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When Can I Sleep on My Side After Breast Augmentation?

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August 19, 2025 | Breast Augmentation
5 minute read

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After breast augmentation, or any surgery, it can be challenging to find a good sleeping position for both optimal healing and maximum comfort, especially if you prefer sleeping on your side or stomach. With a bit of preparation and adjustment, you can ensure you are healing. This blog will discuss how long you’ll have to maintain a modified sleeping position, the importance of proper sleep after surgery, and tips for how to sleep with your new breast implants.

Table of Contents

How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Sleep on My Side?

Typically, you can return to sleeping on your side six to eight weeks after your breast augmentation surgery. Each patient has their own unique healing timeline, and your surgeon can help you determine exactly when you’re cleared to return to your favorite sleeping position. Patience and close adherence to your surgeon’s instructions will go a long way towards maximizing your recovery and preventing complications that compromise your results.

The Importance of Sleep After Breast Augmentation

After breast augmentation surgery, it is vital to get plenty of rest, particularly eight hours of sleep per night. The body makes the most progress repairing and restoring muscles, blood vessels, and other tissues when you are asleep. During sleep, your body slows down and relaxes, which contributes to reduced swelling and a quicker recovery. Sleep also boosts your immunity, reducing the risk of infection. It’s one of the most critical aspects of recovery!

What Is the Best Sleep Position After Breast Augmentation?

Your sleep position is also worth paying attention to. Sleeping on your side or belly can put pressure on the chest, leading to issues such as:

  • Increased pain, swelling, or discomfort
  • Improper breast implant position and slower settling of implants
  • Strain on incisions, increasing the risk of them opening
  • Greater risk of complications like capsular contracture, implant malposition, and implant rupture

On the other hand, sleeping on your back has several benefits, including:

  • Less pressure on breast implants and incisions
  • Allowing implants to settle into a natural position
  • Reduced swelling and discomfort
  • Improved circulation
  • Greater ease getting in and out of bed

Back sleeping can feel unnatural or uncomfortable at first, especially for side sleepers, but it’s the best position for optimal healing after breast augmentation.

How to Sleep After Breast Augmentation

After breast augmentation, you will need to sleep on your back, with your upper body elevated. A sleeping incline of 30 to 45 degrees will facilitate a more natural breast position and minimize swelling during the early postoperative period.

Here are some further tips to sleep comfortably after breast augmentation:

    • Practice sleeping on your back before surgery. Try sleeping on your back, at an incline. Take note of extra pillows or sleeping tools that may be necessary. Some people like to place a pillow under their knees. Others find sleeping in a recliner is more comfortable than sleeping on their back in bed.
    • Use a wedge pillow. These are firmer than regular bed pillows, providing a good foundation for sleeping on an incline. You can add pillows to the top and bottom of the wedge as you like. Ultimately, when you’re sore and tired after surgery, a wedge pillow simplifies the process of lying down while staying supported.
    • Prevent rolling during the night. If you tend to move around a lot during sleep, additional pillows can help keep you in a comfortable position on your back. Some patients find it helpful to put pillows on either side of their body at bedtime, usually under each arm.
  • Wear your support garments. You should wear your postoperative garments day and night immediately after surgery. This is especially beneficial while you sleep, as the compression supports healing breast tissue, reduces swelling, and ensures your implants are properly positioned during recovery.
  • Improve your sleep quality. Keep your environment dim and quiet—earplugs and an eye mask have been proven to help promote better sleep for postoperative patients. If you’re struggling to fall asleep or get enough sleep, ask your surgeon about medicines to help, like melatonin or zolpidem.

These tips can help you optimize your sleep, speed up your recovery, and ensure you get the best results. You’ll be back to sleeping on your side, with your surgeon’s clearance, before you know it! In the meantime, proper aftercare is the best way to ensure a smooth transition from postoperative recovery to enjoying long-lasting results!

Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Orange County

If you’re considering breast augmentation, the first step is to consult with a highly qualified plastic surgeon. At UCI Plastic Surgery, our experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeons can help you determine the right treatment plan to achieve the results you desire. To learn more about breast augmentation and make an appointment with one of our skilled surgeons, call today at (714) 456-3077 (Orange), (949) 999-2411 (Costa Mesa), or (714) 456-3077 (Tustin) or complete the online contact form.