Can Silicone Implants Rupture Sleeping on Stomach? I Have to Sleep Angled?

Question

Prior to cancer surgery, sleept on stomach using a pillow under left front side of me and angled on my right front side. Right arm down by my leg. Have done this twice. Did I mess up? The right one had the pressure and it doesn't feel as tight as it was? Still doing exercises to loosen the gel. What now? Cobra insurance ran out & the doctor that did this doesn't take Cobra. Am not in tears about this yet. No insurance, no job, can't find work where I am temporarily staying. They aren't different yet.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

If I understand your question correctly, I think that you can have peace of mind that you have not ruptured silicone gel breast implants by lying on them. Generally speaking, breast implant rupture would require very significant force, much more that is generated by lying on the breast implant, to cause rupture.

	 If you have had surgery recently, it will be best to avoid lying on the breasts for several months, while the breast implant capsules are developing around the breast implants. It is not however necessary to sleep have an “angle”.

	 As some point, when circumstances allow, best to be examined in person and have a longer term relationship with a plastic surgeon re established.

	 Best wishes.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

If they aren't different as you mentioned you are probably fine. Follow up with your reconstructive surgeon for assurance. Good luck

Brian C. Reuben, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is a common question for "stomach sleepers".  It is important to sleep on your back for the first 4-6 weeks after breast implant surgery to avoid any tendenancy for the implants to be pushed laterally, or to the sides.  After this time period, scar tissue has formed around the implants and prevents them from shifting significantly.  There should be no problems sleeping on you stomach.  Differences in the feel or appearance of the breasts after surgery, especially after reconstructive surgery, can be from a number of things.  This can only be determined by an examination.  It is unlikely that you have done anything harmful.  Stay positive and when able, find a plastic surgeon who has experience in breast reconstruction who can assist you.

	Best of luck.

Angela Champion, MD · Answer

I understand your concern.  It is very unlikely that you have ruptured your silicone gel implant by sleeping on your stomach, they are very durable.  ac

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is quite unlikely.  If your appearances are stable, don't worry.  If your implant is one of the newer generation implants (last 5 years), even less concerns due to its higher viscosity.  As best we know, silicone won't cause diseases for you.  When you do quality for 'insurance' again, see a doctor then to address your concerns.  You do not have a ticking time bomb inside of you.

Can Silicone Implants Rupture Sleeping on Stomach? I Have to Sleep Angled?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sleeping with silicone gel implants

Answer: Sleeping with silicone gel implants

Answer: Sleeping positions affecting your gel implants

Answer: Sleeping positions affecting your gel implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Can Silicone Implants Rupture Sleeping on Stomach? I Have to Sleep Angled?

Answers (9)

Answer: Sleeping with silicone gel implants

Answer: Sleeping with silicone gel implants

Answer: Sleeping positions affecting your gel implants

Answer: Sleeping positions affecting your gel implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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