It is important to get plenty of rest following breast reconstruction surgery to help aid the healing process. But it can be difficult to get yourself comfortable for a good night’s sleep.
As with any surgery, you may experience some discomfort while recovering which may make it difficult to rest. There may also be sleeping positions you are accustomed to that should be avoided until you are healed and given the “ok” from your surgeon.
Here are some helpful tips from some of our previous patients on how to get snuggled in and comfortable for sleep following breast reconstruction surgery:
- Pillow, pillows, and more pillows! I did not have a recliner at home after I returned from following my DIEP flap reconstruction. I had family help me with pillows behind my head to elevate and pillows under my feet to elevate to get into a “beach chair” position so I would not to pull on my abdominal incision that was healing. Since I could not roll on to my side for a few weeks, I tucked a small soft pillow next to my cheek to mimic that feeling you get when you sleep on your side and cuddle you pillow up to your cheek.
- The recliner was the best way I found rest. Afterwards, I would sleep at night slightly leaning on one side (I’m a left side-sleeper). I used my small pillow to cushion and give me support.
- I ate healthy comforting foods to keep me relaxed and feeling good! Lots of fresh veggies and fruit!
- Do some light reading or listen to music. Anything relaxing to calm your mind before falling asleep.
- Loose clothing is a must!!
- If you have a high bed, use a small step stool.
Do you have any tips to share? If so, share them in the comments below!
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
It is important to get plenty of rest following breast reconstruction surgery to help aid the healing process.
Leave Comment
-
I had diep flap 2 weeks ago.. thankfully, my couch has recliners on each end. However, even with pillows I would walk up with stiff neck.. I travel a lot so, had my sister bring down my travel neck pillow. It is a dog memory foam one… that has made all the difference.
September 6,2020
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period
Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Your Period December 02, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin During our pre-operative appointment with patients, a topic that occasionally arises is menstrual cycles. It is completely normal for women to experience changes with their periods throughout breast cancer treatments. These can be temporary or permanent. Periods can be unpredictable following […]
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What Bras and Abdominal Girdles to Wear After Breast Reconstruction Surgery November 17, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, many patients want to know what types of bras and abdominal girdles they should plan to wear after surgery. Although every surgeon has slightly different preferences, we have put together […]
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities | A Guest Blog From Julie
My 5 DIEP Flap Realities October 28, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hi everyone, my name is Julie from It’s a Bosom Thing. I am so happy to be here as a guest blogger and have this opportunity to share with you a few thoughts about life after DIEP Flap Surgery. I was diagnosed […]
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap
PRMA’s BRA Day Virtual Event Recap September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yesterday we celebrated Breast Reconstruction Awareness day! Although we missed seeing everyone in person this year, we were still able to spread education and awareness on ALL reconstructive options through our virtual efforts. We were also able to share information on […]
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery
Second Stage DIEP Flap Surgery September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin DIEP flap breast reconstruction is typically comprised of at least two stages for the best outcomes. The second stage of surgery is commonly referred to as the “revision” stage and is usually performed about three months after the initial reconstruction. The purpose […]
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them?
If ‘Flaps’ Are Such A Great Breast Reconstruction Option, Why Doesn’t Everyone Get Them? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Flap-based breast reconstruction procedures, like the DIEP flap, offer patients a safe, natural implant-alternative option to reconstruction after a mastectomy. Flap surgeries are permanent and are associated with fewer complications after radiation when […]
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction?
What is a Skin Island and How is it Used in Breast Reconstruction? September 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is a “skin island”? The term “skin island” is used to describe the remaining visible skin from a transplanted “flap” of tissue. In the setting of DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the skin island […]
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Comparing APEX Flap and DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction August 10, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin We have been receiving numerous inquiries about the “APEX flap” recently. Patients want to know what it is and how it differs from the DIEP flap. APEX is an acronym that stands for “Abdominal Perforator Exchange”. Many patients believe […]
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery
Monitoring the Health of Your Flap During & After Surgery July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Autologous flap (or tissue) breast reconstruction procedures represent today’s most advanced options for rebuilding a breast(s) following mastectomy. The most commonly performed method of flap-based reconstruction at PRMA is the DIEP flap. During this procedure, surgeons transplant skin […]
COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality
COVID-19 and the Impact on Cancer Patient’s Mortality July 21, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin There is still so much we do not know about COVID-19. Likewise, there is little known about how this disease impacts mortality for cancer patients. A study published in The Lancet evaluated and characterized the outcomes of patients with cancer […]
Implant Breast Reconstruction vs Breast Augmentation: What’s the Difference?
Breast Reconstruction Words of Wisdom
Cyndi Smith
I had diep flap 2 weeks ago.. thankfully, my couch has recliners on each end. However, even with pillows I would walk up with stiff neck.. I travel a lot so, had my sister bring down my travel neck pillow. It is a dog memory foam one… that has made all the difference.
Lisa
A U-shaped pillow, 4 feet long on each side, worked wonderfully for me after mastectomy with expander reconstruction. Very comfortable