There are many reasons why women in the Long Island, NY area may choose to enhance their breasts. One of the most commonly asked questions at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery is “How do I sleep after breast augmentation?” Board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. James N. Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev answer this important question, as well as many others, about breast augmentation at a personal consultation at their Huntington, NY office. They can provide extensive breast augmentation recovery instructions that help you get the results you’re looking for after your procedure in Long Island, NY.
Breast augmentation recovery timeline
Most breast augmentations require about six to eight weeks of recovery. Following recovery instructions closely will lead to the best possible results. The recovery period typically happens in stages:
Right after surgery: You may experience tightness or muscle aches in the chest. The pain will decrease as the muscles relax. After a few hours, you’ll feel less sore, at which point you can usually go home. Your breasts will be wrapped with a bra or elastic band, which helps support them during recovery.
Three to five days: You may have minor bleeding at the incision sites.
One week: Pain should be minimal after the first week. With the approval of Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev, you may be able to return to light daily activity.
Two to three weeks: Soreness and swelling are common, but you should be feeling better. Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting.
Two months: You should be close to full recovery. However, this will depend on how each patient heals. After a post-op visit, we can determine whether or not you’re ready to resume regular activity.
Can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation?
At Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, we recommend that you always sleep in a quality bra after breast augmentation, at least until all incisions are healed. This will take six weeks, or more, depending on your surgery and any other related procedures you may have had. A compression bra offers the necessary support that helps the healing process go as smoothly as possible.
There are several other reasons why it’s important to sleep with a bra after breast augmentation, including:
Reduces soreness: You will be sore after surgery and movement will irritate incisions. A bra can significantly reduce this irritation
Prevents movement: While healing, you shouldn’t move too often as it will affect the shape of your new breasts
Allows implants to set properly: A necessary component of recovery is allowing the implants to set
When can I sleep without a bra after breast augmentation?
At Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery, we generally suggest that patients wait at least six weeks post-op to sleep without a bra. During the recovery time, you can transition to different types of bras as long as they are soft on the breasts. It’s also important that you sleep on your back since side or stomach sleeping can lead to compression of the breasts, affecting their shape.
Sleep tips for after breast augmentation
Dr. Romanelli and Dr. Layliev can offer helpful information regarding sleeping after your plastic surgery procedure. Sleeping is an important part of the healing process. However, if a patient doesn’t follow recovery instructions properly, they may risk deformation. It’s advisable that you sleep on your back as long as possible after breast augmentation. Use pillows to elevate your back to help with the weight of the breasts. If you want to sleep on your side after a few weeks pass during recovery, use a pillow to keep you in place so you don’t roll over onto your stomach. After the healing process, sleeping on your side or stomach won’t affect the appearance of your implants.
Learn more about breast augmentation in Long Island, NY
When you’re considering breast augmentation, you will want to consult with experienced and board-certified plastic surgeons, like Dr. James N. Romanelli and Dr. John Layliev. They can provide important information during a consultation at their Huntington, NY office, as well as determine whether or not you’re a viable candidate for this plastic surgery. To schedule a consultation, call our professional team today to learn more about how breast implants can improve your self-confidence.