Can breast augmentation cause a change in hormone levels and/or fatigue?

Dear Genuine1630,
a lot of patients feel tired in early post-operative period. This should improve with time. Regarding sleeping position, 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

Thank you for your question.It is early in your recovery phase and feeling tired is not unusual. It is a little too early to sleep on your stomach but sleeping on your side may be okay, depending on your surgeon's advise. All The Best !

It is not uncommon to feel exhausted and tired in the initial post op period. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and adequate nutrition. At 2-3 weeks post op, you should be able to sleep on your side. You should talk to your surgeon for their specific advice. Best,

Exhaustion is not an abnormal feeling following breast augmentation.  There are some patients in which the postsurgical changes and the healing process produce changes in mood.  An important part of recovery is getting a good night's sleep.  If you are unable to sleep well at night, your recovery may be prolonged.  If you are having a hard time sleeping upright, reach out to your plastic surgeon for alternatives.  At three weeks, you may be able to rotate side to side, supported by pillows, if you are more comfortable that way. Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your breast augmentation.  Between anesthesia and the stress of surgery it is not uncommon to feel undue fatigue and have periods/hormonal changes.  Both typically improve as your time from surgery increases, so hang in there and discuss your concerns with your surgeon as they should be able to provide you with reassurances.

Congratulations on your breast augmentation! It is very normal to feel tired after surgery. The body requires a good deal of calories when healing, and this high-metabolic process will zap your energy.  One’s sleep cycle can also take some time to get back on track. It is important to maintain a nutritious diet, with good-quality proteins and vitamins. A short period of melatonin may help get your sleep cycle back on track. I would follow your surgeon’s recommendations regarding the positioning restrictions and  restrictions duration of those restrictions. Sleeping in an upright position helps to keep the implants in a more optimal  position while they heal — lying flat allows the implants to shift to the sides. Best wishes! Dr. Ghafoori 

This is a very common question and the answer is, yes. After surgery, the body is going through a major healing process and this causes overall fatigue. Post surgical symptoms can also manifest as a depressed mood, lack of appetite, change of sleep patterns, and a flux in hormone levels. This is very normal and can last sometimes more than four weeks after surgery. The most common time is three weeks after surgery. There’s no need for medication. Just get plenty of fluids and plenty of rest while you are healing. Finally, you should check with your surgeon, but there is no need to continue sleeping on your back in an elevated position. This is only recommended for the first few days. You can now sleep in any position you want, except for on your stomach. Good luck.