How Long Do I Need to Sleep Elevated After Breast Augmentation?
Like any other surgery, breast augmentation is not a one-stop destination, but rather a progressive journey. You must commit to certain steps and tips to ensure you get the most out of your boob job. Sleeping is essential to the recovery process of breast augmentation, but getting your 8 hours of sleep isn’t enough. Here are some dos and don’ts to sleep comfortably after breast augmentation surgery.
Preparing Early
If you’re one of those tummy or side sleepers, you should start preparing early to ensure a seamless transition to sleeping on your back after breast surgery. This change in sleeping position can be difficult, so you’ll need persistence, you can’t quit when you find yourself sleeping on your tummy or side, always rollback. You can also use extra pillows, by placing them under each arm. Many people report that by doing this before surgery they more successfully sleep on their back after surgery.
Sleeping On Your Back
In the first six weeks after breast augmentation, it is essential that you sleep on your back, for a safe and speedy recovery. This will put your new breasts in a relaxed position, with minimal strain on your chest, allowing the incisions from your breast augmentation to heal and the implants to settle. However, sleeping flat on your back isn’t the best sleeping position after breast surgery. Keep your upper body elevated at a 30 to 45 degrees angle while on your back for a minimum of two weeks to further to reduce swelling and pain after your boob job. This allows your blood to circulate away from your tender new breasts. To sleep better after breast augmentation, consider investing in a few soft pillows to prop under your back, or get a recliner bed if possible.
Sleeping On Your Side
Not all patients can commit to sleeping on their back after a boob job for long periods of time. After 2-3 weeks of your breast enlargement surgery, you may be allowed to sleep on your side. However, it’s important to take extra precautions if you decide to do so. This includes wearing an approved surgical bra and placing pillows underneath your breasts. This way, you can avoid unnecessary pressure on your breast and help keep your implants and incisions in place while still managing to sleep comfortably.
Sleeping On Your Front
A lot of people prefer to sleep on their front, however, it’s a no go after breast augmentation surgery. Sleeping on your tummy adds pressure to your new breasts, causing your implants to move, leak or sometimes even rupture. Always wait for a green light from your plastic surgeon before deciding to switch positions to sleep better. If you are a tummy sleeper, you will usually be able to revert back to sleeping on your belly approximately 12 weeks after your boob job. But, you should check with your surgeon first.
Tips And Tricks to Sleep Well After Breast Augmentation
Besides correct sleep positioning, here are some other useful tips that can help you sleep well after a boob job:
. Walking: While you may be fatigued after your breast augmentation surgery, moving around is important from day 1. Lightly walking around your house can improve your sleeping pattern and help you sleep better. It also reduces the risk of blood clots by boosting your blood circulation.
. Support Bras: After your breast augmentation surgery, your plastic surgeon might instruct you to wear a support bra for at least a month, even during nighttime. Support bras help hold your newly enlarged breasts in place, ease the tension on your surgical incisions, and reduce swelling. This will alleviate any worries you might have of ruining your boob job while asleep.
. Warm Showers: Everyone likes a nice warm soak after a long day, and while warm baths should be avoided in the first weeks following your boob job, warm evening showers are perfectly fine. They can help decompress and relax your muscles allowing you to sleep comfortably. Make sure you ask your surgeon when you can shower after your boob job.
. Sleep Disruptors: Avoiding sleep disruptors like caffeinated beverages (coffee, sodas, tea…), alcohol, sugar, and electronic screens especially in the evenings can help you to get enough sleep, instead of being left wide awake throughout the night.
. Medication: You should never be expected to endure unnecessary pain post-op, this rule applies to boob jobs as well. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you some pain medication to provide symptomatic relief and help you sleep better. Sleeping aids are rarely needed but may be prescribed if your sleeping pattern is severely disrupted after your breast enlargement surgery.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to sleep elevated after breast augmentation?
It is recommended that you sleep on your back at a 30 to 45 degrees angle for minimum of two weeks after your boob job. This helps reduce swelling and soreness and also decreases the risk of scar tissue constricting your implants and leaving them misshapen.
When can I sleep on my side after breast surgery?
You can begin sleeping on your side two weeks after breast augmentation. However, sleeping on your back with your upper body elevated is still the best position for an uncomplicated and speedy recovery.
Can I Sleep on My Front After Breast Augmentation?
You can sleep on your front but not until approximately 12 weeks after your breast enhancement surgery. It is a strict NO GO right after your boob job. Ignoring this advice can lead to severe chest discomfort and malposition of your implants.
About Iranian Surgery
Iranian surgery is an online medical tourism platform where you can find the best plastic and cosmetic surgeons in Iran. The price of Breast Augmentation in Iran can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined by an in-person assessment with the doctor.
For more information about the cost of Breast Augmentation in Iran and to schedule an appointment in advance, you can contact Iranian Surgery consultants via WhatsApp number 0098 901 929 0946. This service is completely free.
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