When Can I Lay on my Breasts After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

For women who normally sleep on their stomachs, the recovery period following breast augmentation surgery can be an uncomfortable adjustment. Fortunately, most patients tolerate it well and actually feel more comfortable sleeping on their back while their body heals and recovers. At Jerry Chidester, MD Plastic & Hand Surgery in Draper, UT, caring board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester (aka Dr. Chiddy) is committed to helping patients enjoy a smooth recovery and return to their favorite activities and routines as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so. If you have questions about the best way to sleep after breast augmentation surgery and when you can resume stomach sleeping with breast implants, keep reading to find the answers.

How should you sleep after getting breast implants?

During your breast augmentation recovery period, you’ll be advised to sleep on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. To prevent shifting or rolling in your sleep, you can place extra pillows, rolled-up towels, or other supports around your sides. Some women choose to sleep in a recliner during breast augmentation recovery.

Sleeping on your back after getting breast implants helps to minimize pressure on your healing tissues and incisions while also helping to reduce postoperative swelling and discomfort. Even women who typically feel more comfortable sleeping on their stomach report that back-sleeping after a breast augmentation is naturally the most comfortable position.

When can I sleep on my stomach with breast implants?

Generally speaking, patients can resume sleeping on their side or front once they feel comfortable doing so, which typically takes about 6 – 12 weeks. After this time, the breast augmentation incisions should be fully closed, and the majority of swelling, bruising, and pain will be resolved. Because each patient is unique, however, Dr. Chiddy will closely monitor your healing and recovery progress during a series of postoperative follow-up appointments and let you know when you can be considered clear to resume sleeping on your stomach, exercising, and other activities.

What should I do to prepare for breast augmentation recovery?

Knowing what to expect ahead of time, including how your sleeping position may need to change, can help to make your breast augmentation recovery experience as seamless and comfortable as possible. Prior to your surgery, use these helpful tips for preparing for a breast implant recovery:

• Schedule time off of work
• Coordinate help with children and household chores
• Prepare healthy foods and snacks
• Adjust your medications as needed
• Stop smoking
• Take recommended supplements as directed
• Pick up your prescriptions
• Prepare a comfortable resting area
• Prepare a proper sleeping area
• Be sure to have plenty of comfortable, loose-fitting clothing handy (shirts that button or close in the front are recommended)

By knowing what to expect after surgery and preparing for your recovery period ahead of time, you can set yourself up for the best experience and outcome possible.

Get back to your real life sooner after breast augmentation surgery in Salt Lake City, UT

Not following your recovery instructions can cause complications and delays in healing that keep you from resuming your normal activities for longer. For the most efficient, comfortable, and successful breast implant recovery possible, be sure to follow your postoperative guidelines closely. For more information about what to expect following breast augmentation – or to schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester for breast augmentation in Draper, UT – call us at Jerry Chidester, MD Plastic & Hand Surgery today!