It's a good idea to avoid sleeping on your stomach right after breast surgery. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly raised will help reduce any swelling you may have.
After one week, if you feel comfortable sleeping on your side, you may do so. After four weeks, you should be feeling 100%, and can sleep in any position, including on your stomach if you wish.
Below, we'll answer some common questions about sleeping and breast augmentation surgery.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO AVOID SLEEPING ON YOUR STOMACH
Early stomach sleeping places unnecessary pressure on fresh incisions and the implant pocket. This can increase swelling, risk fluid buildup, and slow the healing process. Allow the soft tissues to adapt to the breast implants before adding direct pressure.
WHAT IS THE BEST SLEEPING POSITION DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS?
For the first few weeks after breast augmentation surgery, prioritize sleeping on your back in an elevated position. Keep your upper body slightly elevated to reduce swelling and support blood circulation. A wedge pillow or a few pillows behind your upper body can make it easier to sleep comfortably and get enough sleep.
MOVING FROM BACK TO SIDE, TO STOMACH
- Phase 1: Back only. Use extra pillows or a wedge pillow to maintain the intended position and reduce swelling. A compression bra or supportive bra helps stabilize the breasts and improves comfort.
- Phase 2: Side with support. If cleared by your surgeon, sleeping on your side can be introduced gradually after the first 1 to 2 weeks. Place a soft pillow between the arms and another against the chest to avoid unnecessary pressure on the new breasts.
- Phase 3: Stomach. Stomach sleeping usually comes last and only when fully healed. Start with a short trial and reassess comfort the next morning.
TIPS FOR THE BEST RESULTS
These are some general tips for a smooth, speedy recovery.
- Wear a compression bra or sports bra as directed. It limits motion and supports the implant pocket.
- Use a wedge pillow, a soft pillow at the sides, and additional pillows under the knees to maintain position after breast augmentation.
- Sleeping on your back: Use a wedge pillow and sports bra for support.
- Sleeping on your side: Add pillows to prevent rolling and reduce direct pressure on the breasts.
- Sleeping on your stomach: Avoid sleeping this way until fully healed; then proceed slowly.
- Take pain medication only as directed. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication for short-term relief to help you sleep.
WHAT IF I ACCIDENTALLY SLEPT ON MY SIDE?
Do not panic. Brief side sleeping rarely harms the result. If you notice increased soreness, swelling, or asymmetry, contact your surgeon. Return to sleeping on your back for several nights and use additional pillows to keep the right sleeping position.
CAN SLEEPING ON YOUR SIDE CAUSE CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE?
There is no strong evidence that sleeping on your side alone causes capsular contracture. Factors are multifactorial and include bacteria, bleeding, and genetics. The priority is minimizing direct pressure and following your surgeon’s post-op instructions for a smooth recovery.
CAN YOU LAY FLAT ON YOUR STOMACH WITH IMPLANTS?
Yes, once healed. After breast surgery and other surgery considerations resolve, most patients can lie flat without problems. Introduce stomach sleeping slowly to ensure there is not too much pressure on the breasts or discomfort in the body.
TIPS FOR STOMACH SLEEPERS TRANSITIONING BACK
If you are a stomach sleeper, retrain your body with short daytime rests on your back. Practice with a few pillows or a wedge pillow to create a cradle. Once healed, ease into stomach sleeping with a thin pillow under the chest to distribute pressure away from the breasts.
TAKE IT SLOW, AND BE PATIENT
Smart sleep strategies help protect your breast enhancement, support the recovery process, and promote increased confidence in your results. Prioritize comfort, protect the implant pocket, and transition positions only when your surgeon says it is safe. This approach leads to better sleep and a smooth recovery.