I had a breast augmentation recently. When I sleep lying flat on my back, I wake up with swelling in my breasts. Is this normal?

Thank you for the question. Early after breast augmentation, implants tend to sit higher on the chest wall. It takes several weeks for the implants to drop in their final pocket. Implants sit even higher after several hours of lying flat, which makes the top part of your breast look swollen. During the day, implants come down as a result of gravity, and so the breasts look less swollen. Eventually, this problem resolves once the implants descend into their final position along the inframammary crease, usually within 2-3 months. This time is variable in different patients. If the implants are still sitting too high after 2-3 weeks, then the process can be expedited by using breast binders. I hope this answered your question. Good luck!

Congratulations on your recent surgery. I would speak with your surgeon about their specific recommendations, but I recommend the my patients sleep on their back for the first 4-6 weeks. Regarding sleeping up in a 45° angle, I don't think it matters. I would do whatever is most comfortable.