Recovery after a Brazilian butt lift or BBL can be challenging, especially with the requirement to avoid any pressure on the bum for at least two weeks after BBL surgery. It is very important to get a good BBL recovery as this will have a direct effect on your final result. Carrying out a BBL surgery to the highest standards is only one aspect of the care pathway. After surgery, there are certain things you will need to do to improve healing and minimise the risk of complications. Here we share our top tips on how to have the best recovery possible after a BBL.
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How to prepare for BBL surgery
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the buttocks to enhance their shape and size. Proper preparation is essential for a successful outcome and a smooth recovery. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for your BBL surgery:
- Choose a qualified surgeon: Research and choose a specialist plastic surgeon who has experience performing BBL surgery in London. Schedule a consultation at Centre for Surgery to discuss your goals and expectations and to determine if BBL is right for you.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can affect healing and increase the risk of complications after surgery. You will likely be advised to stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to the surgery.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen: Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen can help you achieve optimal health and prepare your body for surgery. Your surgeon may recommend that you lose weight and tone your muscles before the surgery.
- Plan for postoperative care: Arrange for someone to assist you with transportation and postoperative care for the first few days after the surgery. You will likely need someone to help with household tasks and errands.
- Prepare for downtime: Plan for adequate downtime after the surgery to allow your body to heal. You will need to take it easy for several weeks, avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting, and follow all postoperative instructions from your surgeon.
- Purchase any necessary supplies: Purchase any necessary supplies, such as a compression garment and over-the-counter pain medication, ahead of time to ensure that you have everything you need for a smooth recovery.
- Follow preoperative instructions: Follow all preoperative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as fasting before the surgery and avoiding certain medications.
By preparing thoroughly for your BBL surgery, you can help ensure a successful outcome and a smooth recovery. It is important to follow all instructions from your BBL surgeon in London and to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
When can I sit on my buttocks after BBL surgery?
After a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery, you should avoid sitting on your buttocks for at least 2-3 weeks in order to avoid putting pressure on the newly transferred fat cells. This is important because any pressure on the fat cells can cause them to die, which would negatively impact the results of the surgery.
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During this time, you should avoid sitting on hard surfaces and instead use a specialized pillow or cushion that helps to redistribute pressure away from the buttocks. This will allow blood flow to reach the transplanted fat cells, which is essential for their survival and integration into the surrounding tissue.
After the first 2-3 weeks, you may be able to sit for short periods of time, but you should still avoid prolonged sitting and use a pillow or cushion to reduce pressure on the buttocks. Gradually, over the course of several weeks, you will be able to resume normal sitting activities.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, as they may vary depending on the individual case.
Will I need to wear a BBL compression garment?
Yes, it is common for patients to wear a compression garment after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. A compression garment is a particular type of clothing worn to provide support and compression to the treated area, which can help to reduce swelling and promote healing.
The compression garment is worn over the buttocks and hips, and is typically worn for several weeks after the surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on how long you should wear the compression garment, but it’s usually worn for 4-6 weeks.
The compression garment is designed to provide gentle compression to the treated area, which can help to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote healing. Compressing the buttocks and hips, also helps the skin to conform to the new contours of the buttocks, promoting a smooth and natural appearance. It is also important to wear the garment as directed to ensure the best possible results.
Is lymphatic massage beneficial after a BBL?
Lymphatic massage may be beneficial after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery as it can help to reduce swelling and improve the circulation of lymphatic fluids in the treated area. Lymphatic massage is a type of massage that is designed to stimulate the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and tissues that helps to remove waste products and excess fluids from the body.
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After a BBL, lymphatic massage can be used to help reduce swelling and improve circulation in the buttocks area. This can be beneficial for promoting healing, reducing the risk of complications and improving the overall results of the surgery.
Lymphatic massage should typically be started a few days after BBL surgery and should be performed by a trained massage therapist. The massage therapist will use gentle, rhythmic strokes to stimulate the lymphatic vessels in the buttocks and hips, which can help to move lymphatic fluids and reduce swelling.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, as they may vary depending on the individual case. It is also important to communicate with your massage therapist, as they need to be aware of your surgery and tailor the massage accordingly.
In general, the use of lymphatic massage post-BBL can be beneficial, but it is not mandatory, and it’s up to the patient and surgeon to decide if it will be included in the postoperative protocol.
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BBL Recovery Timeline – week by week
Here is a general timeline of what to expect during the BBL recovery process, week by week:
Week 1 after BBL:
- You will likely experience swelling, bruising, and pain in the buttocks area.
- You may need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- You should avoid sitting directly on your buttocks for at least two weeks to reduce pressure on the surgical site.
- You may also be advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and exposure to direct sunlight on the buttocks.
Week 2-3 after BBL:
- The swelling and bruising should start to subside, and you may be able to move around more easily.
- You can expect to continue experiencing some discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or as directed by your surgeon.
- You may begin light exercises, such as walking or gentle stretching, as directed by your surgeon.
Week 4-6 after BBL:
- You should start to feel more comfortable and have less pain.
- You may be able to return to work and light exercise, such as yoga or Pilates, as long as it does not put too much pressure on the buttocks.
- You may also be able to resume normal activities, such as driving and showering but you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting.
Week 6 and beyond after BBL:
- You should have fully healed and have minimal discomfort if any.
- You may be able to return to all normal activities, including exercising and heavy lifting.
- You should continue to wear your compression garment and avoid direct sunlight on the buttocks to promote healing.
It’s important to note that every individual’s recovery timeline is unique and can be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and the extent of the procedure. It’s essential to follow all postoperative instructions from your surgeon and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
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Top tips for a smooth BBL recovery
We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to be patient during the recovery period and avoid doing too much too soon. It is vital to follow all of your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, and if you have any questions or concerns, get in contact with our clinical support team. The initial results during the first few weeks of recovery will not be the result that you will see between six months to 1 year after BBL surgery.
In the early part of BBL recovery at Centre for Surgery, the buttocks may appear smaller than you expected. This is most commonly due to post-surgical swelling in the areas where liposuction was carried out, particularly the abdominal area. This means the final size and shape of the buttocks it’s not fully appreciated immediately.
During the first week after surgery, the skin will feel tight, and the areas where liposuction was performed will appear swollen. The bum will feel very hard to the touch, and there may be localised bruising. It is important to remember these are normal features of the early BBL recovery phase. The side effects will disappear with time. We are available to act as your personal point of contact throughout your recovery after a Brazilian butt lift, and please reach out to us at any time if you have any concerns.
Although the first few weeks can be challenging, we can assure you you will get through it with the appropriate support from our clinical support team. The final results achieved after BBL surgery will make it well worth it in the end.
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BBL Surgery at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery in London is home to the top UK plastic surgeons specialising in Brazilian butt lift surgery. Our surgeons have years of experience performing safe BBL surgery using advanced techniques, including the ultrasound-guided BBL technique. If you would like to learn more about BBL surgery and how to get the best BBL recovery, call us today on 020 7993 4849 or complete the BBL contact form below.
