How soon can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation? (Photos)

Question

It is 2am and I am very restless. I usually sleep on your side but since I've had breast augmentation I have been sleeping on my back. I am 9 days post op. I slept upright on the couch for the first 5 days. The past 3 nights I slept in bed on my back with a few pillows. Would it be safe to sleep on my side?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hi there, Thank you for your question. Speak with your surgeon regarding your post surgical recommendations. We ask that our patients sleep on their backs for 6 weeks. Best, realdrsix

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has their own protocol regarding how to sleep and positioning.  In my practice I allow my patients to sleep in their side or stomach at 4 weeks time.  In fact at that time they can resume full activity.I would always recommend discussing with your plastic surgeon when it comes to postoperative care.

Jonathan Saunders, MD · Answer

for the average patient that would be fine.  check with your dr. he may have you wear a soft support bra still

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. I provide a surgical bra and do allow my BBA patients to sleep on their side. The best person to advise you is your Plastic Surgeon as they know your situation the best.Take care

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Roxy.I would suggest you speak with your plastic surgeon about side sleeping. I do let many of my patients sleep on their side, in a bra after 7 days, but not all of them. If there specific issues on the type of breast implant used and the pocket dissection at the time of surgery, I will ask them no to do side sleeping until a more appropriate time. It's case by case with me so I suggest you clear it with your surgeon.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi  Roxy, more than likely there is not a problem with lying on your side for a short time.  Keep in mind that the pocket is maturing/capsule is forming normally for many weeks so it is helpful to leave the implants in a central position, especially if they are smooth surface (textured implants are more adherent).  Be sure to check with your PS also. Best wishes,

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Great Question.
Every Doctor has their own regimen, so I recommend a quick phone call to your doctor's office.
In general, I allow my patient's to sleep on their side the same night of surgery as long as they wear their sports bra. Sleeping on your belly may take up to six weeks.
Good luck.

Scott Greenberg, MD · Answer

I generally tell my patients that they can sleep in whatever position they like when it feels comfortable to do so.  In general, this is usually 1-14 days after the procedure.  I would check with your surgeon to see what he/she recommends.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

In general, I really encourage my patients to sleep with head of bed elevated during the first week to try and relieve them of any of the small amount of edema that I see even utilizing my "24-Hour Breast Augmentation Recovery Plan".  While I feel that it would probably be fine for you to start sleeping on her side a little bit if you're having back pains, I recommend he work with your plastic surgeon because he/see might have a very specific plan for you based on the type of surgery done.

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.No one knows the right answer to this question as it has not been studied scientifically.  Surgeons will typically practice based on their own experience.  If a surgeon felt like a bad outcome was possibly related to sleep position they will probably advise their patients not to do so for X amount of weeks.  This is typically treating the surgeon’s anxiety rather than anything else.The concern is: change in position of the implant or trauma to fresh area of surgery causing bleeding.The reason to allow sleeping on side: patient gets some actual sleep.I typically recommend sleeping semi upright on back for first week in a supportive bra and then transition to side if comfortable. This will tend to help swelling go away quicker.  Your surgeon however has their own thoughts I’m sure and would follow their instructions.Dr. L

How soon can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation? (Photos)

Answers (18)

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