BBL post op. What can I do to avoid complications?

Question

Hello! I had a BBL 3 days ago and I am feeling much better today. I walk around every 3 hours at least. But my lower abdomen and my tights and and feet still feel very sore and heavy. Is there any other thing I can do to avoid any complications??? Blood Clots or anything else?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello Kellii66,
Congratulations on your Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure! In my experience, proper post-operative care and healthy lifestyle habits can significantly impact BBL surgery success. Swelling, soreness and feeling of tightness are common occurrence after BBL surgery and will disappear over time. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe you analgesics to handle any pain that might be involved and help you feel much more comfortable. I typically suggest my patients following a balanced diet which includes foods high in fiber and drinking plenty of fluids, since pain medication (usually prescribed for BBL patients) and decreased activity may promote constipation. Starting the night of the surgery, it is important that patients try to do some light walking, to help prevent any blood clot formation in the legs. Taking supplements like iron if you feel fatigued, and vitamin C to boost your body’s ability to heal are highly beneficial during BBL’s recovery. Additionally, avoiding cigarettes and heavy drinking is important because these habits will reduce circulation throughout the body, leading to the degradation of the newly transplanted fat cells. After surgery, I usually recommend wearing specialized compression garments around the clock (except for showering) during six months, to reduce swelling and help patients’ skin contract smoothly to their new body’s contours. Moreover, at least ten lymphatic drainage massage sessions are required, starting 24 hours after the procedure, to eliminate excess lymph fluid, alleviate swelling and discomfort, and also prevent complications such as seromas (fluid collection) and contour irregularities (indentations, and/or fibrosis). I would suggest you avoid travelling at least the first 8 weeks after surgery to minimize the risk for post-operative complications. Putting pressure on your buttocks by sitting down or laying on it, especially for long periods of time, can stiffen, deform and even cause the transplanted fat cells to reabsorb. Kind regards! Dr. De La Cruz.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kellii66,I instruct my patients not to sit for 2 solid weeks. We provide them a specialized pillow that our patients can sit on during that time. They can sleep on their stomachs or sides. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions. You are so early in your recovery that the swelling or “heaviness” that you are feeling is completely normal. Continuing to walk around every 3 hours will help with blood clots. If you can find a way to stay off the buttocks or keep pressure off you can elevate you feet to help with the swelling. Ask your surgeon what they would recommend. They would be able to give you the best options for you. Good luck!

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