From all the different types of cosmetic surgeries on the market, breast augmentation still remains one of the most popular ones. This is mainly because it provides the necessary confidence boost that someone needs in order to feel better about their looks and to have a better quality of life. Now, just like with every cosmetic surgery, the recovery period after breast augmentation can take a few weeks. Propper sleeping after breast augmentation can make a huge difference on the end results, so today we will share some time on how to sleep better after this procedure.
How does sleeping after breast augmentation impact your recovery?
During sleep, we replenish the energy we lost during the day. This energy is important to maintain overall health and can have incredible impact on your body’s healing. Propper and good sleeping after breast augmentation could improve the final outcome of your surgery. On the other hand, poor sleep can result in poor healing results.
During the first few days after surgery, good quality sleep can be elusive, especially because of your fatigue and emotional high after the surgery. But we’re here to help.
Why is sleeping after breast augmentation important?
Getting enough of good sleep after a boob job is very important for the recover process. And not just for a boob job! For any surgery really. We might think that our body is sleeping and shutting down at night, but in fact this the time of the day when our body is the busiest, rejuvenating and healing itself.
If you’re able to sleep well, your brain and body will be able to focus on parts of itself that need healing, which also include the incision site from your breast augmentation. During sleep, the brain will trigger production of hormones that promote tissue grown and blood vessel repair. This will allow the sore and damaged muscle tissue to heal faster.
Furthermore, a good night sleep is very beneficial for your immune system, so you can also reduce the risk of developing post-surgery complications or infections.
How to sleep comfortably?
Every cosmetic surgery, including breast augmentation, is a progressive journey. You need to commit to all the steps involved, if you want to have good results. As mentioned, before, sleeping after breast augmentation is essential, but getting the standard 8 hours might not be enough. It’s also important to sleep comfortably as much as possible. Here are some useful tips on how to do that.
Prepare your body early for sleeping after breast augmentation
Every patient sleeps differently. Some prefer to sleep on their tummy, some on their side and some on their back. If you’re one of those that like to sleep on your tummy or either side, we highly recommend that you start preparing your body for different sleeping positions way before the actual breast augmentation.
Changing a routine that you developed over years is not easy. So, you need to start developing new habits and getting your body accustomed to different sleeping positions early. This way, once you have the surgery, it won’t feel so stranger (and uncomfortable) sleeping on your back.
Sleep on your back, but elevated
In order to achieve safe and fast recovery, during the first 6 weeks (or even up to two months) you should sleep on your back, slightly elevated. This position is beneficial, because it puts very little strain on your breast tissue and they can be relaxed. The incision site heals best and the breast implants settle best in this position.
Sleeping flat on your back is also good, but we highly recommend that your back be elevated at least 30-45 degrees. Sleeping after breast augmentation will require some adjustment and investing (consider buying a few soft pillows to put under your back, or a recliner), but it will all be worth it.
Can you sleep on your side?
Sleeping sideways after a boob job, might be an option for some patients, but only after the first 2 or 3 weeks. Now, just because your cosmetic surgeon cleared you for a different sleeping position, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take necessary precautions. If sideways sleeping after breast augmentation is your “go-to” option, you should be wearing an approved surgical bra as well as placing pillows under your breasts. These items will not only provide the necessary support for your new breast (keep them in place) but will also prevent unnecessary pressure that might disturb the implants or irritate the incision.
Sleeping on your tummy
We realize that there are patients that prefer to sleep on their tummy, but that’s something we definitely don’t recommend after breast augmentation surgery. Sleeping in that position can put additional pressure on your breasts, implants and surgical incision which can damage the end results. Instead, we recommend that you prepare yourself on sleeping on your back (elevated slightly) and wait until your surgeon clears you for sleeping on your tummy. Usually, patients are cleared for sleeping in any position they want after 12 weeks.
We hope that these tips about sleeping after breast augmentation will be useful and won’t discourage you from giving yourself the look you’ve always wanted. Boob jobs can have a significant positive impact not on just on your overall look, but also on your self-confidence and quality of life. If you believe that you’re a good candidate for this procedure, contact Dr. Kotoske and schedule a consultation.
