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A guide to sleeping after breast surgery

There are a myriad of reasons why you may be considering breast surgery. Whether it’s breast augmentation, breast reduction, or another procedure, breast surgery can improve your quality of life and boost your self-confidence. Whatever procedure you need, rest and recovery play a huge role in healing and are essential for the best outcomes.

We recommend that you get plenty of sleep after your surgery. However, it’s also important to be aware of how the position you sleep in might affect your recovery, too — especially if you’re used to sleeping on your front. 

Resting in the correct position helps avoid pain and discomfort as your body rehabilitates and repairs itself. To prepare you for a good rest after your procedure, let’s take a look at how to sleep after breast surgery.

Why can’t you sleep on your front after breast surgery?

After any breast surgery, rest is paramount. However, you’ll need to learn new habits if you’re a front sleeper. Sleeping on your belly puts unnecessary pressure on your breasts and could damage the results of your surgery. Your surgeon will generally advise you to sleep on your back for 8-12 weeks, as this is the best position for healing and swelling reduction.

The importance of sleep for breast surgery recovery

You may feel most relaxed when falling asleep — but this is when your body is at its busiest, repairing and healing. Quality sleep is essential in recovery from any form of surgery, and breast surgery is no different. During this time, your body works hard to reduce inflammation, delivering nutrients and oxygen for healing, and increasing blood flow to damaged tissues and muscles. 

Did you know that research also suggests that being well-rested improves your ability to manage pain, both physically and mentally? 

So, to help you feel revived and ready to enjoy the results of your procedure, let’s look at how to sleep after breast surgery in more depth.

How should you sleep after breast surgery?

Knowing how to sleep after breast surgery is essential for reducing residual pain and discomfort. For the first few days after your augmentation, reduction, or breast lift surgery, it’s very normal to experience some soreness. You may find this prevents you from settling into a regular sleep pattern. 

You might also feel a range of emotions, including stress and anxiety — which is, again, a very normal reaction. It can be helpful to speak with your breast surgeon ahead of your surgery so you know what to expect in terms of your recovery.

Finding the optimum sleeping position is the best way to experience a safe and swift recovery.

What’s the best sleeping position for immediately after breast surgery?

Immediately after surgery, you should sleep on your back with your arms, head, and back supported by pillows or in a recliner chair. After a few days, you can start lying flat on your back, but it depends on whether that feels comfortable and if the bruising and swelling have reduced.

When you undergo breast surgery with Adam Critchley in Newcastle, you’ll be supported by the team’s focus on enhanced recovery. Once you’re out of the operating theatre, we’ll make sure you’re in the best resting position and are as comfortable as possible.

How to sleep after breast augmentation surgery

When you return home after breast augmentation surgery, you’re likely to have swelling and experience feelings of tightness and stiffness.

To reduce pressure on your breasts, you’ll need to sleep with your upper body propped up on pillows, but not completely upright. Pillows under your arms, back, and knees can aid mobility, limiting the upper body strength you need to get out of bed. It can also help reduce fluid buildup and keep your breasts in a natural position. 

It can be useful to invest in a pregnancy or V pillow to prop you up and offer support.

Why do you have to sleep sitting up after breast surgery?

You should continue to sleep propped up, but not fully upright, for up to two weeks after your procedure. Elevating yourself at a 45-degree angle encourages breast symmetry and reduces pain, swelling and discomfort. This position also minimises bending or straining to aid speedy recovery.

How long to sleep on your back after breast surgery

After those first two weeks, you can move from upright sleeping to sleeping on your back. 

Of course, if you naturally sleep on your side or front, sleeping on your back after a boob job can seem strange at first. For those wondering when you can resume your normal sleeping position, the answer really depends on the type of surgery you’ve had and your body’s healing process. 

Often, you can go back to sleeping in your usual position after 2-4 weeks, however sleeping completely flat on your front should be avoided. In some cases, you may need to keep sleeping on your back for 8-12 weeks while your body continues to heal.

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

You’ll be provided with a surgical bra, which can help you feel more comfortable and reduce swelling. You should wear your surgical bra day and night for approximately 3 months, allowing your cars to reach their maximal strength after surgery. This helps to avoid scars stretching during this time..   

What about sleeping after a breast reduction? The same principle applies — you’ll want to avoid lying on your front and not sitting for the first two weeks, followed by another fortnight of sleeping on your back.

Elevating your head and feet with a soft pillow behind the knees creates a comfortable position for your pelvis after breast reduction surgery reducing swelling, promoting circulation and preventing you from rolling onto your tummy.

Tips for sleeping comfortably after breast surgery

Sleep is such an important part of the post-surgery healing process. So, if you aren’t used to sleeping on your back, it can be a good idea to prepare to make the recovery period easier. 

  • Start sleeping on your back the week before your surgery so you get used to it and aren’t tempted to roll onto your belly.

  • Prepare yourself mentally and try proven relaxation techniques. You’re likely to feel all kinds of emotions after surgery, so do your homework and prepare yourself emotionally.

  • Be physically active during the day. Keeping moving minimises the risk of blood clots by promoting circulation. Being mobile also helps reduce feelings of stiffness and achiness. Light walking is an ideal way to aid recovery and enjoy better sleep.

  • Wear your supportive bra when you sleep to keep your breasts in place. It helps ease tension in your incisions and reduce swelling.

Book your breast consultation today

If you’re looking for a renowned breast surgeon in Newcastle, get in touch with Adam Critchley. We offer a range of procedures, including breast lifts and breast asymmetry surgery

Whether you crave becoming implant-free or want to improve your body confidence and aesthetics, take a look at our transparent prices online and contact us today to book your initial consultation.