Can side sleeping ruin breast implants (1 year post-op)?

I allow my patients to sleep in any position they desire from the night of surgery on. I feel patients are not that fragile nor the implants. It takes something to make the space or pocket for the implant, and that is the limit of where the implant can go. That space is completely healed and lined with a normal capsule, smooth like the lining of your mouth by 3 weeks. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hello! Thank you for sharing your doubts with us. After having breast implants, you can sleep on your stomach, although not during the first two months of surgery. This ensures that the implants are perfectly symmetrical and with the optimal shape. After this time, you can sleep in the position you want.  

Dear steviec.,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, for my patients I do not require prolong use of surgical bra nor do I ask them to avoid sleeping on their side. I do not believe the implant, nor the implant pocket would be harmed by side sleeping once complete healing has occurred.

No, sleep positions will not ruin your implants or break your implants. Plus, it is not healthy to sleep in a bra at night once you have healed.

At one year postop you should sleep in whichever position is comfortable for you. If you typically sleep without a bra you can continue at your preference. Your sleeping position will not significantly impact the results of your surgery and will not ruin your implants.