Join
For Providers
Join
Sign in

Ask a doctor

How to keep arms elevated after brachioplasty?

Everyone says to keep your arms elevated above your heart after arm lift surgery. To do that my arms have to be around two feet in the air. Are there any recommendations for products (like foam blocks or something) that I can get? Thanks!

Doctor Answers 4

May 30th, 2016

How to keep arms elevated after brachioplasty?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I usually ask patients to lay supine, with their arms elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible. Resting the elbows and wrists on 2 pillows usually does the job nicely. Best wishes.

Learn more: http://www.poustiplasticsurgery.com/Procedures/Procedure_armLift.htm

Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS
May 25th, 2016

How to keep arms elevated after brachioplasty?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for posting your question.  To elevate your arms,  use multiple pillows along your sides to provide a soft tower of pillows to place your arms on comfortably. 
Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS

Jeanette Padgett, MD, FACS
Oklahoma City Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 11 reviews

May 16th, 2016

Arm Elavation

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Thank you for your question.  After a brachioplasty most patients keep their arms propped up on a stack of pillows. 
Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA
May 16th, 2016

Arm lift

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Sometimes a few pillows under your armpit area and extending to your elbow can help keep your arms above the level of the heart and still be comfortable. Best, MMT

Learn more: http://westcountyplasticsurgeons.wustl.edu/Surgery/Body-Contouring/Arm-Lifts

Marissa Tenenbaum, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.