10 days post BBL- I stretch my legs, arms and back every morning and night. Is this okay? (Photo)

Question

I'm 10 days post BBL and due to the sleeping position I constantly stretch my arms legs and lower back to help keep me limber.I also massage myself vigorously for about 1 to 2 hours every day and it feel great... I just read that stretching is not okay and can cause cell death! I'm not on my back while stretching, I do basic stretching standing upright. I do stretch my lower back the most, is this okay? Sometimes I get sharp pains but it feels good.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Steph.Steph,you should avoid applying pressure to the transferred fat tissue because it can cause necrosis. Also, overstretching can reduce the blood flow to the transferred fat which can be the cause of fat necrosis. Slight stretching probably doesn't cause any issue but you should avoid overstretching. I would recommend you to consult your plastic surgeon regarding the postoperative protocol.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

Surgeons have all kinds of rules regarding activities, exercise, etc. after surgery. Most of it is arbitrary – it its not based on scientific study. Just opinions. After grafting of fat cells (or any tissue) it is important to immobilize the area to promote ingrowth of new blood vessels so the grafted tissues survive. That is why we recommend avoiding pressure or excessive movement in the grafted area. That being said, some stretching of adjacent areas is probably a good idea. Just use common sense and avoid “overdoing” it.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

personally I ask my patients to immobilize areas treated with fat transfer.
This involves not putting any pressure on the area and minimizing any movement for the first three weeks.
During this time grafted tissue in order to survive requires the ingrowth of small blood vessel's called capillaries.
This process is called neovascularization.
If grafted tissue it does not establish a new blood supply within the first week the tissue will not survive.
The small capillaries growing into the grafted fat between the second and 10th they are very fragile and can be disrupted from pressure.
Basically I asked my patients to do the opposite of what you have been doing.
There is not much science on the impact of pressure or movement after BBL's.
You should ask your doctor what he or she recommends.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom M.D.

10 days post BBL- I stretch my legs, arms and back every morning and night. Is this okay? (Photo)

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10 days post BBL- I stretch my legs, arms and back every morning and night. Is this okay? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.