It can be tricky navigating all the recovery instructions after your breast augmentation procedure. Rest is a key component of recovery, but you want to make sure your resting positions don’t harm the healing process. Here, we discuss sleeping positions during recovery and when you can finally sleep on your side again.
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Navigating Breast Augmentation Recovery
Breast augmentation can be an incredibly transformative experience with significant emotional and aesthetic benefits. Many women can’t wait to see and enjoy their newly enhanced breasts and added feminine curves to their figure. However, it is crucial to understand that breast augmentation recovery is just as important as the procedure itself when it comes to ensuring the best possible results.
Sleeping After Breast Augmentation
During recovery, it is essential to rest and allow your breasts to heal. This is why refraining from strenuous physical activities is a key part of recovery. Additionally, avoiding putting strain or pressure on your augmented breasts is important for allowing them to settle into the chest properly.
Wearing a compression garment during recovery will help support your breasts as they heal, promote the skin’s adaptation to your new chest contours, and minimize swelling. It can take some adjustments to get used to wearing a compression garment day and night, especially since you’ll need to wear it while you sleep. Additionally, you may need to adjust your sleeping position to avoid compromising your results.
What Happens If I Sleep on My Side After Breast Augmentation?
If you’re a regular side sleeper, you’ll need to take a brief hiatus from your comfort zone and switch to sleeping on your back. This is because when you sleep on your side, you’re putting direct pressure on one of your newly augmented breasts. The additional pressure can increase the risk of complications like implant rupture, leaks, or displacement. Sleeping on your side can also put pressure on the incisions and increase the chance of them reopening.
Patients are typically instructed to avoid sleeping on their side for at least six weeks to allow the breasts ample healing time. This time frame may vary from patient to patient, depending on their implants and how their body heals. Be sure to ask your surgeon when it is okay to start sleeping on your side again to avoid causing implant complications.
How to Sleep After Breast Augmentation
Sleeping on your side or stomach after breast augmentation can harm the healing process. To avoid this, it is best to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. Sleeping on your back allows your implants and healing incision sites to remain free from unnecessary additional pressure. The elevated position helps to combat fluid buildup in the chest and promotes blood circulation to assist your body as it heals.
To achieve the proper elevated position, you can use a wedge pillow or a stack of pillows to elevate your upper body. Some patients may choose to sleep in a recliner for the first few days to help them rest comfortably in the appropriate position.
Many people unconsciously move in their sleep. To prevent yourself from turning on your side or stomach in the middle of the night, you can strategically place pillows around your body to keep you safely on your back.
Have More Questions About Breast Augmentation in San Diego, CA?
Our team at Coastal Plastic Surgeons is ready to help you achieve your ideal breast augmentation results. To learn more about breast augmentation and the recovery process, call (858) 365-3558 or complete our online contact form.