6 week post op, how am I supposed to look at this point with swelling in abdomen and butt decrease after BBL? (Photos)

Question

I am going into 6 week post op BBL. I loved my results the first few days and I am aware I'm still healing. My stomach has been my only concern and my back rolls. My back seen to have been the same and no changes and my stomach, if I'm not wearing a garment gets huge as before. What am I supposed to expect at this stage and stages to come with what my appearance will look like? I was told to buy a waist clincher but when I wear them, it leaves indentations and rolls up in the back.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. Is totally normal to have swelling at this time of your post op. I usually recommend the use of the garment. I recommend you to keep in touch with your surgeon and follow his advices. Kind regards

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your results look great. With Brazilian butt lift we transfer fat from one area of the body to the other. These fat cells are transferred in microinjections throughout multiple planes in the buttock tissue so that they can gain new blood supply and live in their new home, providing increased volume and shape to the buttocks. After surgery there is a predictable swelling process that mostly resolves over three months, when the final result really settles in. Around 70% of fat that is grafted is typically expected to survive long term. We also put a little extra to account for loss of fat post operative, which is reabsorbed gradually by the body.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The results immediately following BBL surgery will be the largest due to swelling and lack of fat resorption.  The buttocks will continue to decrease in size for the first few weeks.   I have observed that between 4 and 6 weeks the buttocks tend to stabilize in volume.  Usually by 3 months, the swelling is minimal and totally resolved by 6 months.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question and photos. It looks like you are doing very well. The areas of liposuction will take ~16 weeks after surgery to see your near final result. Your buttocks can continue to have changes until ~12 weeks from surgery. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

After about 6 weeks, the swelling usually persists in the harvest sites, but the buttock swelling tends to start to come down at this point.  It is likely to change a bit more with time.

6 week post op, how am I supposed to look at this point with swelling in abdomen and butt decrease after BBL? (Photos)

Answers (5)