breast lift recovery

It might seem like a simple task but sleeping after a breast augmentation can be tough and frustrating for some patients. Because surgery sites need to be protected during the healing process, the way in which you sleep after a cosmetic surgery is very important to a successful recovery. In the office of John L. LeRoy, every precaution is taken to inform patients about how to protect their cosmetic results. That’s why we’ve compiled tips on how to better sleep after a breast augmentation.

Help with Adjusting Your Sleeping Position

The position that your body is placed for the duration of the night can affect cosmetic results from your cosmetic breast surgery.  Your recovery time is intended to relieve the swelling, bruising, and numbness in the breasts and/or nipples. Without a safe sleeping position, the healing process can be slower or in some cases significantly disrupted. The following is a list of helpful reminders for how to position yourself to sleep without harming your cosmetic outcome:

• Keep arms at side
• Lie down on your back
• Use pillows on your sides to keep yourself from shifting
• Sleep at a reclined angle

Depending on the type of cosmetic breast surgery you have, Dr. LeRoy will recommend a specific amount of time to modify your sleeping position. There are different recovery protocols for breast lifts, reductions and augmentations. Additionally, each patient has a different natural recovery rate from cosmetic plastic surgery.

Controlling Your Environment  

Your recovery environment should be set up to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. After your surgery, you will be given a compression bra to wear for at least weeks or until you’re advised otherwise. This bra keeps your breasts secure and can reduce the amount of pain during movement.

Many patients also notice an improvement in discomfort and swelling when they gently apply ice packs to their breasts. There are great options for non-leaking ice packs at most local pharmacies.

Don’t Skimp on Your Rest

After your cosmetic breast surgery, Dr. LeRoy will advise you about how many days you should refrain from lifting, bending or straining. The instructions that you’ll receive are to be taken very seriously to avoid the risk of injury and delayed recovery. If you’re having persistent pain for more than a few days that doesn’t subside with rest, ice, or pain medication, contact Dr. LeRoy’s office right away.

Sleep is one of the most useful methods of recovery, so it’s important to take it seriously after your cosmetic breast surgery. To schedule a consultation for more information, contact the office of Dr. John L. LeRoy at 404.843.0840. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more helpful plastic surgery information.