In most cases, patients continue sleeping on their back for at least 2 – 4 weeks after breast lift surgery to minimize discomfort. Some patients are able to resume side-sleeping comfortably after 1 – 2 weeks, though stomach-sleeping may remain uncomfortable or painful for much longer.
Start in a Recliner
Whether you've had breast augmentation or a mommy makeover, you'll need to sleep with your upper body elevated. This helps minimize fluid buildup and swelling around the surgical site, a side effect that could occur during the first two weeks of recovery.
After sleeping with upper body slightly elevated on your back for at least four to six weeks, you can usually transition to just sleeping on your back, flat on your bed, for a few weeks.
To reduce swelling, your upper body should be elevated, especially while you sleep. This helps minimize fluid buildup, enhances circulation, and also keeps the breasts in a more natural position as they heal. Another reason to sleep with your body elevated is that it can help with mobility.
After a breast lift, you'll have some discomfort, swelling and bruising. Your skin may feel tight. These effects get better over time and last about two weeks.
Do keep your incisions clean, dry and properly bandaged according to your plastic surgeon's instructions. You might need to avoid showering and take sponge baths for a few days to keep the incisions dry. Do take adequate time off work to recover. Most women take about a week off before going back to the office.
You should avoid going braless before the six-week mark after your surgery. Dr. Howland requires patients to wear their compression bra for several weeks at all times except when bathing to aid the healing process.
Avoid straining, bending and lifting. Sleep on your back or your side to keep pressure off your breasts. Avoid sexual activity for at least 1 to 2 weeks after the breast lift. Ask your health care provider when it's OK to resume daily activities, such as washing your hair, showering or bathing.
It's generally advised that you shouldn't perform any excessive reaching or twisting or bending, avoid lifting anything heavy, but still trying to maintain active and completing light activities.
surgical bra can be removed for few hours while taking showers. But it is advisable to keep it on as much as possible as it gelps in providing shape and fullness to the breasts.
Sleeping on your side or stomach too soon after breast surgery – including breast reduction – can strain fresh incisions and force scars still in the process of healing to bleed or stretch. The excess pressure may also cause swelling and discomfort that can interfere with sleep.
Bra: The doctor recommends that you wear the bra as close to 23 hours per day as possible (all day and night, except for the time when you're in the shower). You will need to wear a sports bra with no under wire for 6 weeks, or until the doctor says you are clear to start wearing a regular bra.
In the first 1 to 2 weeks, you can use your arm normally up to shoulder height for light activities, such as face washing, hair brushing and eating. But avoid lifting your arm above the height of your shoulder. Don't lift anything heavy, but you can use your arm to lift a cup of tea.
On average, a full recovery period usually takes about four to six weeks. It's important to refrain from physical activity, lifting heavy objects and overworking yourself during this sensitive time.
In most cases, patients continue sleeping on their back for at least 2 – 4 weeks after breast lift surgery to minimize discomfort. Some patients are able to resume side-sleeping comfortably after 1 – 2 weeks, though stomach-sleeping may remain uncomfortable or painful for much longer.
Best Choice: Back-Sleeping
The best position for safe sleeping after breast augmentation surgery is on your back with your upper body slightly elevated. This position, typically achieved by sleeping in a recliner or with a stack of pillows, can reduce breast swelling and soreness.
During your recovery, your activity level will be significantly reduced. This decrease in movement can lead to fluid retention, increasing your swelling and bloating symptoms. Without being able to engage in the physical activity you usually would, you may even recognise a small weight gain. This is completely normal!
It is essential for easy and quicker recovery after breast lift and augmentation for the breasts not to move and promote good healing. Most patients can go braless after about six weeks, but it should be on special occasions and not daily to maintain optimal results.
Your breasts might sag if you don't wear a bra.
"There's a ligament called Cooper's ligament that anchors around the breast tissue," he says. "This causes more movement and bouncing around. In my opinion, the breasts will sag and get loose if a bra isn't worn for a long time."
Over time, that fat may be replaced by firm scar tissue that feels like a hard lump. The lump may be as small as a pea or could be a larger, hard mass. It is usually not noticeable until 6-8 months after the surgery, once the tissue flap has softened and the swelling is gone. Doctors call these lumps fat necrosis.
You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks, and you'll likely have a lot of swelling. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.
Sleep on Your Back
Particularly in the first few weeks after surgery, sleeping on your back, while usually wearing a surgical bra, allows the breasts to heal in a more comfortable and desirable position.