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

Question

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The ability to sleep
on the abdomen following breast lift or reduction depends on several factors
and varies from patient to patient. Before sleeping in this position, adequate
wound healing must take place. We generally recommend six weeks to be safe.

Even at six weeks, sleeping
in this position may be uncomfortable for some patients. Under these
circumstances patients may need to sleep on their backs for longer periods of
time.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Michael J. Weinberg, MD · Answer

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

Barry E. DiBernardo, MD · Answer

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.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

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!

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD · Answer

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.

Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS · Answer

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

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

Answers (15)

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