How long do I have to sleep on my back after a breast augmentation?

Studies have shown that sleeping positions can affect the shape of your breasts, whether you have implants or not.  Typically, this is present with side sleeping and with how your arm on the 'down' side typically cups the breast.  Nevertheless, studies have also shown the dangers of not sleeping.  Because of this, I typically recommend to patients that they sleep on their back ideally, ... but, I allow patients to sleep on their side if they cannot sleep on their back.  I recommend a pillow to help make sure the patient does not turn onto their stomach and I also recommend switching sides if possible.  Stomach sleeping is definitely not recommended.  It can negatively affect breast shape, facial aging, and can also put the neck in poor positions and cause serious cervical issues.  

Hi, thank you for your question. Informed patients are always the best!
For people who sleep better on their side or stomach, this surgery may create a problem in getting good sleep. It is generally advisable to sleep on your back for 6-8 weeks after breast augmentation to prevent any unrealized deforming forces on the implant pocket during sleep that may manifest in an asymmetric shape later on.
Every surgeon has their own post-op regimen and I recommend that you follow your surgeon's guidelines. If you are unable to sleep while laying on your back, talk to your doctor. She/he may allow you to sleep on your side as early as 1 week post-op. 
Laying on your chest is typically not advised after breast augmentation and can be quite uncomfortable as well. 
I hope this answers your question. Good luck in your recovery process!

I prefer that my patients sleep on their backs for a month after surgery.  If you sleep on one side, you may displace the implant, cause bleeding, or have swelling on the down side.  It is a particularly bad idea to sleep on your belly after surgery.

Hi there,
In general it is best to sleep on your back with your head elevated on a couple of pillows for the first few weeks post breast augmentation to minimise interfering your wound healing and displacing the implants unknowingly.
I always recommend my patients to also wear the post op compressive bra for the first 6 weeks post op day and night and for another 6 weeks just at night in order to provide extra support and protection. Usually it'll be quite safe to sleep on the side after 6 weeks post op but I think to have the extra bra support at night will give you the extra peace of mind. 
Different surgeons have different post op instructions so it'll be good for you to adhere to what your surgeon advises you.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes
Ellis Choy

The main goal during the first few weeks is to avoid any prolongs pressure on the implants. We want to prevent the implants from being pushed down and out, which can result in bottoming out and lateralized breast. So I typically advice sleeping on your back as much as possible for the first 4-6 weeks. Sleeping your side is okay after the first 2 weeks. Sleeping on your stomach is never a good idea, with or without implants. 

Your sleeping position after a breast augmentation is based on your comfort. you will certainly be more comfortable initially on your back. But you may reposition to your side early in the post-op period, probably within a week. It will take longer to sleep on your stomach, so just let pain be your guide. Your sleeping position is not going to alter your result. Good Luck!

All breast augmentation patients should wear a post-surgical bra to help maintain breast position both during the day and while sleeping for the first 6 - 8 weeks.  After one week of strict back sleeping (most of the time) I allow patients to get more comfortable and begin shifting to the one side or the other but still mostly on their backs until 3-4 weeks after surgery.  At that point any sleeping position except on your stomach is okay.  A good nights sleep during the recovery period is very important mentally and physically.  Using this schedule I believe implants properly placed during the surgery and supported early on by a post-surgical bra are unlikely to be influenced by sleeping position.  After 2 months the natural capsule has formed around the breasts and I allow patients to sleep in any position without a bra.  
 

Sleeping on your back for a few days after surgery will allow you to heal more effectively. I ask my patients to elevate their back on two pillows for several days then after that time they can stop.

There is no right answer.  Basically you can sleep on your side once it doesnt hurt.  I tell patients not to lay flat on the stomachs...ie getting a massage for 3 months especially if they have an areolar approach. 

I ask my patients to wait 6 weeks before sleeping on their side or stomach after a breast augmentation.

After breast augmentation, i recommend using surgical bra all the time and sleeping on back with head propped up for 6-8 weeks, very strictly not lying on their sides or tummy. This helps the implant to settle down in the place in its pocket. Sleeping on sides might lead to implant displacement to the sides and lying on tummy can again lead to implant displacement. Some patients find it difficult and uncomfortable sleeping on their back for such long duration and exercise can help them with this.