Sleeping After Breast Implant Removal Surgery

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Sleeping after your breast implant removal surgery can be a little uncomfortable. You may be unsure of which positions are best to be in and how long this will last. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In this guide you will be provided with tips on how to get the best night’s sleep and also make you aware of what to avoid when getting ready for bed. Prior to your surgery, it is important that you develop a good sleep routine. This includes going to sleep as well as waking up at the same time every night, taking a warm shower before sleep time and even engaging in practices such as meditation before bed. Avoiding caffeinated drinks and blue light will always help with getting the best night’s sleep possible. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential whilst your body recovers and any preparation that you can do for this will be helpful. 

Your surgeon will also walk you through what to do when going to sleep. They will tell you about this during the consultation and after your breast implant removal surgery. Sticking to their guidelines will ensure that you have the best night’s sleep possible as you recover from your surgery.


How much sleep do you need after breast implant removal?

After your breast implant removal surgery, you may be advised to take some time off work depending on how strenuous your job is. During this time, it is important that you take as much time as you need to sleep to ensure that your recovery is smooth and as fast as possible. You should make the most of this time and make sure you focus on letting your body recover from your breast implant removal surgery. This could mean having some longer lie ins or taking short naps in the day time. Your body heals fastest whilst you are in the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. This happens around 90 minutes after you fall asleep. Your brain activity increases during this time and your pulse, blood pressure and breathing speed up. The body will also repair cells and tissues when in the REM stage. Whenever you feel you need to rest, therefore, it is important that you do so to aid your recovery..

Sleep position after breast implant removal 

You will be recommended to sleep on your back for around 8 to 12 weeks after your breast implant removal surgery. Placing a pillow under your back to elevate your position as well as under your arms will put you in the best position possible. If you begin to experience any pain in your lower back, placing another pillow under your knees can help. If you move or roll in the night, be sure to carefully move back into your original position. This position will minimise any pain that you might experience and leave you having the best night’s sleep. Sleeping on your side or front can put strain on your incisions as you are more likely to toss and turn in these positions. This will slow down the recovery process and may leave you feeling uncomfortable. Sleeping on your back is also the best position for your body to heal in. However, if you do not move around during your sleep you can, it is safe to sleep in any position. You can try sleeping in a recliner or placing pillows or cushions around you so as to restrict any movement in the night. 

What to wear to bed after breast implant removal 

Wearing the right garments to bed can speed up your recovery and reduce any pain that you might experience in the night. If you had smaller implants prior to your explant surgery, you may not be given any compression garments. For larger removals, you could be provided with a compression bandage or a compression bra. This is because larger incisions are needed to remove larger breast implants. However, no matter how large your implants, wearing compression garments can help for a smoother recovery. Wearing a compression bandage or a compression bra to sleep for the first few weeks after your breast implant removal surgery will reduce the risk of any incisions opening up. This is because the garments restrict your movement and will keep your body in the best position possible for recovery. Wearing your compression garment is also important when you aren’t sleeping and this is crucial for the first couple of weeks. To ensure a safe and smooth recovery, you should only take these off whilst bathing. If you have any further questions about sleeping after your breast implant removal surgery, your nurse or surgeon will be more than happy to provide extra guidance. They want to ensure that you have a smooth and pain free recovery.

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