BBL: I'm at 4 weeks PO, can I use a pillow to sit now?

Question

Hi, I had a BBL 4 weeks ago. I'm not done with my recovery until 6 weeks. I returned to work after my 1st week PO and I have not used a chair at all to sit. I have been standing at my computer desk and now at 4 weeks I'm starting to feel tired and fatigued. My legs and shins hurt. At 4 weeks PO am I OK to start using a recovery pillow to sit at work and not ruin my fat graft? Thanks!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I allow my patients to sit with a BBL pillow right after surgery as long as no pressure is applied to the buttocks or hips.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

I would recommend that you discuss this question with your surgeon as every surgeon has their own respective post op protocol for his/her patients.  Your surgeon is your best resource as he/she is most familiar with your medical history and how you are healing at this time.

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 and restorative plastic surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

Ron Hazani, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend my patients to use a special BBL pillow 2 weeks after surgery for sitting for short increments. Consult with your surgeon since each surgeon has a slightly different protocol.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

No studies have documented the need to sit on a pillow after BBL will improve graft take. Remember that your body tells you to shift your weight subconsciously; before you would hurt your fat cells, you would develop soars on your skin. The first 72 to 96 hours while the fat cells have not revascularized, you may want to avoid sitting, but after that, the fat cells should be stable.

BBL: I'm at 4 weeks PO, can I use a pillow to sit now?

Answers (4)