Laying propped up after BA?

Question

Hi Docs, Another question :-) - after surgery do we have to sleep propped up very high? Or can we just lay on our backs to sleep? I would just like to know the process that you tell people for sleeping afterwards and for how long. Thanks so much! Ideally, if I can only sleep on my back without being propped up, that would be amazing, but let me know as I think I've heard that people need to be propped up.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello,
 
Thank you for the question.
 
It is typically recommended to sleep on your back during the first 2 weeks.  Some patients choose to sleep being propped up for comfort but it is not mandatory.

There are also wedge pillows that some patients would purchase for sleeping after surgery.

I would encourage you to discuss your additional questions and concerns with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.
 
I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 833 0309

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
I recommend sleeping on your back or your side, doesn't necessarily mean being propped up but an extra pillow for the first few nights may feel most comfortable. I recommend not laying on your stomach for the first 3 weeks after surgery. 
All the best,
Dr. Joe

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It all depends on the opinion of your surgeon, as each surgeon has their own post-op instructions. Generally speaking, however, patients may be advised to sleep propped up, to an extent as directed by their surgeon.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Doctors have very different ideas about restrictions after breast augmentation. I tell my patients they have no restrictions regarding activity after breast augmentation. You may sleep however it is comfortable. Your body will dictate what is comfortable… Usually sleeping on your back for the first number of days and then sleeping on your side is fine if you prefer. A lot of woman it uncomfortable to sleep on their bellies for 6 weeks or so.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dls1213,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Different surgeons have different post op instructions. I do not ask my patients to sleep propped up but other physicians may. I do ask that my breast aug patients limit extending their arms away from their body for the first week and not to exercise other than walking for 4 weeks.

I hope this helps. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon.

All the Best,

Dr. J

I hope this helps. Be sure to discuss with your surgeon.

All the Best,

Dr. J

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

Sleeping propped up at about 30 degrees during the first two weeks after breast augmentation has its benefits. It helps reduce breast swelling and may theoretically lower the risk of postoperative bleeding. However, the primary advantage is the reduction in swelling.

Dr. B.

Dr. B.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I advise my patients that they can sleep in any position that is comfortable for them from the night of surgery on.  I feel that patients are not that fragile nor are the implants. None of my over 7500 breast augmentation patients have had any problems with this sleep instruction. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  We have our patients sleep at a 45-degree angle, so just a few pillows behind you to prop you up for at least 3 days. After that you may lay on your back to sleep.  I would not recommend belly sleeping or even belly side sleeping until after 3 weeks. Best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend to my patients who have the augmentation with implants placed behind the muscle to sleep elevated so their is less pull on the muscle. However, it is for comfort and ease of getting out of bed, and you can lay flat is you prefer.

Laying propped up after BA?

Answers (12)

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