Tips For Sleeping Well After Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that enhances the appearance, size, and volume of breasts using saline or silicone implants. In the days or even weeks following augmentation surgery, many women find it difficult to sleep: pain and discomfort, anxiety and worry about hurting yourself, the side effects of anaesthesia, and even being overly tired can all contribute to difficulty getting a good night’s rest. But sleep; deep, restful sleep, is critical for healing and recovery after any surgery. Here are some tips to help you get the rejuvenating sleep you need to heal well and feel good after breast augmentation surgery.

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Why Sleep Is Important For Recovery

Sleep in a naturally restorative state. Here are some of the things that happen within our bodies as we sleep:

Blood flow to our tissues increases. Rich in oxygen and vital nutrients, this increased blood flow repairs injured tissues and promotes new tissue growth.
The hormone prolactin is released while you sleep. This hormone helps regulate inflammation and decreases swelling.
Your body produces more white blood cells that strengthen immunity. White blood cells attack bacteria and infection that can hinder the healing process.

In addition to the physiological effects of sleep, there are psychological benefits to sleep that can contribute to healing too. Being well rested will help avoid the post-op blues, help reduce feelings of stress and depression, and boost your mood; all factors that contribute to more positive recovery outcomes.

Tips For A Restful Sleep After Breast Surgery

There are several things that you can do to ensure that you have the most restful sleep possible after breast augmentation surgery:

Train Yourself: Following breast augmentation surgery you will need to sleep on your back in a slightly elevated position. This position is ideal to minimize swelling and soreness and it also makes it easier to get up without using your tender upper body muscles or putting strain on your incisions. If you are normally a stomach or a side sleeper, consider training yourself to sleep on your back in the weeks leading up to your surgery. Becoming accustomed to back sleeping before your breast augmentation will make it much easier to be comfortable in the days that follow surgery.

Get Moving: Even as early as the day of your procedure, your plastic surgeon may encourage you to take short, easy walks around your home. As you heal and feel better, these walks can increase in duration and frequency. Walking will boost circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, help prevent stiffness, and tire you out. This will improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Mindfulness: After surgery, many patients can find they are experiencing emotions they did not expect. Feeling of anxiety and worry, depression, stress, and even regret are normal as your body heals. Meditation and mindful breathing can help you center yourself and process your emotions after surgery. Taking the time during the day or before bed to understand your emotions and put them to rest will help you prepare for bed and avoid a racing mind when you are ready to sleep. Consider normal “best practices” as you prepare for bed as well; avoid caffeine and alcohol, turn off your phone, dim the lights, listen to music, read a book, relax your mind and body.

Wear Compression Garments: The compression garments you are given after surgery will reduce swelling, reduce tension around your incisions, and reduce movement and provide support for your healing tissues helping you feel more comfortable while you sleep.

Breast Augmentation At Alberta Plastic Surgery

Ensuring deep and restful sleep after breast augmentation, or any other cosmetic surgery, is vital to a faster, healthier recovery process. There are many factors, both physical and psychological, that can inhibit your ability to sleep well as you heal. Following these tips will minimize disruptions to the restorative sleep you need and optimize the rejuvenating power of your sleep.

If you are considering breast augmentation to achieve your desired results for the size and volume of your breasts, the team at Alberta Plastic can guide you in exploring your options for breast augmentation surgery. Book your complimentary consultation today.

Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to heal after breast augmentation?
A: Every patient’s journey to recovery is unique, but typical recovery after breast augmentation takes 4-6 weeks.

Q: What type of implants should I choose?
A: There are several different implant types for you to choose from. Your surgeon will be able to help you determine the right choice for you. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak to discuss your options for implants and what outcomes you hope to achieve from surgery.

Q: When will I be able to see the final results after my breast augmentation?
A: How soon you will be able to see the optimal results after your breast augmentation surgery will depend on the type of implants, where your implants were placed (under or over your chest muscles), your body type, and your personal healing journey. It will usually be a couple of months before you will see the final results.