When do incisions typically close after just a BBL procedure? I was told 1 week. Is that true?

It is just a matter of semantics: we “close” them at the end of the procedure. The wound healing process takes days, weeks and months, or even more. The wound is basically sealed after 48 hours, strong enough to have the stitches removed in 7 days, and practically “healed “ in three weeks. The rest of the time is for the process of maturity.
Best Regards

Incisions should close within a couple days but leakage of some fluid for longer may be totally normal. If you are concerned, your surgeon would be happy to evaluate you virtually or even in person to put your fears at ease. If you are leaking pus or foul smelling material, that would be a sign of infection that should be treated promptly.

There are benefits to either method (closing, leaving open), and I would recommend that you decide the surgeon based upon experience and results. No drainage after liposuction is unusual, but the amount of drainage can vary quite a bit depending upon the number of areas liposuctioned, the volume infiltrated, the amount of lipoaspirate, and the use of sutures for closure of liposuction ports. The fluid, if not present as a collection, should be absorbed. I personally do not use drains for liposuction, but every surgeon has different protocols. I make very few incisions which I close, and I place the incisions in discrete locations to minimize the appearance. Usually, after a few days, the incisions close on their own.

Dear Katrinalovev,
it will depend on the size of wound and type of closure. Generally speaking, one week is not enough for an incision to fully heal. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi Katrinalovev

Recovery from fat transfer surgery will depend partially depend on whether your procedure will require any skin excision. Patients who have only a fat transfer can expect:

- All patients will be required to wear a compressive garment for 4 weeks
- Pain is tolerable, but you might benefit from taking the prescribed narcotic pain medication for 3-5 days
- Final results should not be expected for at least 3-6 months
- Intercourse should be avoided for 4-6 weeks
- Sutures if any are removed in 10 to 14 days
- Strenuous exercise should also be avoided for 2 to 4 weeks to help in the recovery process.
- Most patients will take 3 to 7 days off of work. For more information about this procedure, please visit our website.

The liposuction access sites can be left open after a BBL or they can be sutured closed. Both are typical and routine. If they are left open, they can close within days or take weeks. This varies depending on who much fluid leaks out (if any at all) and for how long.

Some surgeons will put in sutures and close the incision immediately at the end of the case.

I typically leave the incisions open. The incisions used for Liposuction Afton stay open a little longer than those used for fat transfer.

Incisions can scab over anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Occasionally One will persist and take a little longer.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD