Stomach sleeping after a breast augmentation?

Question

I’m a week and a half post op but prior to my BA I was a die hard stomach sleeper. I’m very anxious to go back to sleeping on my stomach. A friend of mine who had her’s done told me that she was told never to sleep on her stomach and now I am back to freaking out! Is this true can you never sleep on your stomach? I know I have a while to go until I’m able to sleep any way besides my back but please someone help me!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations eminnemily on your surgery.  I tell all my patients once they are comfortable sleeping on their stomachs they may do so.  Typically that is around the 3-4 week period.  I would follow what your surgeon has directed.  Best of luck to you.

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you very much for your question
and congratulations on your recent breast augmentation. Stomach sleeping is not
recommended during your initial breast augmentation recovery. This is to ensure
the breast capsule has a chance to properly form around your new implants, healing
properly on the chest. Additionally, during this time, you will probably be too
sore to sleep on your chest. Once your breasts have completely healed, in four
to six weeks, you will be able to return to stomach sleeping. Every surgeon has
their own breast augmentation recovery protocol, so discuss this with your
doctor and carefully follow his/her instructions.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

We will usually allow our patients to sleep face down on their abdomen ~ 3 weeks after surgery.  Check with your surgeon since we plastic surgeons all do things some what differently from one another.

Joshua Cooper, MD, FACS · Answer

We tell our breast augmentation patients to sleep in any position they find comfortable after their procedure. Thanks for sharing!

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. You should be able to sleep on your stomach 4-6 weeks after your surgery. Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

I allow my patients to sleep on their stomachs when comfortable- which typically is 1-2 weeks. However, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

eminnemily.  Fear not, you will soon be able to sleep on your stomach!  Ask specifics from your plastic surgeon but you should be able to sleep on your stomach three or four weeks after your operation. At first you may want to wear your surgical bra or a soft bra. Best of luck.

Anthony P. Terrasse, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While you’re correct in being careful to sleep on your back during your breast augmentation recovery, your friend is completely incorrect in saying you can NEVER sleep on your stomach again. In general, it is better to listen to your board certified plastic surgeon than to rely on word-of-mouth from friends. I recommend waiting at least four to six weeks after your surgery to sleep on your stomach, giving your breasts time to heal and settle into place. I also recommend talking to your surgeon and following their instructions to ensure the best possible results. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Most patients are able to return to sleeping on their stomachs a few weeks after surgery.  You may be too sore to do this earlier in the recovery process.  Check with your surgeon to determine when you can begin again.

Maximilian Malotky, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question eminnemily.  First of all, DON'T FREAK OUT!!  It's normal to have some reservations about all sorts of things after breast augmentation surgery, it just means you care about your long term results...and that makes us happy because as surgeons-we do too!!  The truth is that every surgeon has their own protocol for postoperative care and restrictions following breast augmentation surgery.  I am of the belief that by 3-4 weeks, most people have formed enough of a capsule(natural scar around the implant) that stomach sleeping won't drastically change their results.  You should absolutely follow your surgeon's protocol that helps him/her get their best results.  
Congrats on your augmentation!
Dr. Max

Stomach sleeping after a breast augmentation?

Answers (18)

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