Fat grafting to buttocks: how long does it take for the fat to settle?

Question

When getting a BBL how long does it take for the fat to settle and conncet with other fat cells when would it be ideal to sleep on your new booty? Is there a transitional phase where results can be compromised based on sleep positions

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.It takes about 3 to 6 months for the fat to vascularize. You can sleep on your buttocks in about 6 to 8 weeks. There's no data to support that fat cells get damaged while sleeping on the buttocks; however, intuitively it doesn't make sense to traumatize the area from constant sleeping or sitting. Please always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Take care,
Moises Salama M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, fat grafting results can be compromised for the first 4 to 6 weeks by positioning and pressure.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Brazilian butt lift patients should avoid prolonged sitting for the first two weeks following surgery and should try to stand or lie on their side or stomach when possible.  Avoid sleeping on the buttocks for minimum 2 weeks. Always consult with your doctor.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tdeaton88,I instruct my patients not to sit for 2 solid weeks. We provide them a specialized pillow that our patients can sit on during that time. They can sleep on their stomachs or sides. Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In general, it takes about 6-8 weeks for most of the swelling to go down and then you will pretty much see what you have.  However, there still will be changes over the next several months after that for the remaining swelling to resolve.

Ricardo Ventura, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. I recommend my patients to wait about 1-2 weeks to sit properly, better sleep on their side or stomach.  The fat that has been transfer to the buttocks take about 6 months to blend to the tissue and be part of the area. All the best!!

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for such and important question. Fat that has been transfered to buttocks or any other part takes 6 month to integrate to rest of the tissue where it has been trasnfered. In this period some of the fat will be reasorbed by the body and the rest will become part of the area.
Non position for sitting or sleep will compromise the fat transfered. You may sit as always and sleep over your back or side, it does'nt matter. What you need to avoid are direct massages in the area nor physiotherapy.
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Fat grafting to buttocks: how long does it take for the fat to settle?

Answers (7)

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