Can I lay flat after mastectomy?

Our board-certified plastic surgeons advise breast reconstruction patients to sleep on their backs for the first two weeks after surgery. Many women choose to sleep in a recliner during this time. A recliner will support your upper body and help you maintain the ideal sleeping position.

How should you lay down after a mastectomy?

Instead, most plastic surgeons recommend that patients who have had breast surgery sleep exclusively on their backs until they are fully healed. Sleeping on your back means that gravity cannot affect your chest muscles and reduces the risk of painful stretching and pulling that can damage your new breasts.

How do you sleep after a mastectomy?

Most plastic surgeons recommend sleeping exclusively on your back until you are completely healed. Sleeping on your back reduces painful stretching or pulling of the breast tissue. We also suggest elevating your upper body when sleeping on your back.

What is post mastectomy exercises?

Practice deep breathing exercises (using your diaphragm) at least 6 times a day. Lie down on your back and take a slow, deep breath. Breathe in as much air as you can while trying to expand your chest and abdomen (push your belly button away from your spine). Relax and breathe out. Repeat this 4 or 5 times.

Do you need physical therapy after a mastectomy?

Studies show that exercise and physical therapy after a mastectomy are incredibly important for recovery. It’s actually very common for women to develop musculoskeletal issues following a mastectomy and reconstruction because it causes so much disruption to your body’s natural muscle tissue.

Why do you have to sleep on your back after a mastectomy?

When can you lay flat after breast reconstruction?

After several days, when swelling and bruising have gone down, you can usually sleep flat on your back if you feel comfortable doing so. However, it’s important that you don’t sleep on your side or roll onto your side in your sleep.

Do I need a wedge pillow after mastectomy?

Do I need a wedge pillow after a mastectomy? If you need a wedge pillow after your mastectomy, your healthcare team will likely recommend one. While not always necessary, a wedge pillow can help after surgery. They are useful for providing comfort and helping with positioning your body to help with pain and recovery.

How can I sleep elevated after surgery?

A recliner provides one of the best sleeping positions after tummy tuck surgery, as you can stay slightly bent at the waist while elevating your head and feet. Another good option is to place several pillows underneath your knees and under your head on the bed.

Can I do push ups after mastectomy?

Avoid exercises like chest presses or push-ups as they will shorten the pectoral muscles and exacerbate the poor posture.