Good aftercare is key to achieving optimal results from cosmetic surgery. A Brazilian butt lift (BBL) is no different. In fact, it comes with some specific post-operative precautions, the most important one being not to sit directly on your buttocks for up to 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
The issue is that pressure from sitting can cause the transferred fat cells to die. A fat graft only offers permanent results if blood vessels are given enough time to grow into the injected cells. Sitting can squish the fat, which interrupts this important healing process and impacts results.
Sleeping on your back can also put too much pressure on your butt during the initial recovery. For that reason, you will be advised to sleep on your side or stomach for the first few weeks.
BBL Recovery Tips
Some patients find it difficult to avoid sitting on their buttocks. After all, you probably sit a lot more than you realize, so making this change can pose a challenge. If you are a back sleeper, switching your preferred slumber position may also be a struggle in the early days of healing.
That said, here are a few tips to help you get through your BBL recovery:
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- Sit strategically: In some cases, sitting down is unavoidable. Fortunately, there are ways that you can do it without putting too much pressure on your butt. For example, if you need to use the toilet, sitting carefully on the back of your thighs is a good option.
- Sit on a BBL pillow: You may be cleared to sit on a specially shaped cushion after the first few weeks. It shifts pressure onto your thighs to promote healing.
- Prop yourself up at night: If you are worried about rolling over in your sleep, a good pillow system can help keep you in place. A body pillow on each side is a good start. You can also try putting a cushion under your pelvis to keep your spine and hips in alignment.
Keep in mind that some transferred fat will not survive even with diligent aftercare measures. You can generally expect to lose about 30% of the original volume after swelling has dissipated.
Schedule Your BBL Consultation in Tampa Bay
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stan Castor can answer your questions about the BBL. Call 813-971-2000 today to schedule a free consultation. Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery and Laser Center welcomes patients from Tampa Bay and the surrounding areas of Florida.
