position of the breast implants.
Wear a Supportive Surgical Bra
Following breast augmentation, you will be provided with specific aftercare instructions, one of which is wearing a supportive surgical bra or compression garments. This bra helps hold the implants in place, provides compression to minimise swelling, and supports the healing of breast tissues. In general, you will need to wear the surgical bra at night when you sleep and throughout the day.
Maintain Good Sleep Hygiene
Getting adequate rest is crucial for the healing process. Therefore, it is essential to set up and prepare your bedroom before the procedure. Make sure that your room is cool, dark, and quiet to promote restful sleep. Aside from modifying your sleeping environment, you should also avoid stimulants such as caffeine before bedtime, as this can keep you awake at night. Stick to a consistent sleeping schedule to give your body time to recover.
Practice Sleeping on Your Back Before Surgery
If you are not accustomed to sleeping on your back, it’s helpful to start practising this position before the breast augmentation procedure. Training your body to sleep in this position several weeks before the surgery makes it easier for you to adjust. You can gradually increase the time spent sleeping on your back each night, using pillows for support.
Keep Your Arms Close to Your Body
During the first few weeks after surgery, train yourself to keep your arms close to your body while you sleep. Since the primary goal during the initial healing period is to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the chest area, keeping your arms close to your body helps prevent straining your chest. Keep your arms supported with pillows at your sides when you sleep.
Use a Recliner for Sleeping
Every patient is unique, and so are their sleeping positions. For some patients, sleeping in a recliner can be more comfortable than lying flat in bed, especially in the first few days after surgery. This is because a recliner provides gentle elevation and reduces movement, allowing you to rest in a controlled and supportive position. Sleeping in a recliner can also lower the risk of accidentally shifting or rolling over during the night, which can put unnecessary pressure or tension on the healing breast tissues.
Avoid Sleeping With Pets or Small Children in Bed
For safety reasons, it’s recommended to avoid sleeping with pets or small children in your bed during the recovery period. This is because they can accidentally put pressure on your breasts and cause discomfort. Before the procedure, it is important to arrange for someone to take care of your pets or small children to allow your body to heal during the recovery period.
Use Ice Packs Before Bed
During the first few days after the procedure, you will likely feel pain, swelling, and other discomfort in your chest area, making it difficult to sleep. Before you go to bed, apply ice packs to the area around your breasts for 15-20 minutes. The cold temperature provides temporary relief from discomfort and helps reduce swelling in the area. Make sure to avoid putting ice directly on your skin, as this can cause cold burns.
Reasons to Choose Dr Hunt for Breast Augmentation Surgery in Sydney
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Sydney University and further developed his skills by completing a Craniofacial Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States. His qualifications are supported by his role as a spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and his positions as a Consultant Surgeon at both Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. Dr Hunt is also a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and the International Society of Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS). Additionally, he is a corresponding member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), serves as the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training for the IMG Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and is a past serving board member of Interplast Australia.
Dr Hunt provides a thorough consultation process to assess each patient’s specific needs and expectations. During the consultation, he discusses key aspects such as implant types, sizes, incision placement, and post-operative care. He tailors the procedure based on the patient’s anatomy and goals, ensuring that all medical considerations are addressed.
Dr Hunt carefully assesses each patient’s body type and goals to determine the most suitable implant type and placement. He also provides detailed post-operative instructions, including how to sleep after breast augmentation with implants to ensure proper healing. His guidance emphasises the importance of sleeping on your back, using supportive pillows, and elevating the upper body to reduce swelling and prevent pressure on the implants. He also provides guidance on the use of a surgical bra and other methods to ensure comfort and proper implant positioning during the recovery phase.
