How to Sleep After Breast Surgery

Having any surgical procedure will tax the body of physical resources. This is why after any kind of surgery, even a less invasive procedure like breast augmentation or a mommy makeover, patients typically find that they need a little extra rest than they usually do. The problem is that surgery itself can create a challenge for getting that rest. Here, we officer a roadmap that leads back to normal sleeping habits.

1. Sleep Reclining

One of the most common side effects to occur after surgery is swelling. There is also a risk of excessive fluid accumulation in the surgical area. This is true of most procedures, not just plastic surgery. To prevent this after a procedure on the upper body, patients are advised to sleep reclining. If you have a recliner, this may be easy. If you don’t you can prepare for a comfortable recovery by purchasing a few extra pillows to place under your back. In addition to helping prevent fluid accumulation and reduce swelling more quickly, a reclined position is much easier to move out of when you want to stand up.

2. Prepare to Sleep on Your Back

Once you no longer have to sleep reclining, you can transition to a more normal sleeping position but perhaps not entirely. If you’re accustomed to sleeping on your stomach, the instruction to sleep on your back may sound challenging. Having slept in a reclining position for a few days, this may be easier than you imagine, though. To help you remain on your back throughout the night, wedge the edge of a pillow under each arm.

3. Take the Support You’re Given

After breast surgery or a mommy makeover, a support garment is applied. Patients may wear this for a few weeks. During the first several days, the garment may be worn nearly all the time, removed only for showering. When you sleep, your support garment will prevent tugging on your incisions and will keep the breasts in place as you make slight movements.

4. Set Yourself Up for Success

Knowing that sleep is of the utmost importance after surgery, you want to set yourself up for success. One way to do this is to move around during the day as approved by your surgeon. Patients can typically take short walks as long as they are comfortable. The physical activity is minimal at first but usually sufficient to promote good sleep. Patients should also avoid things that inhibit quality rest, including caffeine, sugar, and late-night screen time.

Are you ready for a change? Contact our Denver office at 303.399.7662 to schedule your breast enhancement or mommy makeover consultation.