Why do you have to sleep on an incline after breast surgery?

Question

After reading a bunch of post, some doctors let their patients sleep any way they want and some on their back which I understand but why the incline.

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear sfj, Thank you for your question. We recommend sleeping at an incline (as close to 90 degrees as possible for at least the first few days) to help decrease swelling. Swelling goes with gravity, so when you are sitting upright it helps it to dissipate faster. Hope this helps!

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeries of upper body can benefit from being elevated to help with swelling.  However, this really is not essential.  Having adequate sleep is very important for healing as well.  So, I would much rather you get a good nights rest than sleeping in a position that is uncomfortable for you.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. In my own practice, all positions except face down on your tummy are acceptable after great augmentation. Every plastic surgeon has his or her own recommendations and experience which helps them formulate their post-operative instructions for their patients. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast enhancement surgery. Best of luck to you.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Most surgeons will recommend to patients recovery options that they have found works best over time.  Though in most cases patients can sleep in any position after a breast augmentation - except for on their stomachs - the incline is typically recommended to allow for a reduction in swelling.  Hope that this helps.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

sleeping in their beds, flat or in a position of comfort.  As an author in several publications related to breast augmentation, this has never been a problem for our patients in my experience.  We allow work and working out in 48 hours to begin as well.  So minimal downtime, usually women are taking ibuprofen or Tylenol as well.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Most of the post operative instructions after breast augmentation are based on surgeon's personal experience and bias and not based on science.  It is not surprising why it does not make any sense.I have patients sleep in a slight incline (two pillows) to help with swelling.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi, MD

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Patients with augmentation mammoplasty's can lay flat on their backs, but a slight elevation does tend to make them more comfortable and also may reduce swelling a little faster. However, it is not mandatory with this procedure. Each surgeon has his or her own postoperative instructions according there experience.Thank you for your question.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I prefer patients sleep other back or sides initially until the early post-op period is over and the  patient feel more comfortable.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

We recommend the incline position for comfort, but it is not mandatory-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Each surgeon adopts a post operative protocol based upon their experience and training.  I believe that sleep on an incline is a matter of comfort and, presumably, also helps to reduce swelling. Good luckDrBurnett#RealSelf100

Why do you have to sleep on an incline after breast surgery?

Answers (14)

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