What's the recommended sleeping position during recovery from extended armlift?

It's not unusual for patients to be concerned about scarring following brachioplasty surgery. This problem can occur for a variety of reasons following this type of procedure.In an effort to minimize scarring, surgeons often limit activity in the post-operative period. This, hopefully, minimizes scar spread, especially across the joint surfaces where the closure may be stressed by excessive range of motion. For this reason, we generally recommend that patients sleep in a recliner chair following surgery. This is more comfortable for patients and, hopefully, avoids excess flexion and extension of the elbow.It's important to realize that each surgeon has his own post-operative regimen. For this reason, it's appropriate to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to discuss his recommendation for post-operative activity and how to minimize scarring.

Thank you for your question regarding the recommended sleeping position during recovery from an extended arm lift. After an arm lift, the best position for you is on your back with your arms up. Your arms should be extended at the elbow, and your wrists and hands should be above your heart. This could be achieved by placing two or three pillows by your side. In this position, you should open and close your hands ten to fifteen every hour while awake to minimize the swelling in your hands. It would be best to sleep in this position on your back while your arms are elevated. The arms should be elevated for at least two to three weeks. If you still have developed hand swelling after 2-3 weeks, you need to continue to keep your hand elevated. Most experienced board-certified plastic surgeons do not use drains for arms reduction or arm lifts. The advantage of not having drains is just that, not having drains. The advantage of not having a drain is there is a scar left and less chance of injection. The disadvantage of having a drain is that the drain is present and has to be removed. The removal is moderately painful. The advantage of having a drain is minimal; it may collect some residual blood, and there is usually minimal blood collection or minimal collection of serous fluid. Therefore, most plastic surgeons do not use drains during an arm lift. Thank you for your question.

I usually asked patients to lay supine, with their arms elevated above the level the heart as much as possible. Resting the elbows and wrists on 2 pillows usually does the job nicely. Best wishes.

We recommend laying on your back with your arms elevated on some pillows while sleeping with the elbows slightly bent. It is best to follow your own surgeons post op protocol though so be sure to ask them this question as well.