Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery: Tips + What To Expect
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) continues to increase in popularity, with over 20,000 procedures performed in the U.S. in 2017. The Brazilian Butt Lift procedure uses the patient’s own fat to enhance the size and shape of the buttocks. Unwanted fat is removed from other areas of the body, frequently from the abdomen or thighs, via liposuction. The fat is then carefully injected into targeted areas of the buttocks to provide a lift and contouring result.
This article addresses topics of frequently asked questions regarding Brazilian Butt Lift treatments.
Pain & Discomfort
Immediately following surgery many patients will experience a moderate level of pain and tenderness in the “harvest areas” where fat was removed via liposuction. The severity of pain you experience depends upon your tolerance for pain and the surgical technique used. Bruising and swelling around the injection sites along the buttock is also common. Any pain can be managed through over-the-counter or prescription medication provided by your surgeon. Most patients will find that their pain dramatically subsides over the first week.
Fluid Draining
Most Brazilian Butt Lift patients may notice fluid that is tinged with blood flowing from incisions in their harvest area. Don’t be alarmed! The draining of excess fluid from these incision points is normal and may continue for a few days after the procedure.
Sitting & Sleeping
The most important aspect of recovering from a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is the avoidance of pressure on the buttocks before it’s fully healed. Any pressure applied to the recipient area of the fat graft will limit blood circulation which could injure the fat grafts before they incorporate and become stable. This could affect healing and have a negative effect on the final result of your procedure.
I ask my patients to avoid sitting or sleeping on their buttocks following their procedure. Instead, patients should remain standing or rest by lying on their sides or stomach. If the patient absolutely must sit they should do so with the help of a ‘BBL pillow,’ a specialized pillow that shifts weight away from the buttocks onto the back of the thighs.
Compression Garments
Following the procedure your surgeon will likely recommend the wearing of a compression garment (or girdle) around the areas where liposuction was performed. This is necessary to ensure that the harvest areas heal properly. The use of compression garments can speed up the healing process and lessen swelling and discomfort. I like to apply compression to the harvest areas, but not to the buttocks
Returning to Work
Patients should plan to be out of work for at least 2 to 3 weeks following a Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. We recommend being cleared by your surgeon before heading back into the office. Since sitting is not recommended, patients should consider using a standing desk until they are fully recovered.
Exercise
Patients should refrain from all types of high impact physical activity until cleared to do so by their surgeon. Undertaking strenuous exercise before being fully healed could compromise the transferred fat. Most patients will be able to return to light exercise, such as fast-paced walking, within 2-3 weeks of the procedure. At about 6 weeks following the procedure the transferred fat cells should be stable enough to withstand more vigorous forms of exercise like running and cycling.
Tips: Recovering from Brazilian Butt Lifts
- Follow all post-surgery instructions you receive from your surgeon.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up office appointments.
- Avoid pools and hot tubs until fully healed.
- Stretch your legs frequently in order to encourage healing and prevent blood clots.
- Wear your compression garment as often as possible.
- Get plenty of sleep and rest.
- Eat healthy meals and stay hydrated with plenty of water during recovery.
- Wear loose fitting clothes.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
As a Lymphatic Therapist who works on cosmetic surgery patients pre and post-op, I know well that the recovery is mentally as well as physically challenging. I suggest that anyone opting for plastic surgery come in before-hand to get their lymphatic system moving *before* surgery ( https://haltmyswelling.com/prepare-yourself-for-plastic-surgery ). This helps clear out the body’s natural drainage system so that it is ready to cope with the inevitable swelling. Having the lymphatic system clear also ensures that the immune system can move about freely (it travels through the lymphatic system) in order to help prevent infection, and that fat-soluble vitamins critical for the repair of damaged tissues can be absorbed by the body and delivered to the surgical site(s).
Following the surgery, lymphatic drainage ( https://haltmyswelling.com/cosmetic-surgery-therapy-faq ) by a qualified Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) is critical. You will not get the same result by going to a big box massage chain place. CLT’s undergo rigorous training that qualifies them to work with complex lymphatic conditions. They are the most qualified people to see.
Post-operative lymphatic work significantly reduces post-operative pain and swelling and can help move fluid that causes lumps and bumps..
Very helpful post! I’m considering a Brazilian butt lift but am still not sure. I was wondering if you have any info on the difference between BBL and butt implants?
Great Gillian, glad this was helpful! We do have this great post that does a basic comparison between Brazilian Butt Lift and butt implants: https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/butt-implants-vs-brazilian-butt-lift/
Also if you are in the Austin area, please give us a call for a free consultation. We can discuss your specific needs and recommend the best treatment route per our lifestyle and desired final result.
Thanks,
WD Staff
Interesting blog, good information is provided regarding Brazilian Buttlift Surgery. Was very useful, thanks for sharing the blog.
Very good post. I had a BBL surgery two years ago. During my recovery period, I realized that the most challenging and limiting things were to always have my garment on and to not be able to sit comfortably. I always wanted to check my results and felt bulky with my garment, so I kept taking it off. I developed two seromas but thank god my surgeon was able to drain them. Sitting was also very uncomfortable. The BBL pillow I got was too hard and would hurt my tights and lower back. So I designed my own (The Ultimate Booty Pillow) with back support made of high memory foam to relieve pressure and provide enough support and body contouring. If you think its relevant, I was hoping you could share it on this post! Here is my website: https://www.bootyfulcurves.com