The Brazilian Butt Lift, commonly known as BBL, is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the shape and size of your buttocks by transferring fat from other parts of your body. But remember, the surgery is just the first step. After the procedure, it’s important to tweak your diet so that you can ‘nourish the new fat cells’ in your buttocks and make sure they stick around for the long term. This way, you’ll get the results you’re looking for from your BBL surgery.
By adjusting your eating habits post-surgery, you can improve the chances of maintaining those newly transferred fat cells, ensuring that your BBL gives you the fuller, shapelier buttocks you desire.
Brazilian butt lift (BBL) involves a combination of lipo 360 and fat transfer to the buttocks for buttock volume enhancement and simultaneously creating an hourglass figure with 360 lipo. All types of fat transfer procedures involve liposuction as the first step, followed by purification of the harvested fat and then re-injection into the buttocks to increase volume. Best BBL results involve the creation of a toned and sculpted midsection and larger and more shapely buttocks.
RELATED: Brazilian Butt Lift FAQs – Q&A about BBL Surgery
What Does It Mean to “Feed Fat” After a BBL Procedure?
When we talk about ‘feeding fat’ after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), we’re referring to the concept of providing your newly transferred fat cells with the nutrients they need to survive and thrive. Essentially, it means consuming a well-balanced, calorie-appropriate diet that will help sustain the fat grafts that have been injected into your buttocks.
The 3-6 months following your BBL surgery is a critical period for these new fat cells. It’s during this time that they become integrated into their new location, stabilise, and ideally, become a permanent part of the enhanced shape and size of your buttocks. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to ‘feed the fat’ appropriately during this crucial phase.
Following your surgery, you’ll be provided with BBL aftercare instructions, which are designed to help you achieve the best results possible. One of these instructions will most likely include dietary recommendations. This could involve eating a balanced diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, while also being mindful of the total caloric intake. The idea is to consume enough calories—and the right kinds of calories—to give the newly transferred fat cells the best chance of survival.
It’s not just about eating more; it’s about eating smart. Consuming nutrient-dense foods can support cell health, which in turn helps to solidify the results of your BBL procedure. In summary, ‘feeding the fat’ is an essential part of your post-surgery aftercare plan that aims to preserve and sustain as many of the newly injected fat cells as possible, ensuring that you get long-lasting results from your BBL surgery.
Why Is It Important to “Feed Fat” After a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)?
When you undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, the surgeon transfers fat from one part of your body to your buttocks. This newly grafted fat isn’t immediately stable; it needs to mesh well with the surrounding tissue and establish a connection to the blood supply in the area. Once these new fat cells are fully connected to the blood vessels, they can start receiving the vital nutrients they need to survive, functioning much like the existing fat cells in your body. This integration process requires energy, in the form of vitamins and minerals, which is where a nutritious diet comes into play.
After surgery, you’ll retain approximately 20-40% of the transferred fat cells. Surgeons are aware of this, and they often inject a bit more fat than you might need to reach your final desired look, taking into account that some of the cells will naturally be lost. However, if you want to maximise the survival rate of these fat cells and get the best results from your BBL, it’s crucial to ‘feed the fat.’
Essentially, feeding the fat means providing your body with the nutrients it needs to fully integrate these new cells. By consuming a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, you can improve the odds that more of the transferred fat cells will survive. Foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals will support the healing process and help those new fat cells establish themselves permanently in your buttocks.
Therefore, patients who stick to a nutritious diet post-surgery are generally more likely to achieve better, more enduring results. Paying attention to what you eat in the weeks and months following your BBL isn’t just good for your overall health; it’s a key part of ensuring that the time and investment you’ve put into the procedure pay off in the long run.
How to Effectively “Feed Fat” After a BBL Procedure
So you’ve had your Brazilian Butt Lift, and you’re excited about your new curves. Now comes an essential part: making sure those new fat cells stick around. Here’s a detailed guide on how to nourish those cells and get the most out of your BBL procedure.
Aim for a Calorie Goal
Post-surgery, your body needs additional energy to recover and to sustain the new fat cells. We generally recommend aiming for at least 2000 calories per day until the fat grafts become stable. You might worry that consuming these extra calories will result in weight gain elsewhere, but keep in mind that your metabolic rate often increases after surgery.
Moreover, a diet that is low in carbohydrates but high in protein can help you burn off any extra visceral fat—the kind of fat that liposuction can’t eliminate. Also, note that the newly grafted fat cells won’t be fully integrated into your bloodstream for about 2-3 weeks post-surgery, meaning minor weight fluctuations won’t influence them during your recovery period.
Foods to Steer Clear Of
Inflammation can extend your recovery time, so it’s wise to avoid foods that are known to cause inflammation. These include processed meats, sugary snacks, refined grains like white bread, fast food, fried items, and alcohol. Instead, aim for a diet rich in whole foods, which are not only more nutritious but also better for your immune system, aiding in a quicker recovery.
Healthy High-Fat Foods
Incorporate foods that are high in healthy fats into your diet. These fats not only provide more energy but also aid in the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. They’re also key to cell growth, which is crucial when you’re trying to maintain newly transferred fat cells. Foods that are excellent sources of healthy fats include avocados, nuts, fish like salmon, eggs, cheese, and full-fat yoghurt.
Consider Vitamin Supplements
While a balanced diet should give you most of the nutrients you need, a little extra help can’t hurt. We often recommend patients consider taking a comprehensive multivitamin post-procedure. Look for a supplement that includes a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals—like vitamins A, B, C, D, and K, as well as zinc, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients play various roles in your post-surgery recovery, including aiding in wound healing, fostering cell growth, and helping to fend off potential infections.
How long does it take for fat to settle after BBL?
Whilst every patient is different, generally, the final results of BBL surgery will be visible between 3 and 6 months. During this time, the fat cells remodel before settling into the final position with a fresh blood supply to provide nutrients to the fat cells.
RELATED: How long do fat transfer results last?
How much fat survives after BBL?
Any type of fat transfer procedure, including BBL, does not result in 100% fat cell survival. A small percentage will be naturally absorbed by the body. Factors which determine fat cell survival include:
- The total quantity of fat injected
- The tightness of the buttock’s skin
- How closely do you follow your post-operative BBL instructions, including not sitting on your buttocks for the first two weeks
Fat cell survival is approximately 70 to 80% after a BBL, and any transferred fat that survived the process becomes a permanent part of your buttocks.
RELATED: Recovery After Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) – Top Tips
What NOT to do after BBL
After undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), it’s not only important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions but also to be aware of specific activities and habits you should avoid to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for avoiding complications that can negatively impact your final outcomes. Here are key actions and behaviours to steer clear of post-BBL:
1. Avoid Sleeping on Your Back
One of the most critical instructions you’ll receive is to avoid sleeping on your back for up to 8 weeks following your surgery. Resting in this position can exert excessive pressure on your buttocks, jeopardizing the establishment of a new blood supply to the transferred fat. This can lead to fat necrosis, where the fat cells do not survive, potentially resulting in a decrease in volume or an uneven appearance.
2. Refrain from Smoking
Smoking can significantly impair your body’s healing ability by limiting oxygen flow to tissues, a vital component of the healing process. Your surgeon will advise you to quit smoking at least 6 weeks prior to the procedure and continue to abstain afterwards. Oxygen is essential for healing, and the lack thereof can lead to serious complications, including the risk of necrosis.
3. Avoid Heavy Exertion and Exercise
Jumping back into heavy physical activities or exercise prematurely can put your recovery at risk. Intense physical exertion increases the chances of developing a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) or seroma (a build-up of fluid under the skin, distinct from the typical fluid retention after surgery). Both conditions can necessitate further surgical intervention to address.
4. Follow All Aftercare Instructions Diligently
It cannot be overstressed how important it is to comply with the aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon fully. These guidelines are designed not only to optimise your surgical results but also to prevent complications that could have broader implications for your health.
Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery in London: Why Choose Centre for Surgery?
If you’re considering a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure in London, Centre for Surgery stands out as a premier choice. Our clinic specialises in offering high-quality, patient-centred care at every stage of your journey.
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Our team of highly skilled surgeons and staff are experts in the field of plastic surgery. We are committed to delivering a personalised experience, focused on your unique needs and aspirations. Our state-of-the-art facilities and the adoption of the most advanced surgical techniques ensure that you receive world-class care.
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- Sarah: “Centre for Surgery changed my life. The team was incredibly supportive, and the results were beyond my expectations.”
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