Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD - The Aesthetic Institute
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Category: Breast Augmentation

How to Sleep Better After Breast Augmentation Surgery

6 Minute Read: 

Woman hiding under a quilt.

Our bodies need time to rest and recover after any surgical intervention. Breast augmentation is no exception. However, knowing how you need to adapt your sleep after such a surgery takes time and preparation in advance. 

Therefore, to ensure that you will get enough rest and your body will recover as it should, we made a guide on how to sleep better after breast augmentation surgery. We will go over the importance of sleep, how it helps your body, and what you can do to have plenty of it — especially in the first nights after surgery, when good rest is essential.

Why Is Sleep Important After Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Taking it easy after surgery is not enough to help your recovery. Rest is also essential, but you need to allow your body to heal itself and rejuvenate, and the best healing tool that your body has is sleep. During sleep, your body increases blood flow, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach wounded tissues. Furthermore, your body releases prolactin and growth hormones as you sleep, which aids in the reduction of inflammation. Hence, you can also use sleep to relieve pain. It is, therefore, necessary to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night if you want to recuperate more quickly. Think of it like this: if a healthy body might be well-rested after eight hours of sleep, a healing body will definitely need more.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to get enough hours of sleep right after surgery. It can be hard to find a comfortable position or to ignore all the emotions that can sometimes overwhelm you. However, there are things that you can do to at least raise your chances of having a long, good night’s sleep. So, let us see how you can help yourself sleep better after breast augmentation surgery. 

Get good sleep written in scrabble letters.

Good sleep helps your body heal faster after injuries or illnesses. It goes the same with surgeries.

Prepare and Practice

Before any surgery, you need to prepare your mind and body for what will come after the surgery. 

Before breast augmentation, in particular, you need to practice the sleeping position that will allow you to sleep unturned. Yes, unturned is the perfect word to explain how you need to sleep after breast augmentation surgery, especially if you love to sleep on your stomach or your side. 

These postures might put a strain on your implants and alter the appearance of your breasts once they have healed. Therefore, the best position to sleep in is on your back. And because readjusting your sleeping position can be difficult, start practicing sleeping on your back at least one week before surgery

To begin with, you can use pillows to position your body correctly before sleep and ensure you don’t turn. For instance, you can put one pillow under each arm to keep you from rolling on one side. Then, you can put a pillow under your knees to keep your back aligned with the rest of your body and avoid lower back pains. And very important: correct your position every time you catch yourself rolling on your stomach or side. Perseverance is the only way to ensure that you adapt to your new sleeping position. 

How and Why Should You Sleep on Your Back After Surgery?

Even if we mentioned that the best sleeping position after breast augmentation surgery is on your back, we need to elaborate on the subject. 

Sleeping flat on your back, for example, will do you no good. It can put pressure on your chest and prevent your muscles from relaxing. Furthermore, lifting yourself from the bed will tense your chest muscles, which is not recommended soon after surgery. 

Instead, sleep on your back with your upper body elevated at a 30 to a 45-degree angle. Your breasts will be less tense as a result, and blood will circulate more efficiently. 

Maintain this sleeping position for at least two to three weeks, after which you might be allowed to sleep on your side. Just make sure you get the green light from your surgeon. 

Woman wearing a pillow with a belt.

It might be hard to sleep better after breast augmentation surgery, but sleeping on your back can chase away insomnia.

Tips That Can Help You Sleep Better

Aside from sleeping on your back, there are a few more things you can do to improve your sleep and heal.

1. Wear Supportive Bras

After surgery, your surgeon will recommend you wear a special bra, even at night. This bra supports and keeps breasts in place and reduces swelling and tension around the incisions. 

2. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Smoking

All three can create a disruption in your sleep and slow down your recovery. If you want to drink coffee, you can switch to decaffeinated for the time being. When it comes to cigarettes and alcohol, remember that your body needs to be strong and healthy to recover quickly, and these two intoxicate your body rather than aid it.

3. Use Medications

The pain you might feel after surgery might sometimes keep you from sleeping. As a result, you will be prescribed pain medication by your surgeon so that you don’t have to endure too much pain. If necessary, ask for a sleeping aid, but use it only if nothing else helps you sleep better.  

4. Stay Active

Moving your body after surgery is encouraged from day one. You can start by walking, taking a few steps around the home, and gradually increasing the distance. Luckily for you, the diversity of the L.A. landscape will quickly incentivize you to “get your steps” in Los Angeles. 

In other words, you can find lots of fun ways to stay active here when you regain some strength, especially during the springtime. For instance, you can go whale watching with your friends or do some light exercises in the park. 

Spending more time outside will help you get a better night’s sleep.

5. Take a Warm Shower

Nothing can relax and prepare you for bed better than a warm shower. However, keep in mind that you should ask your surgeon when it is OK to take a shower. Also, avoid baths in the first few weeks. 

Person walking on a pathway.

Staying active will help you sleep better and recuperate faster after surgery.

6. Stay Positive

Besides thinking of ways to sleep better and help your body heal faster after surgery, you also need to think about ways to heal your mind. Sleep might be severely affected if you cannot handle your emotions and stay positive, as surgery is a traumatic experience for both the mind and the body. So, if it bothers you that you can’t sleep on your stomach or can’t drink coffee, for example, avoiding these activities is only temporary. Therefore, instead of thinking about what you can’t do, focus on what you can do. Watch a good movie, read a book, eat your favorite meal, and spend time with loved ones. These things can keep your mind off your current state, help you stay positive, and, in turn, help you sleep better after breast augmentation surgery. 

Activities You Should Avoid After Breast Augmentation Surgery

6 Minute Read: 

Breast implants laid out on a blue sheet

When it comes to breast augmentation, there are steps you can take to ensure the surgery is a success. Just like choosing the right surgeon is crucial, so is the way you handle the recovery period. If you understand that you need to give your body time to recover and adjust to the change, you are halfway there. The first few weeks are crucial, and there are certain things you should avoid post-surgery to evade possible complications. While, as you might expect, you don’t need to implement a new diet, there are certain medications you should avoid. While you can pick up discarded dirty socks off the floor, deadlifting in the gym is a general no-no. Give yourself time to recuperate, and things will soon get back to normal. In the meantime, here are activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery.

Sleep

Well, that might not be the most skillfully crafted heading ever. Yes, you can (and should) sleep, but the position is essential. Try sleeping on your back. Avoid sleeping on your side and especially on your stomach. A recommended period for this is usually at least six weeks after the surgery.

Furthermore, it is highly recommended that your head and shoulders are raised on a pillow. The reason for all of this is that it takes time for the implants to settle. Sleeping on your stomach could cause them to slip or lead to other complications. 

A woman lying on her side wrapped in a towel

As tempting as it may be to take a quick nap, avoid sleeping on your side or stomach until you have fully recovered.

Lifting

Sticking to the one-word heading format, next on our list is lifting things. As mentioned, you can lift and hold lighter objects, but try to avoid this as much as possible. It goes one step further than this. Even hugging should be avoided if possible. The next one is a little hard to handle, but it is also not advised to carry your child. Heavy lifting, of course, is out of the question. It simply takes time for the implants to settle and for your body to adjust. You need to let this process run its natural course. Logically, you need to be careful about exercising too. There are certain exercises you can do, but the time frame is relevant, so be sure to read up on that. 

A woman deadlifting

If doctors suggest avoiding picking up heavy purses post-surgery, hopefully, it’s clear why the gym can wait for a month or two!

Water

This, of course, pertains to showers and washing, not the drinking of said beverage. Generally, you should avoid getting your breasts wet the first few days. Your wounds and dressings must be kept dry. Baths should be avoided for the first couple of weeks, but of course, consult your doctor. They will be able to give you more detailed advice. If a waterproof bandage has been used, this could change some of the restrictions

Eating

There are a few things to avoid here:

  • A low protein diet – This can be detrimental. In most cases, we have a reasonable protein intake, but if that is not generally the case with you, try to augment your meals with protein-rich foods. Why? Protein helps with the healing process. If this is not possible for whatever reason, talk to a professional about a possible supplement.
  • A low vitamin C diet – This too can have adverse effects. See, vitamin C helps with collagen formation. Also, there is a reason why citrus fruits are pretty handy during the winter. They help fight off infections and colds. Here’s a pro tip, introducing broccoli and spinach into your diet will ensure you get the best of both worlds – both vitamin C and protein.
  • Aspirin – You may or may not know the story behind Bruce Lee’s death, but as handy as aspirin can be, there are times to avoid it. Aspirins affect blood clotting, and this can lead to excessive bleeding. You can imagine the possible implications this can have, so better to be safe than sorry. Furthermore, when it comes to activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery, taking pain medication is one of them. Consult with your doctor to see what is and isn’t acceptable in your particular situation.

Smoke

Don’t. Don’t smoke. Also, please don’t drink alcohol either. As you can imagine, both these activities have a negative effect on our body’s ability to heal. Think of it this way – your body has experienced a significant ‘trauma’, you’ve had surgery, it needs to tackle this issue. This is its top priority now. To do that, it shouldn’t need to struggle with outside factors that make that job more difficult. Let it do its thing, and once you are in the clear, you can slowly go back to your daily routine.  

A woman refusing a cigarette

Smoking is one of the activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery, as it will negatively impact the healing process.

Moving

It could happen that the timing is a bit off, and your surgery coincides with your upcoming relocation. It’s hard to schedule these things sometimes, logistics are like that, and timetables and schedules get moved around. Talking of moving around, you need to pack before you can do that. However, this involves a lot of boxes and heavy things. Even if you are not recovering from surgery, packing properly and efficiently can be tricky. Therefore, it is always best to let experts handle this and avoid hurting your healing body. They will have you packed and ready for the move in no time!

Conclusion

It would be a shame to break the one-word trend now, at the finish line. Together, we’ve gone over the activities you should avoid after breast augmentation surgery. The point is that you need to approach the recovery period seriously. Your initial decision was probably made with a lot of research and care. Sometimes, once we finally make up our minds, it feels like the hard part is over, and we relax. The fact of the matter is you need to see the process through to the very end. Once your body has done its thing, and you are fully healed, then you can finally relax and be content in the knowledge that even though it was not an easy journey, you made it to the end. If you have additional questions about breast augmentations, you already know where you can find the answers!

Best Exercises After Breast Augmentation

7 Minute Read: 

BEST EXERCISES AFTER BREAST AUGMENTATIONUndergoing surgical body modification like breast augmentation is a significant step in improving your looks and building up body confidence. Still, no matter how ready you think you are for the procedure, embracing the changes might take a while. Even though we are talking about positive body upgrades, our minds and bodies need rest and time to recover before going back to their full potential. Luckily, the recovery period after this procedure is relatively short, but during the first couple of weeks, resting as much as you can is crucial. To help you get back to your old but improved self, we made a workout list of the best exercises after breast augmentation.

The First Week

Any surgical intervention requires 24h – 48h of rest after the procedure. Breast augmentation is no different. Your body is adjusting to changes, and this initial rest does the most of the job. Most likely, you will feel exhausted, but that is normal. For the first few days, try avoiding any upper body part activity. Focus only on non-demanding exercises, like taking slow walks. Under no circumstances should you run, jog or do intensive workouts. This also refers to heavy lifting and arm stretching.

For those who got used to being physically active every day, this might be quite the challenge. But it’s crucial not to overdo your chest muscles that are already under tension. After the first three days, you can slowly increase the level of the activities. When doing so, listen to your body. You might be more tired than usual, so take it slow. Still, if you feel any unusual discomfort, make sure to call your doctor.

A woman holding a photo after breast augmentation

*Model
Adapting to your “new” body might take some time

The Second Week

The feeling of tiredness in your muscles should be gone a week after the breast augmentation procedure. That means it’s time to work on your posture and learn how to handle your newly-improved body! Working on your posture is essential since it helps to strengthen the muscles and prevents becoming round-shouldered. You need to keep your posture straight, with shoulders going slightly back. Raise your chin, lift your chests and hold in that position for a couple of minutes. It might cause mild discomfort in your back, but that is perfectly normal. Think of it not as an exercise but as the best way to present your body. Do it as much as you can until it becomes your natural posture.

Working on the posture will help your body adjust to its new addition. However, adding some arms and shoulders exercise will prevent stiffness and increase muscle mobility. Many decide to have professional guidelines during this period. So, to find a personal trainer who will suit you best, you can browse the fitnesstrainerdubai.com database or a similar portal. But even with expert assistance, most of the job is up to you. You should perform all of the following exercise examples every 1 – 3 hours during the first three weeks of recovery. Start with a set of 5 series, gradually increasing to 10 after a couple of days:

  • Arm swings – Put your arms next to your body slightly in front of you. Start with circling motions that will activate the muscles in the armpit area. The circle radius will depend on your current possibilities.
  • Shoulder rolls – Relax your shoulders. Then slowly roll them forward and backward as much as you can while taking deep breaths.
  • Shoulder shrugs – Lift the shoulders gently. Keep them frozen in that position for a couple of seconds while taking a deep breath, then slowly get them back, exhaling.
  • Shoulder raise – Put your hands on your shoulders and raise your elbows on the same level. Start circling the arms first on one side, then another. This position might be unpleasant initially, and most likely, you won’t be able to raise your elbow that high. Still, be patient and persistent and work on your mobility. You will get there in no time.
  • Body rotations – Sit on a chair and lightly cross your hands on your shoulders. Slowly turn your head and entire upper body to the left and the right. Repeat the motion.
 Woman doing yoga

*Model
Going back to your demanding workout routines in the first weeks of recovery would be a disaster

The Third and Forth Week

Even the best exercises after breast augmentation won’t have any effect if there is no continuity. The third and fourth weeks bring you slightly more demanding activities, adding to the routines you’ve been executing in the first two weeks.

  • Chest stretch – Stand up with your arms beside you. Then pull your arms and shoulders behind you slowly as far as possible before relaxing and going back to the beginning position.
  • The wall exercise – To perform this activity, stand straight facing a wall with your palms touching the surface. Gently walk them up the wall until you feel the tension is rising. This might be challenging in the beginning, but soon you’ll stretch and strengthen the necessary muscles. The same routine of walking the fingers up the walls, only facing the wall sideways, is the next on the workout list.
  • Resting pose – Lay on your back. Put the palms behind the neck, and move the elbows inward and outward.
  • Arms above the head – While in laying position, lift your hands above the head as far as you can. If this motion doesn’t cause you discomfort, you can probably do it from a sitting position as well.

The Fifth and Sixth Week

By this stage, your body should have recovered a great deal. Thus, resuming the physical activities before the surgery can start. However, you have to realize that your body is not at its full capacity, so increase the activities slowly and gradually. It’s essential to point out that you still need to avoid any heavy lifting and hard labor.

Two women holding each other

*Model
Best exercises after breast augmentation should be combined with proper chest support

When Is It Safe to Resume Your Physical Activities and Routines?

Even though every surgery will dictate its own pace when it comes to recovery, the breast augmentation procedure usually takes at least two months. Only after that can you have a more demanding workout. Overworking the chest muscles right after the surgery can have serious consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to start with gentle exercise and body stretches and build up the movements in the upcoming months. Needless to say, resting after the procedure is necessary, but so is resuming your everyday activities in the mildest form. Your body needs to get used to “extra weight“, so starting with tender movements the day after the surgery will prevent your scar from getting too tight.

Sometimes it can be hard to follow even the best exercises after breast augmentation on your own. Therefore, staying motivated and persistent is vital, but so is knowing that you’re doing the routine the right way. With such simple workouts, you don’t need to attend special exercise classes. Virtual personal trainers have become very popular nowadays, especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. And since great trainers are now available online as well, you can exercise correctly from the commodity of your own home.

Conclusion

Every body reacts differently to changes. Therefore, even when doing the best exercises after breast augmentation, you have to be patient. Follow your own pace and listen to your body’s reactions before increasing any activity. You must contact your surgeon in cases of any pain, swelling, redness, or any severe discomfort.

What Should I Expect During My Mommy Makeover Recovery?

Many patients decide to undergo Mommy Makeover surgery, which can reverse many of the adverse effects of pregnancy and childbirth. While most women prepare sufficiently for the days leading up to the surgery, not very many typically look into what they should plan for after their surgery is completed. 

 

So what should you expect during your post-op recovery? Here are some details on what you will likely experience and some tips on how to have a comfortable and smooth recuperation.

Woman resting in bed

What Happens After I Get Home?

Every Mommy Makeover is customized to match each patient’s needs, so the procedures that were included in your surgery will affect your recovery. 

 

Typically, the breasts and midsection are wrapped in a support bra or a compression garment. You may feel sensitivity and tightness in the chest region and experience mild bruising and swelling. Redness may also occur around the incision locations.

 

Discomfort can be addressed with prescription pain medication. Refrain from physical activities such as lifting, pulling, pushing, twisting, or anything that can irritate the skin or body. Your surgeon tracks your progress and will let you know when it is safe to resume regular activities.

How Can I Ensure a Comfortable Experience?

Establish a relaxing environment by preparing things prior to your surgery is the best way to make sure that you are comfortable and content during your recuperation. Some tips for a comforting atmosphere include:

 

  • Having all of your prescriptions filled before your procedure
  • Following all of your post-surgical care instructions
  • Arranging for adequate childcare, as you will be unable to lift anything
  • Scheduling a friend or loved one to drive you home and stay with you for the first few days
  • Stocking plenty of pillows where you will be spending most of your time
  • Sleeping and getting plenty of rest
  • Drinking water to stay hydrated
  • Gathering plenty of entertainment, such as books, magazines, television, electronic devices, and your cell phone
  • Being sure to have all charging cables and spare batteries handy
  • Beginning to walk around the house after the first day or two

When Can I Resume Work?

Every patient will feel different after their procedure, but most patients can return to work in a couple of weeks. 

 

After at least four weeks, you can begin introducing regular activities, as long as your doctor has cleared it. It is important to listen to your surgeon and your body; avoid overexerting yourself—it can prolong your healing process.

 

It will usually take a few months for you to feel back to normal. Remain patient with your recovery and get plenty of rest.

What Results Should I Expect?

Dr. Robert Wald takes his time with each patient to understand their desires and preferences and creates a personalized surgical plan accordingly. 

 

Mommy Makeover before and after photo

In their Mommy Makeover, most patients choose to include breast augmentation to enhance their breast volume and cleavage, a breast lift to improve their nipples and areolas while simultaneously raising the breasts, a tummy tuck to remove excess abdominal fat and skin for a tighter stomach, and liposuction to reduce fat in stubborn locations. 

 

Regardless of which procedures you decide to include in your Mommy Makeover, most patients feel a significant improvement in their overall body contour after they have healed. 

 

To learn more about Mommy Makeover surgery, please call our office for a consultation at (714) 312-3549. You can also fill out our contact form.

Breast Implant Options

For many women, the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is made with lots of thought and care. It’s a life-altering choice that can dramatically change how women see themselves, typically for the better. As such, women who choose to go down this route take time and care in picking out their surgeon and what type of procedure will work best for them.

Before and After Breast Augmentation

Women who undergo breast augmentation surgery have many options to choose from that all serve to address different needs and concerns. Choosing the type of breast implant to be used is on top of this list. Factors such as implant size, shape, and texture all play an important role in how your final results may look. In addition, the location and placement of the implant can also make a difference in how your breasts look and feel. Dr. Wald offers a few different options for women looking into getting breast implants and can help women in choosing what is best for them.

Choosing the Right Implant

There are a few different options available when choosing breast implants. The type of material used, the size, texture, and shape are some of the first factors considered when choosing what type of implant is best.

Implant Material

Breast implants are filled with either a saline solution or a silicone gel, both of which are safe to use and produce lasting results. Dr. Wald offers both saline and silicone implants for breast augmentation patients. Saline implants consist of a silicone gel filled with a saline water solution. They tend to provide a firm, even appearance and feel and are better suited for women who want larger, more noticeable results. Silicone implants, on the other hand, have a silicone shell but are filled with a silicone gel. The gel more closely resembles the feel of actual breast tissue for a more “natural” look. Gummy bear implants are also available. These contain denser silicone gel and have a slightly firmer feel.

Size and Shape

The size of the implant will determine what size your new breasts will be. While most implants are round, Dr. Wald also offers teardrop-shaped implants. True to their name, this particular shape mimics the natural anatomy of the breast. Round implants are used for larger breast augmentation. They tend to sit higher and can often be more noticeable than a teardrop-shaped implant, but produce dramatic results.

Before and After Breast Augmentation

Implant Placement

Where the breast implant is placed can also play a role in what your final results will be. Implants can either be placed under the chest muscle, which provides more firmness, or over the muscle, which gives breasts a softer feel. Dr. Wald also offers options for implant profile, such as a high profile implant as opposed to a moderate or lower one, for more dramatic cleavage. Moderate profile implants are best suited for women with a small, narrow chest, as they typically project more volume from the middle of the chest. Low profile implants are ideal for women with a wider chest wall, as they are wider at their base, and provide a boost of cleavage that is not too noticeably augmented.

Implant Texture

There are two different textures available for your breast implants. Smooth implants are as good as their name and have a smooth finish to their outer shell. These provide a softer feel to breasts with a lower chance of rippling. Textured implants have a rough finish to their outer shell and provide a firmer breast feel. The texture allows the implant to more closely anchor itself to the chest wall, so textured implants are less likely to move or shift around as a smooth implant might.

Implant Brand

In general, there are four different companies—Allergan, MENTOR®, Sientra®, and IDEAL IMPLANT®— that create and manufacture breast implants. All four are FDA-approved, are safe to use, and offer a range of options in textures, sizes, and shapes. Implants from each company are known to provide excellent and long-lasting results.

Choosing what the best type of implant to use for your breast augmentation procedure will take some thought, but there are several options available. Dr. Wald will examine your body type and frame and help you decide which option is the best one for the final look you desire.

 

Interested in learning more? Schedule a consultation soon by calling us at 714-312-3549.  

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Robert Wald, MD
100 E. Valencia Mesa Drive, Suite 300
Fullerton, CA 92835


Phone: 714-312-3549
Fax: 714-738-1862

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