Post mastectomy pillows? (2023)

What is the best pillow to sleep after a mastectomy?

A wedge pillow reduces the strain of getting up because it positions you at a steep angle. I recommend this one because its memory-foam body is comfortable against you while still managing to stay very firm.

Many women find that using a mastectomy pillow helps them to feel more comfortable and relaxed following surgery. Mastectomy chest pillows are an essential part of the healing process, and they can help you to feel your best following surgery.

Instead, plastic surgeons and healthcare specialists advise that the best way to sleep after a mastectomy or breast surgery is on your back, with your upper body elevated. This puts your breasts in an optimal position to heal.

To minimize construction steps, this pattern calls for a 27″ x 39″ fabric piece so that it can be folded in half to create the bottom edge. It also makes for a super easy first step to the project! So, to get started, fold the 27″ side of the fabric in half. Your folded fabric piece should now measure 13.5″ x 39″.

When positioned at the upper back and shoulders, a wedge pillow also makes it easier for mastectomy patients to get in and out of bed without putting too much strain on the chest muscles. In addition, wedge pillows help to relieve the sort of back pain that comes from lying down all day during recovery.

Slip your arms through the shoulder straps of the mastectomy pillow and gently raise it so the center pillow sits softly on the chest. Ensure the side pillows are positioned under each arm to provide a protective cushioning between the ribcage and underarm.

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.

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed. Tell your us what you do and they will help you make a personal plan for "what you can do when" after surgery. Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away. No housework and no driving until the drain is out.

After surgery, try to walk around for a few minutes 2-3 times per day. The following exercises should be started 1-2 days after any breast surgery, but are especially important after a mastectomy. They should be performed 2-3 times per day, 5-10 repetitions each.

What position is best after mastectomy?

It was found that the position of 90 degrees flexion at the shoulder with 90 degrees flexion of the elbow with the hand pointing across or cephalically, on alternate days, was the most suitable.

It usually lasts 3 to 4 weeks after your treatment stops, but it can continue for up to 3 months.

The amount of breast tissue left may also be affected by the surgical technique. Studies of skin-sparing mastectomy revealed that 5-60% of cases have residual breast tissue on the skin flaps [7,8,9].

While your doctor and treatment team are always the best resource for information and guidance about your unique post-mastectomy care, compression garments are often a vital part of post-mastectomy care. These garments, including lymphedema stockings, help control the condition.

Many women decide right away that going flat after mastectomy is the best option for them. Other women decide to go flat after having breast reconstruction surgery with either tissue flaps or implants, especially if they've experienced pain, discomfort, or other surgery-related issues.

You can choose to do nothing at all - this is sometimes referred to as 'staying flat'. The decision to stay flat is a personal one and is completely yours to make - there is no right or wrong decision. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with how your body looks and feels.

Returning to normal activities

In the first 1 to 2 weeks, you can use your arm normally up to shoulder height for light activities, such as face washing, hair brushing and eating.

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed. Tell your caregiver what you do and he or she will help you make a personal plan for "what you can do when" after surgery. Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away.

Your Recovery

Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel sore for 2 to 3 days. You may feel pulling or stretching near or under your arm. You may also have itching, tingling, and throbbing in the area. This will get better in a few days.

How long do you need to sleep propped up after breast surgery?

Essentially, you'll need to sleep in an elevated position after breast augmentation surgery for at least one to two months (around six weeks for the majority of patients). The reason is that this position helps to reduce swelling, largely by taking the pressure off the incision areas and the implants themselves.

You may feel tired after surgery. This can be due to the stress on your body, any pain after surgery and the time it takes to heal. Having a general anaesthetic can also affect your energy levels. If you had treatment before surgery such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies you may still be feeling tired from this.

This could put pressure on the implant or your incisions as you heal, which may affect your results. My patients can typically return to side sleeping (while wearing a supportive bra) within 2 weeks. Sleeping on your stomach is an absolute no-no until you get the green light from your surgeon.

Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is a type of chronic neuropathic pain disorder that can occur following breast cancer procedures, particularly those operations that remove tissue in the upper outer quadrant of the breast and/or axilla [1-5].

Avoid processed meats linked to cancer. These include bacon, bologna, hot dogs, ham, and smoked meats. Choose whole-grain bread and brown rice, rather than white bread and white rice. Cut back on alcohol.

Due to the important role of breasts in women, their reaction to mastectomy may be in the form of fear, hopelessness, depression, and a negative attitude about their body.

It is a pillow that goes underneath the arms and over the breast area to protect your new incision(s), and it will make you feel more secure when hugging people.

After two weeks, you can continue sleeping on your back or begin sleeping on your side. Some women find that cradling a pillow makes side-sleeping more comfortable. Avoid sleeping on your stomach during the first four weeks.

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.