After breast augmentation, many women find it difficult to sleep, especially if they’re used to sleeping on their stomachs. Discomfort, getting used to a new position, worrying about injuring themselves can all play a role in getting the rest you need to heal. However, getting good sleep after surgery is incredibly important so Dr. Ortiz, a leading board-certified plastic surgeon, is sharing some tips on how to sleep after breast augmentation.
Why Sleep Is Necessary After Breast Augmentation
First, let’s look at why it’s necessary for you to get the sleep you need after you recover from breast augmentation or any surgery. After all, you may think that since you’re going to be resting, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking it easy, that should be enough, right? While resting is also necessary, it’s not quite the same as getting deep sleep.
When you go to sleep, your body goes into a state of healing, repairing injured tissues, and allowing your body time to rejuvenate. Blood flow increases to the tissues, bringing oxygen and nutrients to damaged areas in order to stimulate healing. This is also the time when growth hormones that stimulate tissue repair and prolactin that regulates inflammation are released. After breast augmentation, getting plenty of rest will also help reduce pain and help you avoid post-operation blues.
Preparing for a Good Night’s Sleep After Getting Breast Implants
After your procedure, you will most likely be stressed out, tired, and sore, which is normal, but isn’t exactly conducive to getting good sleep. Prepare for your first few nights of sleep with these steps:
Practice Your New Sleeping Position
If you’re a stomach sleeper or a side sleeper, you may want to start “practicing” sleeping on your back a week or so before the surgery. This way you won’t be struggling with the new position while you’re also uncomfortable and possibly sore.
Wear Your Compression Garments
You’ll be given compression garments that will reduce swelling and improve your recovery. These will also reduce tension around the incisions and minimize movement which will help you feel more comfortable when you sleep.
Move Your Body
Even on that first day after your surgery, it’s important to get up and move. This reduces blood clots after surgery, plus it helps prevent stiffness and aching from being still in one position. Walking around your home at regular intervals is fine for the first few days, but as you heal, you can increase to walking around the block and doing light stretching exercises. These can not only help you heal, it can improve your ability to fall and stay asleep.
Calming Activities Before Bed
Avoid things that can disrupt your sleep, such as caffeine, alcohol, and screen time before bed. Instead, listen to a podcast or music, read a book, or take a warm shower (not bath) to help you relax your mind and body. If you must use your phone or a screen, apply the blue light filter or turn down the brightness.
Finding the Right Sleeping Position After Breast Augmentation
After your breast augmentation surgery, you’ll need to sleep on your back in an elevated position for the first several days. This keeps your breasts in a more natural position, improves circulation, and minimizes swelling. It also makes it easier to get in and out of bed without straining your arm and chest muscles.
In bed, use extra pillows to provide the support you need, placing a pillow under each arm to keep your body from rolling from one side to the other, and a pillow under your knees to keep your back in alignment. Many women find a recliner to be more comfortable for sleeping than a bed.
After the initial healing stage, most women are able to sleep flat on their back rather than elevated for a few weeks before shifting to sleeping on your side. Dr. Ortiz will provide you with more personalized advice and post-operative sleeping recommendations to help you get the rest you need while staying safe.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today
If you’re ready to learn more about whether breast augmentation is right for you, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortiz today by calling us at (919)532-2270 or filling out the contact form below to get started.
