When Can I Lay On My Stomach After Breast Augmentation?

If you're a stomach sleeper, one of the first questions you may ask about breast augmentation surgery is whether you can sleep on your stomach with implants. You'll be excited to learn that the answer is yes — it is possible to sleep on your front with breast implants — but you won't be able to do so right after surgery. Generally speaking, patients will need to wait at least 2 months until you have recovered from surgery and when stomach sleeping with implants feels comfortable and natural. The primary concern for tummy sleeping after breast implant surgery is that the pocket around the implant, called the capsule, will stretch and can lead to implant malposition.

Here, Las Vegas board-certified plastic surgeons Terrence "Terry" Higgins, MD, FACS, Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS., and Andrew G. Silver, MD, FACS. of Plastic Surgery Vegas answer popular questions about how to sleep after breast augmentation surgery, including when it's safe to sleep on your stomach with implants and more.

How do you sleep during breast augmentation recovery?

Almost immediately after breast augmentation surgery with implants — and for at least the first month thereafter — patients are typically encouraged to sleep on their back. Additionally, it may be suggested that you place extra pillows or rolled towels at your sides to prevent shifting or turning over in your sleep for the first few weeks. Some patients find it easier and comfortable to sleep in a recliner for about a week after surgery.

Can you sleep on your stomach right after getting implants?

Sleeping on your front side during recovery after getting breast implants can cause a number of complications due to the pressure put on your healing incisions and tissues. During the first week or two after breast augmentation, most patients — even those who are normally stomach sleepers — would not find it comfortable to sleep on their front. Patients who undergo fat transfer to the breast vs. implant-based breast augmentation should also plan to sleep on their back during recovery, as undue pressure on the newly transferred fat cells can prevent them from establishing a blood supply, which can ultimately compromise results.

When can I sleep on my stomach again after breast augmentation?

Although each patient's breast augmentation recovery timeline will vary somewhat, on average, it is usually considered safe and appropriate to return to sleeping on your stomach after about 2 months or as cleared by our surgeons. At this time, patients may find that they've adjusted to the feel of their new implants and that the implants have settled and softened, making stomach sleeping more comfortable.

What are the other things you can't do after breast augmentation surgery?

During your preoperative appointments, as well as at the time of surgery and throughout your follow-ups, our team will outline instructions for breast augmentation recovery in detail. A few of the most important restrictions after breast augmentation surgery to keep in mind include:

• Do not sleep on your stomach
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for at least 6 weeks
• Do not smoke or use tobacco products for 1 month before or after
• Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication
• Do not drive while taking prescription pain medication
• Avoid raising your arms above your head for the first week and then slowly resume
• Do not put pressure on your healing chest

With proper aftercare and healthy habits, you can set yourself up for a successful breast augmentation recovery and get back to your favorite sleeping position sooner.

Give your feminine figure a boost with breast augmentation in Las Vegas, NV

Whether you've always had small breasts and you're ready for an upgrade, or you're looking to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery. To learn more about our extensive range of Las Vegas breast enhancement options at Plastic Surgery Vegas, contact us to schedule your private consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons Terrence "Terry" Higgins, MD, FACS, Andrew G. Silver, MD, FACS, or Michael C. Edwards, MD, FACS. today.