Is it possible to get capsular contracture from sleeping with your arms above your head (lack of circulation)?

Question

I have a habit of sleeping with my arms above my head and many times in the morning (even before my BA) they would feel sore or numb. I figured it was from lack of blood flow / circulation. I'm 3 weeks postop from my BA now and I've tried really hard to sleep with my arms down while on my back. Unfortunately, sometimes I still wake up with my arms feeling numb. I was wondering if this could in any way affect the overall healing of my surgery and maybe even cause capsular contraction?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,There isn't a connection between sleeping position or circulation and capsular contracture. Your Plastic Surgeon would have take precautions during surgery to lower your risk as much as possible, as well as instructing you about what to avoid as you heal. If you notice any concerning changes, let your Plastic Surgeon know.All the best

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, you habit of sleeping with your arms above your head should have no effect on whether or not you develop a capsular contracture and it should not effect your healing. Compression of your arm nerves and blood vessels with those positions could explain your numbness, if this numbness is new after surgery, I would mention it to your surgeon. Good Luck.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

The simple answer is NO.If you are getting numbness, you might have more of an issue with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or some other form of nerve compression.I hope that puts your mind to ease.

Nathan Kludt, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The position of your arms when you sleep should have no affect on whether you form a capsule. Best, Dr. Kludt

Hector Milla, MD · Answer

Hi, there are many causes for capsular contracture but sleeping with your arms above your head is not in the list. If your implants were under the muscle doing this might cause pain because of pectoralis mayor movement and even sleeping you would feel it so you shoul avoid it. Best wishes

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Capsule formation is not related to how you position your arms as you sleep. However, it may be more comfortable during your early healing phase to sleep with your arms down.

Robert N. Young, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

No, it is very unlikely that sleeping with your arms above your head would cause capsular contracture, since it is not caused by lack of circulation. While it may create the numb sensations in your arms that you've experienced, it should not affect your healing or outcome of your breast augmentation.

Is it possible to get capsular contracture from sleeping with your arms above your head (lack of circulation)?

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