Does stomach sleeping help reduce capsular contracture?

Question

Of course I'm going to listen to my surgeon who said he rarely ever has ladies who sleep on their stomach develop capsular contracture - he's board certified, very qualified, and been practicing 30 years. That said, I'm interested to know if other doctors agree or disagree about stomach sleeping helping to reduce the occurrence of capsular contracture and if it causes implant displacement. I am 3 weeks post op, but am choosing to wait to stomach sleep for a few more weeks.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,There is reason to believe that trauma to the breast pocket causing bleeding may contribute to the risk of scar formation or direct pressure can cause implant displacement. Sleeping on your front will not necessarily cause damage but many Plastic Surgeon's will advise against it for at least a few weeks in order to reduce risks. Talk to your Plastic Surgeon about what they recommend for you.All the best

Andrew L. Greensmith, MBChB, FRACS · Answer

Most surgeons recommend back or side sleeping in a support bra for the first 4-6 weeks and avoiding stomach sleeping which will not help avoid a capsule contracture which is actually a fairly rare problem in the first 5 years

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Healing will go on for 2-3 months for the early period.  There may be some swelling, bruising, malposition, color differences.   Sensation will be abnormal.  Scars will be changing.

If my patients have concerns that something is unusual about their healing process, it is important for them to call the office and discuss these concerns or come in to be examined.Always contact your plastic surgeon if you have concerns about post-operative infection, bleeding, swelling, fever, excessive bruising, or any new and sudden changes in the feeling or look of your implants, breasts or incisions.

Any of the following may be post-op difficulties, about which it is best to contact your surgeon directly:

·       Excessive bleeding (hematoma) and bruising

·       Reduced sensation of #nipple

·       Deflation/rupture

·       Capsular contracture

·       Wrinkling/rippling. Palpable and/or visible

·       Firmness, and distorted appearance

·       Interference with breast feeding

·       Mammogram interference

·       Cost for revision surgery if necessary

·       Calcium deposits in the tissue around the implant

·       Breast tissue atrophy/chest wall deformity

·       Hypertrophic scarring

·       Tissue loss

·       Infection requiring antibiotics or implant removalI know that you are planning on listening to the instructions of your surgeon in regards to this topic, and it is best to follow those instructions with the most detail since they know the most about your specific case. If you find yourself concerned at all about healing at any point it will be a good idea to visit your surgeon right away to ensure whether the healing process is moving all well. Good luck!

Giorgio Netri, MBBS · Answer

Thanks for your question.

There is no scientific evidence that stomach sleep reduce risk of capsular contracture.

I do not advice this especially for the first month as increase swelling and can cause implant displacement.

Regards

Mr Netri

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with your plan to wait 4 weeks or so before doing so. Stomach sleeping is a bit like massage. We think it keeps the pocket wider. There is no clear proof that it helps, but knowing what we know, it can't hurt. Best of luck to you.

Does stomach sleeping help reduce capsular contracture?

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Answer: Stomach sleep and capsular contracture

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Does stomach sleeping help reduce capsular contracture?

Answers (6)

Answer: Stomach sleep and capsular contracture

Answer: Stomach sleep and capsular contracture

Answer: Good question.

Answer: Good question.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.