A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is a procedure that utilizes the excess fat from your own body to enhance the size and shape of your buttocks. Liposuction removes the excess fat from the stomach, thighs, and hips and then re-inserts the fat back into the buttocks to create an hourglass figure.
Patients must take care of themselves after the BBL procedure to ensure no complications when healing. How well they take care of themselves impacts the results of the BBL.
It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a BBL. Most patients return to work 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. Here are the recovery stages to expect after a BBL.
Initial Recovery
Immediately following the procedure, patients may experience swelling, numbness, and bruising in the buttocks, hips, and the areas where the fat cells were harvested. This subsides with time.
The buttocks may appear larger than anticipated due to swelling and overabundance of fat. The surgeon injects more fat than necessary to achieve the patient’s desired results during the procedure. This is done because the body normally gets rid of 30 to 40% of the fat inserted into the buttocks. Once the fat is eliminated, enough fat remains to achieve the desired effect.
Excess fluid stained with blood may drain from the incision points and is completely normal. Prescription drugs are used to manage pain and discomfort. Alternate between resting and taking short walks to improve blood circulation and minimize swelling at home.
Compression garment
During the first week, the surgeon puts the patient in a special compression garment for the areas treated with liposuction to minimize fluid retention and swelling. The garment helps maintain the contour and shape created during BBL.
Patients are advised to wear the compression garment for a minimum of eight weeks for optimal healing. The garment also minimizes swelling and helps the skin retract. It is advisable to continue using a butt pillow to keep off pressure from the buttocks. A lymphatic massage aids the healing process and treats early scar tissue. A follow-up visit is necessary to evaluate the healing process.
Sitting is prohibited
Resting is important after a BBL. However, sitting is prohibited for at least the first two weeks after the surgery. This is because the pressure from sitting down kills the newly injected fat cells before getting time to develop sufficient blood circulation. Reduced blood flow leads to the destruction of the fat transferred to the butt. Sitting on an inflatable booty pillow relieves pressure and gives the best results.
Patients are advised to sleep on their stomachs or sides with the help of pillows to prop them up and avoid sleeping on their backs for the first eight weeks after the procedure.
Resuming physical activities
Take time off work for two weeks or more to rest and recover quickly. For at least four weeks, avoid:
- High-impact activities immediately after surgery especially bouncing and heavy lifting
- Strenuous exercise like cardio, stretching, and squatting
- The ocean, pools, and hot tubs
- Sexual activity for at least 3 weeks
- Applying ice to the surgical area, especially if it is numb
- Smoking before and after surgery
Following post-op aftercare instructions given by the surgeon minimizes complications and risks.
Recovery tips for BBL
- Get enough rest
- No driving
- Wear the compression garment as instructed
- Follow post-op instructions
- Don’t wear tight clothes
- Practice healthy feeding habits like consuming low fat, sugar, and salt
- Always hydrate
- Take short walks to speed up recovery
- Take prescription meds as instructed
- In case of excessive bleeding, swelling, or a high fever, contact your doctor immediately
- Maintain a constant healthy weight
- Avoiding drinking and smoking
How long BBL results last
Patients begin to see the final results 3 to 6 months after the procedure as long as they maintain a healthy weight.
BBL results vary from person to person because some people absorb more fat than others. The procedure lasts for several years, depending on how well a person treats their buttocks during recovery. There is no need for additional procedures since the results can last for decades. However, some people may choose to get an additional BBL to combat the body’s natural aging process, which causes sagging.
One of the greatest benefits of BBL is that it’s a two-in-one contouring procedure because it concurrently treats the butt and other areas of the body where the fat is removed. Patients can attain thin thighs or a flat stomach for a rounder, fuller butt. Additionally, it is safer than synthetic material since it involves using the body’s own fat cells.
Are you considering a BBL? Visit Skin Deep to discuss your options for a customized, safe Brazilian Butt Lift.
