Follow your surgeon's directions on this one, as it depends somewhat what the actual procedure was (plane of the implant, was there also a lift, etc.). In my practice, after a primary breast augmentation, I like patients to try to sleep on their backs for as long as possible, ideally 6 weeks or more, before sleeping on their stomachs again.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Each surgeon has their own protocol for when they are comfortable with your positioning for sleep. Please call your surgeon to ask them their particular recommendations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Recommendations will vary from surgeon to surgeon. However, the sleep restrictions are typically maintained for 4-6 weeks. This allows for adequate healing and allows for the formation of a stable capsule, which will ultimately define the pocket. Any undue pressure in the early stages can have an impact on the positioning of the implant.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You can lay on your stomach when you feel comfortable to do so. Typically, I find patients are able to do that within 2-3 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would say about three weeks to a month. The limiting factor is how much pain you have. I don't think it would harm the surgery. Ask your PS what his or her opinion is.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Not until your surgeon tells you it is okay to do that.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. There is no exact time that you have to wait to lie on your stomach after breast augmentation. In general, it takes 1 to 2 weeks to comfortably lie on your side and approximately 1 month to lie on your stomach. These general guidelines depend on how you feel when pressure is placed on your chest.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Because every surgeon has a different technique and way of inserting the implants, it is best to contact your doctor’s office and ask them directly. For most women who have had silicone gel implants under the muscle, you can sleep anyway you’d like post-operatively.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

My patients are instructed to lay on them the night of surgery, but you can listen to one and only person: your surgeon. It does not matter what anyone else says.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. This depends on your PS's technique and your specific case. In general, 6 weeks should be OK with no restrictions. It could be sooner, but discuss this with your PS. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You should consult with the doctor who did the surgery and follow this protocol. As for our practice, we tell patients they can sleep on their tummy after three weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Your question is a common one. It is best to lie and sleep on your back immediately after breast implant surgery and while you are healing for a minimum of 6 weeks. After you are completely healed, you should be able to lie on your stomach without problems, although you will likely feel a difference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Each patient will differ depending on exactly what procedure is performed and how the patient is healing. It will be best that you discuss this with your surgeon as he/she knows your situation in more detail. In general, I do ask patients to wait from 4-6 months post op before lying on their stomachs after breast augmentation surgery. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Lying on the stomach after breast implant surgery is relatively OK after about a week. This is very surgeon-specific and procedure-specific. However, in a standard breast augmentation with breast implants, there is little to no risk. In the 1980s and 90s, patients were asked routinely to lay on their stomachs to help "move" the implants. This practice is no longer common, but implant exercises do start at 5 days, so gentle pressure is acceptable, if not beneficial.

Published on Jul 11, 2012