When can I sleep on my side after BR?

Question

I am 11 days post op, feeling good but still quite sore. When can I start sleeping on my side again? I have a hard time sleeping on my back but I dont want things to "pull apart"

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I tell my patients that they don't have to sleep on their back or sit up all night after breast reduction surgery. They can sleep any way they want from the night of surgery on, including on their stomach or side, if they are comfortable enough. Your stitches won't pull apart if you sleep on them. That's because the deep tissue is brought together with multiple layers of thick, braided stitches that take about three months to dissolve.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very interesting question and I believe that if you ask 10 surgeons they will each answer differently therefore I defer this one to your surgeon.  Ask him and he will give you his/her post op regimen

Dario Rochira, MD · Answer

Hi, understand the frustration as it is uncomfortable to sleep on your back if you are not used to. 
I recommend my patients to sleep on their back for about 3-4 weeks, then gradually on the sides and after 6 weeks even on their stomach.

Marco Carmona, MD · Answer

Hi. 
Thank you for your question. I would recommend you to follow the post operative instructions of your surgeon since this a question where all doctors have different opinions. 
I recommend my patients to sleep on their back with 2 pillows for 10-14 days after surgery. After that the patient can sleep as she likes as long as it is not causing pain or discomfort in the breasts.
All the best
Dr Marco Carmona MD

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Please follow your surgeon's guidelines on this.  I generally allow this at three weeks, though it may depend on how well you are healing or how large your reduction was.  Congratulations on having your breast reduction!

Jeffrey Claiborne, MD · Answer

Always discuss this with your surgeon. For my patients, I encourage them to sleep on their back with their chest slightly elevated for the first few days to reduce swelling, After a week, I let them sleep in whatever position that they find comfortable. Hope this helps.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question but every surgeon has his own regimen so it would be best to follow his instructionsDr Corbin

When can I sleep on my side after BR?

Answers (7)

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