I had lipo, tummy tuck, and bbl 7 weeks ago and most of the pain has subsided. Some soreness and my butt keeps shrinking?

Question

However, my butt cheeks are still sore to the touch. Not to mention that it appears to be getting smaller by the day even though I still use my butt pillow when sitting. Is this anything to be worried about?

Alexander Aslani, MD · Answer

The larger part of volume loss after BBL surgery is actually due to loss to fluid contained even in the most purified graft rather than actual loss of fat. To understand this actually helps patients to be calm and relaxed during their recovery process.Volume loss usually comes to an end anywhere between 4-6 weeks after the procedure. It also depends a bit on personal factors rather than solely on surgical oness.So all you are saying sounds pretty much ok.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (2 months post-po) the swelling is still normal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

You are 7 weeks from surgery.  The " butt" pillow you mention is not helpful at this point. Your surgical sites have healed.  Your post operative edema has resolved by this point and the transplanted fat is undergoing resorption which is why we over augment with fat in our gluteal augmentation.  The shrinking is the normal process of fat resorption.  I tell my patients that 50% of the transplanted fat will go away. Average augmentation volume per cheek is 600-1200grams.

When you mention that your cheeks are tender I must ask if the skin has any changes that might be seen with an infection. Redness that is spreading away from injection sites could be a sign of infection. Consult your plastic surgeon if you are feeling ill and have these signs of infection.

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still going through the healing process.  In general, one third of the transferred fat doesn't survive, and you might still have some swelling.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is quite common to see the buttocks deflate a bit. This is often due to swelling that has subsided.  Best of luck with your results.

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

After fat transfer even if you do everything as directed by your PS, ~30-50% of fat volume is lost. This occurs over 3-6 months after the surgery. You are only 7 weeks out, so you will definitely have more shrinkage. At 6 months from surgery whatever size it is will be what it stays unless you gain or lose weight.

Rami Ghurani, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Too early to judge on the final result. You are still at the healing stage. The area in your lower back will be still bruised and swollen and this will take 8-12 weeks to settle. Wear your garment and keep your follow up with your surgeon.You have to give your body at least 12 weeks to start seeing results and final results can take 3-6 months depending the way your body healsbest of luck!!

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.Your buttocks will gradually change and reduce slightly in size because the swelling will begin to resolve and some of that fat cells will not survive. Fat survival after fat grafting depends on a few things such as technique used, anatomy, genetics, post operative care etc. Best case scenario, usually about 70% of the transferred fat will survive. Within the first 6 months, about 30% of the fat cells will not survive and will be reabsorbed and passed through your body. Whatever fat is remaining after 6 months, is what will remain as long as your weight remains stable. You may undergo a second BBL procedure if you have an adequate amount of fat on your body to harvest. Best of luck.Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

I had lipo, tummy tuck, and bbl 7 weeks ago and most of the pain has subsided. Some soreness and my butt keeps shrinking?

Answers (8)

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