Eating well and putting steps in place before sleeping after breast augmentation surgery can play a helpful role in your recovery. After your surgery, your body needs sufficient rest and nourishment to heal, and knowing how to manage both can help reduce complications, minimise discomfort, and support your recovery.
In this blog, we will discuss dietary recommendations, the best sleeping positions, and other tips to help you through the recovery process after breast implant surgery.
A consultation with Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Perron will provide you with detailed recovery advice based on your needs and the specific details of your breast augmentation surgery. You are welcome to contact our team in Brisbane to discuss how to schedule your consultation.
Why you need sleep and proper nutrition after your procedure
Making sure that you’re eating well and sleeping after breast augmentation surgery provides your body with what it needs to heal.
Your body goes through significant stress during any surgical procedure, including breast augmentation. The recovery phase is when your body works to repair tissues, reduce swelling, and adapt to the changes made during surgery. Proper rest and nutrition provide the foundation for a successful recovery, allowing your body to heal faster and more effectively.
Sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Quality rest helps to reduce inflammation, minimise pain, and prevent complications such as infections. When it comes to eating well, your body requires essential nutrients to support the healing process, from protein for tissue repair to vitamins and minerals that boost your immune system and provide your body with energy.
Sleeping positions and tips to support your recovery
Sleeping after breast augmentation surgery can involve being mindful of helpful sleeping positions to minimise post-surgery symptoms, such as swelling.
Finding a comfortable sleeping position after breast implant surgery can be challenging, especially since certain positions that you may automatically be used to are best avoided. Sleeping correctly during the recovery phase helps to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your breasts and implants, which can affect the healing process and your results.
After breast implant surgery, sleeping on your back is generally the most recommended position. This position helps to reduce pressure on the chest and implants, minimise swelling, and protect the surgical incisions from unnecessary movement. Sleeping on your back also keeps the implants stable, reduces the risk of shifting or causing discomfort, and allows your implants to settle properly into the breast pocket.
To make back-sleeping more comfortable, consider using pillows to prop yourself up at a slight incline. Placing pillows under your arms and knees can also help to provide support and comfort.
It’s important to avoid sleeping on your stomach or side after breast implant surgery. These positions put pressure on your chest and breasts, potentially causing discomfort, pain, or even complications such as implant displacement or excessive swelling. It can also shift the implants, leading to poor results or the need for revision surgery.
Sleeping on your side is also discouraged during recovery, as it can put uneven pressure on one breast, increasing the risk of implant displacement and pain. Over time, you may gradually be able to resume side sleeping, but you should consult with your surgeon before doing so.
While sleeping in the right positions will be extremely helpful, sticking to a regular sleep schedule to ensure that your body is getting enough rest will also be important. We recommend aiming for at least seven to nine hours per night and going to sleep at the same time each night. A consistent sleep schedule can help your body regulate its natural healing processes and even reduce symptoms like discomfort and pain throughout the day.
If you’re having trouble sleeping due to discomfort, you should talk to your surgeon for advice. Depending on your individual needs and circumstances, you can talk about whether sleep aids or medication might help. You may also like to try natural options like a calming herbal tea (such as chamomile) before bed.
Nutrition and eating properly after surgery
Eating properly after your breast augmentations means giving your body the energy and nutrients it needs to heal. Eating healthy foods and eating enough can support your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.
The details of your diet will depend on your personal dietary needs and preferences, so we recommend speaking to a dietician if you need more in-depth and personalised advice before undergoing your procedure.
Generally, we recommend getting enough protein, vitamins, and minerals from fruits and vegetables and fibre-rich foods. Protein can help your body repair tissues, build new cells, and heal faster. Since surgery puts stress on your body’s muscles and skin, your protein needs will generally increase during recovery.
The variety of vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables are essential to your body’s immune system and overall health, which is key during your healing process. Vitamin C, for example, helps to repair tissues and support the production of collagen. As another example, zinc helps to boost immune function and can aid in wound healing.
While eating fibre-rich foods can provide your body with the energy it needs, they can also help prevent constipation, which can sometimes result from taking certain medications during recovery. Foods high in fibre can help regulate your digestive system, which can help reduce any constipation you may be experiencing. Drinking enough water can also support good digestion.
During recovery, it’s best to avoid or minimise highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and refined carbohydrates. These foods can increase inflammation and make you feel less energetic during your healing.
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins, keeps tissues hydrated, and supports better circulation, which aids in healing. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, a slower recovery, and increased discomfort, so staying hydrated can be an important step during recovery. You should aim for about eight to ten glasses of water per day.
To make eating properly easier during your recovery, you may like to pre-prepare your meals before your surgery. This way, you can prepare healthier meals and won’t need to worry about cooking or organising food during your recovery. You can also keep small, healthy snacks easily available, especially if your appetite is reduced.
Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Justin Perron
Born in Canada, Dr Justin Perron is an Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Brisbane.
He began his studies in Canada, studying Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Calgary. After relocating to Australia in 2000, he completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in Adelaide.
Dr Perron is a member of the Royal Australasian Society of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS Aust), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS USA) and the Queensland Hand Surgery Society.
During a consultation for a breast augmentation, Dr. Perron provides in-depth recovery advice and instructions, supporting his patients’ effective healing after surgery. To arrange your consultation, please contact our team. Please note that all patients will be required to have a GP referral to see Dr. Perron for a consultation.
