How long following reduction surgery should I sleep on my back if side/stomach positions do not cause me discomfort?

Question

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Sleep positions are best described by your operating surgeon and is dictated by how you're progressing during your recovery. There's no concrete answer as to when you could start to sleep in different positions that would place pressure on your operative sites. Follow your surgeon's recommendations.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

After breast reduction surgery, it's generally recommended to sleep on your back for a period to ensure optimal healing and minimize complications. While individual recommendations can vary based on the specifics of your surgery and your plastic surgeon's recommendations, a typical guideline is:
First Few Weeks (Usually 4-6 Weeks):
1.	Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is advised to reduce pressure on your chest, which helps in minimizing swelling, discomfort, and potential complications such as wound separation or impaired blood flow to the healing tissues.
After Initial Recovery (4-6 Weeks):
2.	Transition to Side/Stomach Sleeping: If you find side or stomach sleeping comfortable and it does not cause pain or discomfort, you may be able to gradually transition to these positions. However, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon before making this change.
Surgeon's Advice: Your plastic surgeon's specific recommendations are crucial as they understand your individual case and recovery progress. They may adjust the timeline based on how well you're healing and any complications you might be experiencing.
Supportive Measures: Using pillows to support your back and sides can help maintain a comfortable and stable position while sleeping. Some patients use a wedge pillow to keep themselves propped up slightly, which can also aid in reducing swelling.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any signs of discomfort or changes in your breasts. If side or stomach sleeping starts to cause pain, swelling, or other issues, revert to back sleeping and consult your plastic surgeon.
In summary, while back sleeping is typically recommended for the first 4-6 weeks following breast reduction surgery, you should follow your plastic surgeon's specific recommendations and transition to other sleeping positions only when it's deemed safe and comfortable to do so.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I allow patients to sleep in any position that they feel comfortable.  This is usually determined by the patient and how they are feeling post-op. Initially they prefer lying on their backs or sides.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

No physical activity for three weeks.At 3 weeks, you can walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike.At two months, you can resume all physical activity with a sports bra.No lying on your side for two months.For more information on post-op care, please read my book, "Cosmetic Breast Surgery - a complete guide from A to double D".

Robert Savage, MD (retired) · Answer

You can usually sleep on back or side to side anytime after reduction but you don' t want to sleep Immediately afterward on your stomach,it can be painful, run the risk of popping stitches and some surgeons think it can mesh up the contours if compressed and squeezed early on.I suggest wait  about a month assuming healing is normal

How long following reduction surgery should I sleep on my back if side/stomach positions do not cause me discomfort?

Answers (5)

Answer: What to expect after Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: What to expect after Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: Sleeping post breast reduction

Answer: Sleeping post breast reduction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

How long following reduction surgery should I sleep on my back if side/stomach positions do not cause me discomfort?

Answers (5)

Answer: What to expect after Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: What to expect after Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: Sleeping post breast reduction

Answer: Sleeping post breast reduction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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