Good sleep helps recovery, but after breast surgery your position matters: for some weeks you should avoid pressure on the breasts and implants. These are the guidelines we give at our clinic after breast augmentation, a breast lift or implant replacement. Your surgeon may adapt them to your case.
How should I sleep after breast augmentation?
For the first week, semi-upright, with the backrest raised or several pillows. For the first month, on your back, turning only slightly, about 20 degrees. From one month you can sleep on your side, and not on your stomach before one year: many patients with implants simply get used to not sleeping on their stomach.
- First week: semi-upright
- First month: on your back, small turns of about 20°
- From one month: on your side
- Stomach: not before one year
- Bra: day and night for the first month
Week by week
Estimates for an uncomplicated recovery. The instructions you receive at your check-ups take priority.
First week: semi-upright
Sleeping with your upper body slightly raised helps swelling settle sooner and makes it easier to get up. You do not need to sleep fully sitting: a raised backrest, a wedge pillow or several pillows are enough. We recommend this position for the first week after any breast surgery and after facial surgery too.
Up to one month: on your back
For the first month, sleep on your back wearing the postoperative bra, day and night. You can turn slightly, about 20 degrees, to each side.
A U- or C-shaped pregnancy pillow is a good help: it keeps you raised in the first week and supports you at the sides so you do not roll over in your sleep. Otherwise, a few pillows at your sides will do.
From one month: on your side
From the first month you can sleep on your side if your check-ups go well. At first it may be more comfortable with a pillow between your arms or under your breasts so they do not bear the weight.
Stomach sleeping: not before one year
Lying on your stomach puts direct pressure on the breasts and implants. With any implant we advise avoiding it for the first year, and many patients get used to never doing it again.
How long do I need to sleep sitting up after breast surgery?
You do not need to sleep fully sitting. We recommend sleeping semi-upright, with the backrest raised or several pillows, for the first week.
How long do I have to sleep on my back after breast augmentation?
One month, turning only slightly, about 20 degrees, to each side.
When can I sleep on my side after breast augmentation?
From the first month, if recovery is normal.
When can I sleep on my stomach with breast implants?
Not before one year. It is the position that puts most pressure on the breasts and implants, and many patients with implants get used to never doing it again.
Does a pregnancy pillow help after breast augmentation?
Yes. A U- or C-shaped pillow helps keep you raised in the first week and stops you rolling over during the first month. A few pillows at your sides also work.
Do I need to sleep in a bra after surgery?
Yes: the postoperative bra is worn day and night for the first month.
Is it the same after MIA Femtech or Preservé?
Yes, the sleeping guidelines are the same, although recovery is usually faster in other respects.
