BBL - 3 week post op disappointment. How do I make sure my butt doesn't keep shrinking? (Photo)

Question

I am 3 weeks post op and my butt has gotten considerably smaller..for 2 weeks i put no pressure on my butt (not counting the flight home after 10 days, i stood up for 80% of the time). i don't have the option to not go to work after 2 weeks and i've used the booty buddy pillow at work as much as i can. i'm not sure what i could be doing to make sure my results don't get worse. i spent a lot of $$ to get a butt that's disappearing fast. please advise on what to do to keep the butt from shrinking

Jonathan Fisher, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. As the doctors have mentioned, BBL patients can expect to lose about 30% of the fat transferred. I'd like to add that you are not fully healed yet, and are like still experiencing some swelling not only in the buttocks, but in the lipo'd areas as well. Patients often experience weight fluctuations following surgery, and their weight stabilizes as their routine does. 
The fat cells transferred to your buttocks are there forever, if you gain weight, they will expand, and shrink if you lose. The final result of your BBL will be visible at the 3 - 6 month mark. If you are still unhappy with the volume shape or projection of your buttocks, revision surgery may be the way to go. 
Good luck to you!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  Please continue to follow the advice of your operating surgeon regarding post-op care.  It is normal for up to 30% of the fat to be reabsorbed after fat transfer to the buttocks.  Please give yourself a couple months before assessing final results.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  It appears that you have done all that you can do. Some resorption is normal.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hi... thank you for the question and photos... is normal that the swollen goes down you feel thy are shrinking.. and generally a 20-30% of the fat tissue is reabsorb..

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
After a BBL, about 70% of the transferred fat cells will survive, but this should last permanently, with exercise and a clean diet. Lifting, squats and lunges after a BBL will only help increase muscle bulk and definition and achieve a more projected buttocks.
If you have any concerns, I suggest you follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

BBL - 3 week post op disappointment. How do I make sure my butt doesn't keep shrinking? (Photo)

Answers (5)