In today’s world, women have the power to change things about their appearance to match how they want to look and feel. If you are unhappy with the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts, you have options to choose from that can make them larger, reduce their size, or lift them up. Each year, almost 300,000 women choose to undergo a breast augmentation in the United States to enhance the shape and size of their breasts.
One very important thing you should know is that the results of your breast augmentation do not lie solely in the hands of the surgeon. The way you take care of yourself and the things you do during recovery will impact your final results, even something that seems simple (but is surprisingly tricky) like how you sleep.
Today, we are going to talk about sleeping after a breast augmentation, and we will answer common questions like, “How long should I sleep elevated after breast augmentation surgery?” and “When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?”
Choosing The Right Surgeon
Before you even book a date for breast augmentation surgery, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your cosmetic surgeon. A skilled and experienced surgeon understands not only the technical side of the procedure but also how to shape and balance your results with an artistic eye. They know how to avoid complications, ensure your safety, and guide you through a smooth recovery.
Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa and is committed to helping you achieve the results you want using a blend of her surgical expertise and artistic flair while prioritizing safety.
She and her team of expert professionals will listen to your goals, help you choose the best implants, and walk you through what your recovery will look like step by step. She will provide you with aftercare instructions that will give you tips and tricks for sleeping after a breast augmentation, directions for wearing your compression bra, and how to take care of your incisions. etc. It is important that you follow these directions diligently to ensure you get the best results from your surgery.
What You Should Know About Implants
Breast implants come in different shapes and sizes, such as round or teardrop-shaped, and are filled with silicone gel or saline. There are also different profile measurements that determine how far they protrude off your chest, and the implants you choose will affect the way they will look and feel, and possibly even affect your recovery instructions.
Why Recovery Instructions Matter
After having surgery, your body needs time to heal, and your implants need time to settle into place. If you do not carefully follow the instructions provided by the surgeon, you can experience issues like excessive swelling or uneven healing, or your implants could be displaced. Following your aftercare directions will help ease discomfort, help you heal properly, and ensure you get the results you want. Following the instructions for sleeping after your surgery is one of the most important things and will determine your final results.
Sleeping After Breast Augmentation
After having a breast augmentation, you will need to sleep on your back because it keeps the pressure off your chest, which helps your incisions and implants stay secure so they can heal properly and in the right place. Your surgeon will instruct you as to how long you will need to sleep on your back, but it normally is a minimum of six weeks.
Sleeping While Elevated
Most surgeons will instruct you to sleep with your upper body in an elevated position after your surgery, and you may wonder why and how long to sleep elevated after breast augmentation.
Each surgeon has their own preferences based on their experience, but the time frame is normally anywhere from two to six weeks. Sleeping in a reclined position after breast augmentation is recommended because it will help to minimize your swelling and improve your circulation, as well as reduce the likelihood of you experiencing complications or implant displacement.
Many patients find that sleeping in a recliner for several weeks after their breast augmentation is the safest and most comfortable way to ensure they do not accidentally roll onto their side, stomach, or another habitual sleeping position. If you do not have access to a recliner, a wedge pillow can really help.
Side Sleeping
If you are naturally a side sleeper, it may be very challenging to get comfortable enough to sleep on your back, and you may be wondering, “When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?”
After a breast augmentation, the way you sleep is very important because sleeping in the wrong position can put pressure on your chest and exert stress on your incisions or shift your implants out of place before they have had a chance to settle and heal.
Many people naturally sleep on their side, and it can be challenging not to gravitate to your preferred sleeping position during the night, when you are unaware of what you are doing. You can strategically position pillows to keep you on your back and prevent yourself from rolling over during the night or you can try sleeping in a recliner.
Once you do get the green light from your surgeon to sleep on your side, it is a good idea to place a soft pillow under your breasts for extra support and to keep the pressure off the area.
The Final Results Will Be Worth It
Breast augmentation can be life-changing for some women, so you want to make sure the results of your surgery live up to your expectations. Even though having to sleep on your back for a while may not be the most comfortable position for you, it will be well worth it when your recovery goes smoothly and your results are all you ever hoped for.
Who Is The Best Breast Augmentation Surgeon In Atlanta?
Choosing an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Angelina Postoev with IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, will ensure your breast augmentation in Atlanta is carefully planned and carried out with the utmost precision to deliver the beautiful, natural-looking results you are hoping for with a complication-free recovery.
To learn more about the many options we offer to enhance the appearance of your breasts, set up a consultation with IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today!
