May 10, 2018

Sleeping After Your Cosmetic Procedure

Sleep is essential to a healthy immune system and a speedier recovery. Your body must work hard to heal after surgery, which is why many people feel fatigued in the days following their procedures. However, when we sleep, the body is still and can promote good blood flow to the injured muscles and tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients. Following are some of the sleeping instructions we provide our patients at our plastic surgery center in Atlanta.

Facial Treatments & Procedures

Of course, it is important to be mindful of your sleep position for face surgeries like rhinoplasty and facelift. However, many patients are unaware that non-surgical treatments sometimes require special sleep positions as well.

  • Facelift: Sleep with your head elevated for 1 to 2 weeks. This will minimize swelling and help you feel more comfortable returning to work or going out in public sooner.
  • Rhinoplasty: Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first few days. It’s important not to bump or hit your nose against anything in the early stages of recovery.
  • Dermal Fillers: Sleep on your back for the first 2 nights after treatment. Lying on your side or stomach before the filler has completely set can leave you with an asymmetrical or flattened appearance.

Breast Procedures

It is especially important to sleep correctly after breast surgery. The proper position avoids any direct pressure on the breasts but is still comfortable.

  • Breast Augmentation and/or Lift: Sleep on your side or back for the first 8 weeks. Sleeping on your stomach can displace your implants and cause excess soreness. To reduce swelling, your upper body should be elevated, especially while you sleep. This helps minimize fluid buildup, enhances circulation, and also keeps the breasts in a more natural position as they heal. Additionally, make sure to wear a supportive bra when you sleep.

Body Procedures

The term “body procedures” encompasses several very different surgeries. Tummy tuck, liposuction, and Brazilian butt lift are the 3 most popular body contouring procedures, and they each require different sleeping instructions.

  • Tummy Tuck: We recommend sleeping on a reclining chair or on your back propped up with pillows. This slightly flexed position will decrease tension on your incision.
  • Brazilian Butt Lift: Sleep on your stomach or side for the first few weeks. Avoid putting pressure on your buttocks.
  • Liposuction: This procedure can be performed on a number of different places on your body. Your proper sleeping position will depend on your treatment area.

Tips for Training Yourself on New Sleeping Positions

  • Practice sleeping in the correct position before your actual surgery date, so your body will become accustomed to it.
  • Use positioning pillows. Extra pillows in bed can help keep you positioned correctly. Many people successfully sleep on their backs by placing a pillow under each arm.
  • Sew a tennis ball into the lining of your shirt on whatever side you need to avoid. The pressure of the ball will remind you to return to the correct position.
  • Don’t quit. Always roll back to the correct position when you catch yourself sleeping in the wrong position.

If you are interested in one of these procedures and want to learn more about post-op care instructions, request a consultation online or give us a call at (770) 421-1242.

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In the high-stakes professional environments of Atlanta—from the boardrooms of Buckhead to the innovative hubs of Midtown—presence is often defined by confidence. For many women, physical proportion plays a significant role in how they carry themselves and how their professional attire fits. However, the modern approach to breast augmentation has shifted away from the pursuit of maximum volume. Today, the focus is on "proportional harmony"—a strategic alignment between your surgical goals and your unique physical frames. At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we view breast augmentation not as a standalone procedure, but as a corrective and enhancing measure designed to bring the body into balance. Understanding that "size" is a subjective metric is the first step toward achieving a result that looks natural, feels comfortable, and enhances your professional silhouette. Beyond the CC: Understanding the Mechanics of Proportion Many patients begin their journey by researching a specific volume, often measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). However, focusing solely on a numeric value is a common pitfall. A "300cc" implant will look radically different on a tall, athletic frame than it will on a petite, narrow-shouldered individual. As your dedicated partner in aesthetic health, our approach prioritizes your specific anatomy. We evaluate several critical factors: Chest Wall Width: The diameter of your breast tissue and the width of your ribcage dictate the "footprint" of the implant. An implant that is too wide can lead to unnatural contours, while one that is too narrow may not provide the desired cleavage. Existing Breast Tissue: The amount of natural tissue available to cover the implant affects the final aesthetic. This is a critical consideration when discussing the nuances of silicone vs saline options. Torso Length: A longer torso can often accommodate more projection without appearing "top-heavy," whereas a shorter torso requires a more subtle profile to maintain a balanced midsection. Selecting the Right Catalyst: Silicone vs. Saline The choice of material is often a matter of tactile preference and long-term maintenance. Both silicone and saline implants have distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall proportion and feel of the breast. Silicone Gel Implants - Silicone is frequently the preferred choice for patients seeking the most natural mimicry of human fat and breast tissue. Modern "form-stable" or cohesive gel implants maintain their shape exceptionally well, which is vital for maintaining a consistent profile under professional garments. They are particularly beneficial for patients with less natural breast tissue, as they are less prone to "rippling." Saline Implants - Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater and offer the benefit of a smaller incision, as they are filled after insertion. While they can feel slightly firmer than silicone, they allow for precise, intraoperative adjustments to volume, ensuring that symmetry is achieved to the milliliter. During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we provide a comprehensive breast augmentation size guide through physical "sizers" and expert assessment, helping you feel the weight and see the projection of each option before your procedure. The Professional Silhouette: Symmetry and Clothing Fit For many of our patients in the business community, the primary motivation for surgery is the "proportional fit" of professional attire. When the bust is out of proportion with the hips and shoulders, blazers, sheath dresses, and tailored button-downs rarely fit off-the-rack. A successful augmentation achieves "The Balanced Profile": Shoulder Alignment: The bust should complement the width of the shoulders, creating a classic hourglass or athletic V-taper. The Lateral View: Proper projection ensures that the profile is feminine yet understated, avoiding an aggressive appearance that may feel out of place in a conservative corporate setting. Upper Pole Fullness: We focus on a natural slope rather than an artificial roundness, ensuring the results are indistinguishable from natural anatomy. Establishing Expertise: Why Local Specialization Matters At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, Dr. Corey Harkins, MD, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon in greater Atlanta is committed to his core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education. His practice draws patients from Atlanta and across the U.S. The geographic context of his practice allows him to understand the lifestyle of his patients. Whether you are prepping for a keynote presentation or maintaining an active lifestyle your results must be durable, comfortable, and visually seamless. Long-Term Considerations for the Executive Lifestyle Breast augmentation is a long-term investment in your self-image. It is important to consider how your results will evolve over time. Longevity: While implants are not lifetime devices, choosing the right size and weight initially can prevent premature sagging or the need for a lift (mastopexy) later in life. Overly large implants can strain the skin envelope over time; choosing a proportional size ensures longevity. Recovery Management: For the busy professional, we utilize recovery protocols designed to minimize downtime, allowing you to return to your leadership role with minimal disruption. Health and Wellness: We prioritize your systemic health, ensuring that your implants do not interfere with mammographies or physical fitness routines. Actionable Takeaways for Your Transformation If you are considering breast augmentation, keep these strategic points in mind: Prioritize Dimensions Over CCs: Focus on how the breast will look in relation to your shoulder and hip width. Test Your Wardrobe: Bring a favorite professional blazer or dress to your consultation to see how different "sizer" volumes change the garment's fit. Consult the Experts: Avoid "template" surgeries. Ensure your surgeon provides a customized plan based on your unique chest wall measurements. Understand the Material: Weigh the benefits of silicone's natural feel against saline's adjustable volume and smaller incision. Your Path to Proportional Balance At Plastic Surgery Center of The South, we believe that aesthetic procedures should empower you to feel more like yourself. By moving beyond the simple metric of size and embracing the philosophy of proportion, you can achieve a result that enhances your confidence both in your personal life and your professional career. Our practice is dedicated to providing an executive-grade experience, from your initial private consultation to your final post-operative milestone. We invite you to explore how a tailored approach to breast augmentation can refine your silhouette and bolster your professional presence. To schedule an expert consultation and develop your personalized surgical plan, contact Plastic Surgery Center of The South today. Call us at (770) 421-1242 and let us help you find the perfect balance for your frame!
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