What is the best type of pillow/way to sleep for anti-aging?

Very good question! I recommend my patients sleep with their head elevated for the first week or so after a facelift to reduce postoperative swelling. This is probably why your surgeon recommended the wedge pillow. Back sleeping is also best during this time. Back sleeping is also recommended to prevent the formation of some types of wrinkles, although some patients simply find this position too uncomfortable to adhere to long-term. I recommend you check with your surgeon for instructions on how long to keep your head elevated after your surgery and once your initial recovery is completed, return to the sleep position that is most comfortable for you.

Proper sleeping positions after facelift surgery are debated. Everyone agrees on elevation of the head but comfort is also important so don’t get in weird positions that you can’t sleep in.  Make sure the neck does not rest on the chest.  Ask your plastic surgeon for specific instructions, as it could somewhat affect your recovery.  After a few weeks, sleeping position will not affect the longevity of your facelift. I personally prefer the my pillow.com pillow. I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of facelifts if you want a second opinion and of course, make sure you follow up with your own surgeon and talk about this. I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  

A wedge pillow is good for keeping the head elevated after a facelift, however using a couple of pillows will work as well. Sleeping on your back and keeping the head elevated  will help control swelling. Be sure to follow all post operative instructions. Good luck.

Proper sleeping position after a facelift needs to address elevation of the head, as well as proper alignment of the neck.  In our facelift practice, we have specific and rather simple instructions on postoperative sleeping position.  Basically, elevate the head at least 20 degrees, but make sure the neck does not rest on the chest.  Ask your plastic surgeon for specific instructions, as it could somewhat affect your recovery.  After a few weeks, sleeping position will not affect the longevity of your facelift.  

HI jellyb,Frankly, I do not recommend any pillow at all. It is better to lie flat and let any drainage accumulate in the back of the neck. This position will also prevent any inadvertent wrinkling of the neck when you are asleep. Of course, every surgeon has their own recommendations, so it is best to follow your own doctor's advice.Best Wishes,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Thank you for your question. In our office, we recommend that our patients sleep on their backs with their head elevated. 2 pillows should be enough elevation to help with swelling. You don't need to invest in any special pillow. Good luck!

Hello and thanks for the question! The wedge pillow immediately after surgery is to help prevent swelling initially. The tendency to swell after surgery is for the first three to four days. After that, the swelling that occurs will go away faster with the head elevated. Staying on your back keeps the swelling and bruising from drifting to one side more than the other. Long term, it stands to reason to sleep on your back to reduce the compression on your cheeks that can deepen the nasolabial folds and Marionette lines. Sleeping on your stomach is never good because the fluid that accumulates in your legs and torso during the day levels out and makes your eyelids puffy. Hope this helps.My Best!  John Standefer MD

In a perfect world, the wedge pillow is great as well as back sleeping.  You have to go on living, so I tell my patients once healed to go back to sleeping in their favorite position.