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A well-rested body has cardinal importance when healing from surgery. But getting the best sleep after an invasive breast augmentation surgery is quite a feat. When going for a breast enhancement procedure, you might already have lost some sleep thinking of the outcome.
Breast augmentation is a modification process that has the potential to get you great results in less time. From breast enlargement to breast reconstruction, women undergo breast augmentation for several reasons and have found great results.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures by women in the USA. The statistics showing 300,000 surgeries per year is substantial evidence that you are not alone and shouldn’t be afraid of going ahead. It is safe and your body recovers fairly quickly when you take proper care.
One of the key recovery components post breast implants is getting a good night’s sleep which requires you to adapt a healthy routine and correct sleeping position. Cosmetic surgeons across the world put a strong emphasis on a healthy post-surgery sleep routine as it contributes to a speedy recovery.
Better Sleep After Breast Implants Helps Heal Faster
A lot of people undermine the impact of good sleep on mind and body but it is a healer for patients who go through any incision-based procedure. It boosts immunity to fight infections that can attack the injured tissues.
A good night’s sleep helps your body relax while it concentrates on carrying fresh blood to the augmented area, thereby providing more oxygen for the recovery of the damaged tissues. A good sleeping position doesn’t let wrinkles form around your new breasts and keeps them firm. Moreover, sleeping better also reduces pain and discomfort in most patients if they sleep for about 8-10 hours. This is essential in not just healing after breast lift procedures but to maintain your mental well-being as well.
After breast augmentation, many women can feel emotionally drained as their body adjusts to change. Good sleep can keep your mind calm during these tough times.
Best Pillow for Breast Implant
Pillows play a crucial role for a peaceful sleep after surgery. Many women complain of severe backaches, discomfort, and trouble sleeping when using the wrong type of pillow. These pains can also be associated with uncomfortable sleeping positions post-breast augmentation. But choosing the right pillow can make your journey easy.
Pillow for Recovery Period
A safe choice post-procedure is to go for a wedge pillow that will help your body stay at the right elevation to support blood flow and keep you from developing any sort of back or neck pain. A wedge pillow is even suggested over common pillows since it is made out of moderately firm foam which offers great support for your upper body.
If you take a heavy pain-killer post breast augmentation, there is a chance it can kick up your acid reflux. A wedge pillow is also essential in controlling the reflux, thereby keeping you calm and refreshed in the morning. If you already have acid reflux problem, you can use Medcline which is actually a complete relief system for people experiencing acid reflux issues.
Post-Recovery Pillow for Stomach Sleepers
Although you can use wedge pillows in the long run, for an avid stomach sleeper, this breast pillow is a great option. It offers pressure-relieving breast support that retains your upper body shape when you are lying down on your stomach. This pillow also comes handy if your breasts are now too big and it has gotten uncomfortable to sleep on your stomach with your new breasts.
Make sure you don’t sleep on your stomach until you have fully recovered after the surgery. Sleeping on your stomach puts pressure on your breasts which is dangerous for the implants you just received. This breast pillow and stomach sleeping position can only be practiced after you have completely recovered.
Best Sleeping Position After Breast Augmentation
For optimal healing of the breast, a good sleeping position is a prerequisite. When you are unconscious, you can cause harm to the implants which will eventually prolong your recovery. Here are some sleeping positions commonly recommended by most of the cosmetic surgeons.
Sleep on Your Back
The best way to secure your breast implant pockets and let your breast tissues heal faster is to sleep on your back. Sleeping on your back ensures that you don’t move in a wrong position or cause strain to the incision or breasts by putting pressure. This position will also build a scar capsule around implants to reduce the chance of deformities.
The only downside to lying flat for longer periods is that it can result in back pain and accumulate fluids in your mouth due to acid reflux.
To tackle this, doctors suggest sleeping on your back slightly inclined. You can put a cushion or a pillow below to keep your head elevated in a comfortable position when sleeping on a mattress. A better option would be to buy a wedge pillow since it has the correct height to support your head, neck, and shoulders. It is also large so you wouldn’t be needing six pillows to adjust your position. You can learn more about wedge pillow uses and benefits here.
Sleeping in a Recliner
Sleeping on a recliner on which you can place your legs and head at a comfortable angle will allow you to get up easily in the morning. Sleeping on your back in a reclined position is a highly recommended method after breast augmentation and using a recliner for this is the best option.
This sleeping position is also advised by plastic surgeons and should be followed for almost four to six weeks. Lying on your back on a recliner can also keep reflux fluids down and aid in blood circulation towards your chest area.
Avoid Sleeping on Stomach or Side
Sleeping on your side after breast augmentation surgery might not be a good decision as it can put strain on your implants, hence causing deformity and delaying your recovery resulting in painful sleepless nights. Another position to avoid is sleeping on your stomach. This isn’t just unhealthy for your gut and respiratory system but it can also damage the incision area and shape of your new breasts.
If you are curious to know, aestheticians agree that sleeping on your stomach after breast augmentation is an option once you have fully recovered after the procedure but it still won’t be a comfortable position to sleep in. But if you can’t give up on your habit of stomach sleeping, you can use a breast implant pillow after recovery.
How To Sleep Better After Breast Augmentation
The entire procedure and recovery period may be straining to your mental and physical health. It is important to keep your spirits high during this time as you have made a good change to your body and should be excited to see the results. Here are some more tips that can help you improve your sleep quality.
Relax Your Mind
You can meditate before going to bed or do some breathing exercises. Avoid watching anything on your phone or exploring social media as it will keep your brain thinking. Take a shower and burn some relaxing incense in your room.
Take a painkiller recommended by your doctor. Most importantly, don’t overthink the results of breast augmentation or make yourself worried. Let your body heal before it reveals.
Avoid Foods/Drinks that Disturb Your Sleep
Maintaining a healthy diet plan is an essential part of getting undisturbed sleep. If your stomach is relaxed, you will sleep anxiety free. Do not ruin your sleep with oily and sugary foods such as dairy and fizzy drinks. Remember, if your gut is sleeping, so is your mind. Consume lighter foods that cause no digestion issues or acid reflux problems.
Wear a Sports Bra to help reduce pressure on the incision
A sports bra is a good option as it contains no wires and will provide a softer surface for your incision area. Make sure the bra isn’t overly tight, has good quality; clean and newer in condition to avoid any risk of infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a breast lift can I sleep on my side?
It depends. The type of breast augmentation procedure you have undergone determines the length of recovery and ultimately your sleeping position. Ideally, it is recommended to not sleep on your side for four to six weeks as sleeping on your side puts pressure on your breasts which will eventually damage the implants.
Can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
No, it is not recommended to sleep on your side as this sleeping position can cause damage to your implants by putting pressure on them. The best sleeping position post-breast surgery is sleeping on your back, slightly elevated with the help of a wedge pillow or a recliner if available.
Should I wear a bra to sleep after breast augmentation?
Yes, you should. Special augmentation bra that you can get from your surgeon is highly recommended. Any other bra that you use should be supportive to hold the weight of your implants and have no underwires.
When can I drink alcohol after breast augmentation?
If you are taking any sort of pain medication, you should completely avoid drinking alcohol. But even when you are off medication, it is recommended that you avoid alcohol consumption since it has the potential to disturb your sleep cycles. And poor sleep contributes to nothing but a prolonged recovery.