How to Sleep After Breast Augmentation

Of all the things you’ll think about when deciding to have breast implants, how the procedure will affect your sleep is likely to be towards the bottom of the list. The impact on your sleep is certainly not a reason not to have breast surgery, but it is worth reading up on how you can sleep after breast augmentation to aid your recovery.

At Enhance Medical, our surgeons and patient care coordinators advise you on every aspect of your post-operative care. That includes tips on whether you can sleep without a bra, whether you need to sleep in an upright position and how you can sleep comfortably with breast implants.

We’ve condensed all that information into this handy guide so you can sleep as comfortably and safely as possible without damaging the breasts of your dreams.

Why sleeping position is important after breast surgery

Getting a good night’s sleep is important at any time. Getting between seven and nine hours of slumber enables your body to recharge and recuperate so you can function physically and mentally the next day. However, if you’ve had breast augmentation surgery, sleeping properly and in the right position becomes even more important.

Following surgery, you need to give your body the chance to heal. Having at least a week off work and getting plenty of sleep during that time is vital, but the position you sleep in is important too.

• Better healing – Sleeping on your back and with your upper body elevated allows your breasts and incisions to heal. As the body is still, it can dedicate more blood flow to the injured muscles and tissues. That delivers oxygen and nutrients to promote healing and allow the scar tissue to form. Sleeping on your back will also help your breasts settle into their final position.
• Less swelling – Using pillows to prop yourself up and keeping your upper body elevated improves circulation, which reduces fluid buildup and speeds up healing. It also takes the pressure off your incisions and implants to reduce the risk of complications and minimise swelling.
• Reduced risk of negative effects – Keeping pressure off your breasts while you sleep reduces the risk of complications, including strained incisions, implants that shift position and additional swelling and discomfort that can delay the recovery process.
• Pain relief – Getting plenty of sleep can also improve the body’s response to pain and reduce the level of discomfort you experience in those early post-operative stages.

Can I sleep on my back after breast augmentation surgery?

After your operation, your surgeon and patient care coordinator will discuss your recovery in detail, including how to sleep after breast augmentation, and answer any questions you have.

We advise all patients to sleep on their back for the first few weeks after the procedure with their upper body elevated at a 30 to 45-degree angle. That position enhances circulation, reduces fluid buildup and keeps the breasts in a natural position while they heal. Having your upper body elevated also enables you to get out of bed without having to pull or press with your arms. That’s beneficial as you should avoid using your arm and chest muscles immediately after surgery.

You may have an adjustable bed that can elevate your upper body to the desired angle. If not, a V-shaped pillow (pregnancy pillow) helps to prop you up while providing plenty of support. It’s also beneficial to place an extra pillow on either side of your body to prevent you from rolling onto your side during the night.

How long do I have to be elevated when sleeping after breast augmentation?

We recommend sleeping on your back and with your upper body elevated for the first two weeks after surgery. It’s not necessarily the easiest position to sleep in and some patients find it more comfortable than others. If you’re struggling to sleep with your upper body elevated, please get in touch, and our dedicated nursing team will guide you and ensure you get the sleep and rest you need.

It’s worth practising sleeping on your back and with your upper body elevated before the procedure. That will help you get used to it and give you time to buy anything you need to feel comfortable and supported. After the first two weeks, you may be able to start sleeping flat on your back, depending on your surgeon’s guidance and based on your individual circumstances.

How can I get comfortable sleeping on my back after breast augmentation?

We’ve already shared a few tips, such as buying a V-shaped pillow to help keep you elevated and supported and getting used to sleeping in an elevated position before the procedure. Other things we often suggest to our patients include:

• Placing a pillow under each arm to keep your arms in a natural and comfortable position while your back is elevated
• Using positioning pillows to keep your body in the right place and prevent you from rolling onto your side
• Placing a pillow under your knees to improve your back alignment and increase your comfort
• Using a travel pillow to support your neck and keep your head from rolling to one side

If you roll onto your side while sleeping, you should always roll onto your back as soon as you become aware of your position.

When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?

During the first few weeks after surgery, you should avoid sleeping on your side as it can increase the pressure on your implants and incisions, worsen the swelling and discomfort and even shift the position of your implants, which can cause an asymmetry. You are advised to sleep lying upright for 2-6 weeks following surgery, based on your surgeon’s advice.

After around six weeks, you should be able to sleep on your side with approval from your surgeon. By that point, the incisions will have had time to heal and your implants will be more settled. Even then, you should put a pillow under your breasts to provide support and wear a supportive bra. That will reduce the tension on your incisions and keep the implants in place.

You should avoid sleeping on your front for at least 12 weeks, and then you can only do so after talking to your surgeon. That’s because front sleeping can delay healing, increase your discomfort, shift the implants and compromise the results of your surgery.

At Enhance Medical, all patients are provided with in-depth post-surgery discharge information that will provide thorough guidance on how to sleep and the general aftercare required for a full recovery.

When can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation surgery?

You should wear a supportive bra when sleeping after breast augmentation surgery for at least six weeks. That will help to reduce discomfort, allow your implants to settle and prevent them from shifting positions.

After six weeks, your surgeon may say it’s okay to go braless. However, we generally advise patients to wear a bra in bed if they can, particularly if they have larger breasts, as it reduces the impact of sagging and other changes over time. Many patients also find wearing a bra in bed more comfortable than going without.

Tips for sleeping well after breast surgery

Making sure you’re in the best sleeping position after breast augmentation surgery is key to your recovery, but there are a few other tips that can help you sleep soundly.

Move around during the day

Although you’ll be instructed to get plenty of rest, walking around the house improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of clots. It can also improve the quality and duration of your sleep. You shouldn’t overdo it though, and avoid light exercise until at least two weeks after the procedure.

Read more: A guide to exercising after breast surgery

Avoid sleep disruptors

There are all sorts of things that can disrupt your sleep. Alcohol is a no-no after surgery because it can slow your healing and interrupt your sleep patterns. You should also avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks in the evening and mobile phone use in bed is a well-known sleep inhibitor.

Do some gentle stretching

Gentle stretching before bed can improve blood circulation and relieve nerve pain. You should avoid any movements involving the arms or chest, but loosening your hips, hamstrings and legs can be beneficial.

Practice relaxation techniques

Everyone has their own bedtime routine, but after breast augmentation surgery, you may benefit from making a few changes. A shower before bed (rather than a bath) can relax the body, help you unwind and boost circulation. Listening to soothing music or a podcast, reading a book and doing deep breathing exercises can also engage your body’s natural relaxation response.

Safe, high-quality and affordable breast augmentation surgery with Enhance Medical

Enhance Medical is the UK’s leading day case provider of breast augmentation surgery. Our surgeons operate out of state-of-the-art clinics and use Mentor Implants in every breast enlargement procedure to achieve your aesthetic goals. Find out more about cosmetic surgery at Enhance, take a look at our breast enlargement before and after photos and book a free consultation to start your journey.