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When is It Safe to Sleep on Your Stomach After Breast Lift & Reduction?

I had a breast reduction and lift back in Mid February. And i've always slep on my stomach. Is it okay to do so, after my surgery. If so, when?? Thanks.

Asked 34 months ago by sashaperez in il
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+2

Breast reduction activity may depend on the technique

Every surgeon has specific limitation and restrictions that may be unique to their surgical technique and given the lack of specific information about your procedure, it is difficult to give any activity guidelines. When it comes to this proceudure, most surgeons would advise remaining off your stomach for a minimum of 3 weeks while others recommend 3 months. There is great variability when it comes to the postoperative guidelines.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

When to sleep on your stomach after a breast lift

  After a breast lift surgery, we typically recommend that patients avoid sleeping on their stomach and placing too much pressure onto the breast. We ask that patients remain in this position while sleeping for 3 to 4 weeks. This will allow the tissue to heal and will minimize pain.
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sleeping position after breast lift and reduction

When can you sleep on your stomach? I think that whenever you feel comfortable to do so, you can. This usually occurs after a few months. I do not think that there is a specific time per se.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Opinions vary, but at this point you should be fine

Assuming you have had no complications and no healing problems, at this point you should be fine to sleep on your tummy.  Most of us say that somewhere between 2-6 weeks after surgery is fine, and it sounds like you have passed that mark.  
Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sleep on stomach after 4 weeks

I have my patients wait 4 weeks to start exercise, move around more, and sleep in any position. I also have a firm tape in place form the first week so the covity can become more firm. Since each surgeons does things a little different, you should consult with the person who did your surgery.
Barry E. DiBernardo, MD
Montclair Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lay your body down

Sasha, Two months out from surgery is very safe to lay on your stomach. I have my patients avoid doing so for 4 weeks usually, unless there are issues with the healing. You should, of course, confirm with your surgeon. Don't assume the responsibility based on what you read here. Your surgeon may have different rules and instructions. Good luck!
Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Two months is probably enough

Many patients sleep best on their stomachs and are anxious to get back to that position. In general, sleeping on your side can be done relatively quickly, two weeks or so. Your body will tell you when you can sleep on your stomach, but it will probably be 2 months. This assumes you have had no healing problems or issues. Wishing you all the best.
Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

2-3 weeks after breast surgery should be fine

I would think you could sleep on your stomach as soon as it doesn't hurt. We usually suture the incisions very well so they won't break open. You won't hurt the shape by sleeping on them. So it should be OK by about three weeks post surgery.
G. Gregory Gallico III, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

After breast reduction 2-3 weeks is safe

I let all my patients sleep on their stomach at 2 - 3 weeks after reduction or lift surgery. As long as the wounds are healing well there should be no problems.
Michael Weinberg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1

6 weeks is safe

I ask my patients to allow up to 6 weeksbefore they resume moderate physical activity. During this time they are asked to stay in a supportive but not restrictive bra. I think if you avoid pressure on your breasts for those 6 weeks you have allowed for maximum healing to occur for scar strength to resume sleeping on your tummy. Dr Edwards
Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

You can sleep on your stomach 3 weeks after breast reduction.

Hi!  After 3 weeks, your breast scars have 85% of their final healed strength.  That means the wounds are sollid, so it is safe to put presure on your breasts, like sleeping on your stomach.  After 4 weeks, there are no restrictions at all, meaning you can do whatever you want.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

It sounds safe, but check with your doctor.

Hello Once your wound are completely healed and your swelling has subsided, you should be able to sleep on your stomach. for most people this takes about 6 weeks. In the end, you are the best judge of how your breasts feel and trying to lay on your stomach for 20 or 30 minutes while awake(reading, for example) should give you a good idea of how ready you are. You should be fine now more than 2 months after surgery, but do check with your doctor. Best of luck.
Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon
+1

You should be fine

If your wounds are healed, at this point you should be fine to sleep in the supine position.  If you are having wound healing problems, check with your doctor. sek
Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

This depends on the surgeon!

The easy answer to this question is that you need to check with your surgeon. We all use different surgical techniques and different patients heal differently. Two patients can have the exact same surgery and very different recoveries! In general, the usual answer is at least six weeks but it very much depends on exactly what was done surgically and the recovery involved.
Evan Sorokin, MD
Cherry Hill Plastic Surgeon
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