How long is recovery from BBL?

Question

Hi. I drive a lot for work from place to place. I'm just researching BBL and wonder what's the recovery time? How long do you have to be off your Butt and how much time does one take off of work assuming all goes well with no complications. Thank you for your time.

Matthew J. Nykiel, MD · Answer

Hello and Great Question.  I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure.  My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel.  I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist.
Each Surgeon has a slightly different postoperative recovery protocol.  This is my specific recovery protocol.  It should give you a general overview.  Please be sure to check with your surgeon for specifics.  
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is typically done as an outpatient procedure (you go home after surgery the same day).  
ANESTHESIA:     The surgery can either be performed with you awake or sedated (mild, deep, or general anesthesia).  What are the benefits of awake vs sedation?  Awake liposuction is well tolerated procedure when performed correctly.  Typically, awake liposuction has a faster wake-up period after surgery.  What are the negatives to awake vs sedation?  While I think awake liposuction is tolerated well.  Awake fat transfer to the Butt is better tolerated when asleep.  Why?  Because to get a great result in a BBL some fat needs to be placed deep and that simply is not possible when you are awake because you will feel it.  Therefore, in my experience, awake fat transfer to the butt gets you an inferior result.
PROCEDURE:  A BBL has two types of recovery:  1) Recovery from Liposuction 2) Recovery from Fat Transfer to the Butt.  
Let us begin by discussing recovery from LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY:  • Bruising, Swelling, and Firmness are expected for the recovery. Bruising typically takes 1 to 2 weeks to subside. The swelling takes longer and begins to decrease at 3 weeks after surgery. It will typically take a total of 6 weeks for the majority of the swelling to be gone.  However, this does not mean that you won't see the results.  You will see results by day #1 and these results will only continue to improve as the swelling goes down!  • Firmness is also expected. This is partially due to swelling and partially due to the liposuction.  Think about when you sprain an ankle, it gets bruised, swollen, and firm.  It also take at least 6 weeks to 3 months to soften. For some people it is less time and for others it is longer.  Starting at 1 week after surgery; I want you to massage daily to soften the areas.  In my opinion, this a KEY step to faster recovery.   • Compressive garments (Medical Grade Spanx) are placed on you immediately after surgery.  You will keep the garment on for 48 hours initially after surgery.  Then, the garment is worn for 6 weeks, at all times, except when showering. The garment helps to decrease the swelling, bruising, and firmness.  The garment also helps to shape the torso into the hour glass.   
FAT TRANSFER TO THE BUTT RECOVERY • I utilize a 4 week sitting protocol.  The first week I like you to be off your butt as much as possible in the early stages of healing.  The longer you can be off the butt, the better the results.  The protocol is: ◦ Week 1: Sitting for the bathroom ◦ Week 2: Sit as usual with the assistance of a pressure off-loading pillow. If you do not have a pillow then: 15-30 minutes at a time, then standing up to shift your weight. ◦ Week 3: Sit as usual with the assistance of a pressure off-loading pillow.  If you do not have a pillow then:  30-60 minutes at a time, then standing up to shift your weight. ◦ Week 4: Sit as usual with the assistance of a pressure off-loading pillow.   If you do not have a pillow then:  1-2 hours at a time, then standing up to shift your weight. ◦ Week 5:  No Sitting Restrictions.  Sit as usual.  Unless otherwise directed.
WORK:  Most of my patients are back to work in 1 week or less.
ACTIVITY:  After 1 week you can Run/Jog or go to the gym.  Prior to 1 week, I want you walking around as much as possible.
GYM:  After 1 week you can go to the gym.  You can do any upper body work out and/or Run/Jog.  No lower body squats or any activity that requires you to place pressure on your Butt/Gluts (i.e. Leg Press, Back Row etc) until after 4 weeks from surgery.  Best of Luck!  
I hope that helps!  Best of Luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD#TopREALSELFDoctor#CoreREALSELFDoctorButt Augmentation SpecialistLiposuction SpecialistBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. When you wake up you will feel tired, sore, and stiff. It is important to take the medication prescribed to you. Someone will need to drive you home, and you may need assistance at home over the next couple of days.You will have a compression garment on after surgery to provide support, which should not be removed for the next few days following surgery.Rest is important to the healing process, so do it as much as possible following your procedure. Drink plenty of fluids, and be sure to take the prescribed medications.Most likely, you will be able to resume calm, quiet work within a few days to weeks following Buttock enhancement surgery. You should still avoid physical exertion for several weeks. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

Constantino G. Mendieta, MD · Answer

Hello
We answered your wonderful question in the video above. 
Please consult with an accredited, board certified surgeon. It is all about designing the perfect plan for you and your body!
Good luck, please let us know how it goes.
- Dr. Constantino Mendieta

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Most patients can return to work at a sedentary job within one week.  Strenuous activity can be resumed in 6 weeks.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
Every surgeon has their own post op protocol.  My patients are usually back to work within 7 days and avoiding direct exposure to buttocks for 6-8 weeks following surgery.  I recommend a specific pillow for my patients to aid in their recovery.
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Sanjay Lalla, MD, FACS · Answer

hello. Thanks for your inquiry. Everyone seems to have a different answer but in general we like to stay off the buttock where fat was placed for about two weeks.  Meaning little to no pressure on the area.   Specials pillows can help and laying on your sides as much as possible.  Good luck

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello! Every surgeon will have his / her own protocol following a fat transfer. I usually tell my patients to keep the pressure garments on & avoid prolonged pressure on the buttocks for 4-6 weeks following a BBL

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, patients are able to resume their light daily activities a few days after surgery. It is recommended not to sit on your buttocks for the first 2 weeks. A special BBL pillow can be used afterwards to reduce the pressure. Seek a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of these procedures, has great reviews and photos, and is an expert in this field.

Joseph D. Alkon, MD · Answer

each surgeon has their own preferences and protocols.  I recommend avoiding pressure on the buttocks for the first 4 weeks.  patients may shower right away, and are typically out of work for about a week.  you should check with your surgeon regarding their specific recommendations.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While every surgeon is different, if I am performing an isolated BBL, then most of the time patients can go back to routine activities within 3-5 days after surgery but have to avoid sitting on their buttocks for 2-3 weeks.

How long is recovery from BBL?

Answers (11)

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