08 Nov Recovery Time: How To Sleep After Breast Augmentation Surgery
Recovery In Breast Augmentation Surgery
Thousands of women choose breast augmentation surgery for cosmetic or medical purposes. Today, there are different surgical methods and implant methods available for a fantastic, natural look. Despite the technique, breast augmentation surgery requires extensive recovery time. Getting enough sleep and sleeping the right way are common questions raised by patients. Following the surgeon’s instructions during recovery is critical to success.
Why sleep is vital to successful surgical outcome
Cosmetic or medical procedures involve controlled trauma to the body. These incisions need time to heal, particularly in the first 2 weeks of surgery. Sleep is the period where the body heals. All other activities can shut down to send more attention to the surgical site. Poor sleep quality can slow healing, while poor positioning can damage stitches, shift the implants, or cause rippling. During breast augmentation recovery, the safest sleep positions are crucial for healing and recovery.
Here’s the best position to sleep after surgery
Surgery has progressed to using more minimally invasive means, meaning smaller incisions and faster recovery. Despite these improvements, patients would need to apply as little pressure to the incisions as possible. Sleeping on the back is the best position within the first 2-3 weeks after surgery. This position reduces the chances of the implant shifting out of place. More importantly, bandages will remain undisturbed, allowing the incisions to heal. Maintain this position until the surgeon gives the all-clear to sleep in other ways.
What if you sleep on your side or stomach?
Some patients would prefer the side or stomach, but are these positions safe? Sleeping on the side is a common request, especially if the surgeon uses a periareolar incision. Sleeping on the back is still recommended at first. If the position impacts sleep quality, turning on the side can be introduced with pillows to support the breast. Sleeping on the stomach can dislodge the implant and impact the incisions. Only after a few weeks, sleeping on the stomach is possible.
Other helpful sleep tips
Sleeping with implants immediately after surgery can be uncomfortable, regardless of the sleeping position. However, there are some ways to stay comfortable. Wearing a sports bra, for instance, can keep the breast supported and secure. If possible, sleep in a slightly elevated position. This position helps with blood flow and helps with healing. Place some pillows on each side to reduce the chances of turning during sleep. Finally, try stress-reduction techniques like meditation and set up a soothing environment to increase the chances of sleep.
Have a restful recovery
Sleeping during recovery is one of the more challenging parts of the breast augmentation process. An elevated position helps reduce pain, speed up recovery, and reduces the chances of complications. After 4 weeks, the surgeon will give the ok to sleep in other positions. The full recovery can take up to 3 months to see the full results. If recovery is a challenge or there is pain during sleep, raise the issue with the plastic surgeon.