Can I Sleep On My Stomach After Shoulder Reduction Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I just found out that you offer a shoulder reduction surgery. Since my broad shoulders have always bothered me, I am basically very interested. 

I just read your blog but I still have two questions, I hope you can help me. 

You write that patients afterwards are not allowed to sleep on their side. Since I am almost not able to sleep on my back I am wondering if it would be possible to sleep on the stomach? 

How long is the waiting period if I decide to make this surgery? 

Thank you for the answers and best regards 

A: I don’t think sleeping on your stomach is that much better than sleeping on your side. You still have to get on your stomach which involves a maneuver to get there which inevitably involves at some point rolling on your side even if momentarily. It is all about lowering the risk of hardware fixation failure whose risk is greatest in the first four weeks after surgery.

My assistant Camille will be able to answer the waiting list question.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana