Butt implant aftercare advice?

Keep in mind that every patient is a unique  human being and therefore has their own unique experience.  That being said, here is the most typical recovery process: The first 2 weeks after surgery is the most challenging with swelling, tightness, and discomfort. Several different types of pain and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed. Icing around the clock is also extremely helpful. Also sitting is prohibited for these 2 weeks, except for 10-15 minutes for eating or using the restroom. Patients that fly in from long distances away may fly back home after only 5 days by following a strict sitting/pressure release routine prescribed. Although the majority of patients are most comfortable laying on their tummy for the first two weeks, it is possible to place yourself into a fairly comfortable position on your backside with your knees and ankles elevated up on 2 to 3 pillows thus transferring some of your weight from the buttock up to the mid-back region. Sleeping on the side is prohibited for 3 weeks (buttock/hip implants only). Patients may return to work after 2 - 3 weeks as sitting and basic daily activities become easier.  For those whom work from home, return to work resumes much sooner if they can work standing, kneeling, and/or lying down reclined in the “dentist chair” position. After 2 weeks patients may sit for up to 20-30 minutes at a time then stand up or take a short walk for at least 15 - 30 seconds before sitting back down, 3 weeks for up to an hour, and at 4 weeks unlimited.  At 4 weeks patients can resume upper body exercises while standing only and gentle sexual activity.  By 6 weeks, all restrictions are lifted as life nears normal again, all exercise (including squats and lunges) and sports may be resumed again but at low intensity, gradually building week by week to full strength by about another 6 weeks later. Like breast implants, around 6+ months postop the implants have fully dropped into place and achieved full projection. Also at this time, the body has adapted to the implant and no longer recognizes it as foreign but rather as “self”.

The answer to most of your questions is one month.  However, it important to remember that every patient recovery is different.  It may take you more or less time to recover than others.  Be sure to listen to your body and to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in this procedure and has a low complication rate.  

You should ask your PS as he or she is ultimately responsible for your care after surgery.   Most PSs will recommend that pressure not be placed on the buttocks for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Standing every 30 minutes or so is helpful as is sitting forward with pillows underneath the thighs.  In an uncomplicated recovery, easing back into strenuous exercise at 6 weeks would not be unreasonable.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA