When Can I Lay on My Tummy After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

If you’re one of the millions of women who prefer sleeping on their stomachs, you may not be looking forward to changing your favorite sleeping position after breast augmentation. Fortunately, this is usually a temporary adjustment, and patients can eventually go back to stomach-sleeping. Still, it is important to know how long you may need to avoid sleeping on your stomach after a breast augmentation and why it matters. Keep reading to find the answers to these common breast augmentation recovery questions from premier Newport Beach, CA board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi of SSK Plastic Surgery.

Why do you have to sleep on your back after a breast augmentation?

During breast augmentation recovery, patients will need to sleep on their backs with their upper bodies slightly elevated. This sleeping position helps to discourage postoperative bruising, swelling, and fluid buildup while also protecting the healing tissues and incisions. Not only that but placing undue pressure on the newly placed implants and the healing breasts themselves can be particularly uncomfortable.

How long until I can sleep on my stomach after getting implants?

On average, patients can expect to spend about 6 – 8 weeks sleeping on their back after a breast augmentation. This allows the body enough time to heal and recuperate before pressure is applied to the breasts. It also prevents the inadvertent opening of incisions and/or implant displacement. While this may sound like a long time to wait for a woman who is a typical stomach-sleeper, most patients report that back-sleeping during breast augmentation is naturally more comfortable than lying on their tummy, regardless of their pre-surgery preference.

Will sleeping on my stomach cause my implants to rupture?

In otherwise healthy women who have fully recovered from breast augmentation without complications, sleeping on the stomach is considered safe and appropriate. Some patients find that sleeping with breast implants can be uncomfortable when lying on their stomachs, though many resume stomach-sleeping without an issue. Sleeping on your stomach under normal conditions should not directly cause breast implant rupture.

How can I get more comfortable while sleeping with breast implants?

To make your breast augmentation recovery as comfortable, successful, and efficient as possible, consider the following tips:

• Sleep on your back
• Prop your upper body and head up with pillows
• Use extra pillows, blankets, or towels to create a “nest” around your body that prevents you from rolling over
• Keep the room at a comfortable, preferred temperature
• Wear the recommended supportive garments as directed
• Drink plenty of water
• Get enough rest each day and night
• Take pain relief medications as directed
• Keep healthy snacks and drinks within reach

By preparing ahead of time and knowing how you may need to adjust your sleeping position during breast implant recovery, you can set yourself up for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience as you look forward to seeing your newly enhanced figure take shape.

Feel feminine and beautiful once again with breast augmentation surgery in Orange County, CA

Whether you have always had naturally small breasts, your breasts have changed over time, or you simply want to add to your already blessed bustline, we can help with a complete range of breast augmentation options in Newport Beach, CA. Take the first step toward a whole new you by calling SSK Plastic Surgery to schedule your breast implant consultation with Orange County board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi today.