After a breast augmentation, sleep plays a vital role in your recovery. However, the placement of breast implants and surgical incisions can make sleep a bit more difficult for the first few days of your recovery, especially for women who are used to sleeping on their side or tummy. Post-surgery and during your augmentation recovery, you will want to sleep on your back with your head and upper body elevated. And because sleep plays such a crucial role in your recovery, it is important to plan for your recovery. Here we offer some helpful tips to better prepare for sleep after augmentation.
Determine Where You Will Sleep Post Surgery
The best place to start is determining where you will be sleeping. Will you be sleeping in your bed? Do you anticipate back-sleeping to be a problem? If so, it may make sense to plan to sleep in a recliner for at least a few days following surgery.
Whichever option is best for you, it is important to prepare this area for your recovery. Will you need additional pillows and blankets? Do you have a side table or maybe a rolling cart that you can fill with items like water and medications you will need during recovery? These are all important questions to ask and determine the best solutions for you.
Get Used To Sleeping In This Position Before Surgery
Once you have decided on your main sleep location, it is important to spend at least a week or more getting used to the new method of sleeping. This allows you to determine if changes need to be made if support cushions are necessary and more. Allowing your body to adjust to this new sleeping position before your breast augmentation recovery helps ensure your body will be able to sleep without having to adjust.
Consider Adding Surgical Support Pillows
As we mentioned, surgical support pillows can often provide the assistance your body needs to become comfortable in a new position. U-shaped body pillows and wedges are good suggestions as they can help you stay in position on your back while also elevating your upper body and head. Purchasing these pillows and using them to practice sleeping can help make the transition easier.
Create a Daytime Rest Location
After your breast augmentation, you will likely spend most of the first few days resting or sleeping. Before your procedure, you want to decide if you will just stay in one location all day and night or if you, for example, want to sleep in your bed at night but relax on the recliner during the day. If the latter, you will want to make sure both locations are set up with the items you need, including pillows and support so you can focus on resting.
Staying Active During Recovery Can Help Sleep
While your goal during recovery is to rest, getting quality rest and sleep often depends on activity. Taking short walks and expending energy during the day can help make it easier to sleep. This can be just a simple walk around the house. Remember, however, do not use your upper body or move too quickly during this activity as this could interfere with recovery.
If you have your breast augmentation surgery date set, now is the time to start preparing for your recovery. Test out different sleep support tools and locations to find the perfect match for you and your needs. If you still have questions, our team at Castellano Cosmetic Surgery Center is here to answer. Call 813-872-6093 today with any questions or concerns and let us help you prepare for a successful augmentation recovery.
Author: Dr. Joseph Castellano
Dr. Joseph Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. After medical school and residency, Dr. Castellano returned home and has opened a practice in Tampa, Florida focusing on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. He is a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association
