Do you need to sleep on your back after Chin Implant surgery?

Question

I cannot sleep on my back and am considering chin implant surgery. I can only sleep on my side/stomach. I have read many dr's say 1 month sleeping on back after surgery. I have tried but cannot do this.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Straxville,While sleeping on your back post surgery is important and often recommended by most doctors, including myself, it is not the most critical issue. What affects the healing more is sleeping in an elevated position. This allows the swelling to decrease for a faster healing time and is suggested for at least the first week after surgery. Sleeping on your side should not move the implant as long as it has been placed properly and sewn into position. Hope this helps!Dr. Ali Sajjadian

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Immediately after a chin implantation, I have patients sleep on their back with their head elevated.  This will help prevent swelling and keep the implant in the proper location.  There are a variety of techniques and types of implants used.  I use a silicone implant that I secure in place with stitches.  After 4-5 days, it will not shift with pressure.  I would recommend that patient do not place undo pressure on the chin implant during this time.Some plastic surgeons secure the chin implant with screws.  There are advantages and disadvantages to this method.  I would think if your implant is secured with screws, you would be able to sleep on your side soon after surgery.  I hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Sleeping position will not have any bearing on shifting the implant if the implant has been sewn in place into a very precise pocket. It is advisable to try to keep your chin above year heart to minimize swelling for the first week after the procedure.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I do recommend that people sleep with their head elevated for the first three nights after surgery. It is actually quite difficult to shift an anatomic type implant in your sleep. Pressure on the implant early on causes pain and this usually motivates a person to lay on their back to take the pressure off of their chin. We do recommend sleeping on your back to further minimize that risk and I counsel people to do the best that they can in terms of back sleeping. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Yes, we do recommend patients sleep on their back after chin augmentation. Usually a week is good. Some tricks to help: 3-4 pillows layered under your back, 2 pillows under your knees, and one pillow on each side to rest your arms on. You may also need to ask your surgeon to prescribe a few light sleeping pills.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

I have been performing chin implant surgery for over 20 years.  I do have patients sleep on their backs for several weeks (using an U-shaped pillow).  This prevents you from turning over in your sleep.  I have not had issues with implant movement.

Do you need to sleep on your back after Chin Implant surgery?

Answers (6)

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