Recovery after a BBL, standing, walking, laying. I’m 4 days post op

Question

Should I be careful with how I am standing or laying after my BBL? I’m 4 days post op and sometimes it feels good to stand but lay my body/stomach on my bed bent over. I get so stiff when laying on my stomach and I do try to walk every few hours. I’ve had to bend a little to pick something up and I felt strain on my butt when laying over my bed so I stopped. Will this have any effect on how much fat will survive? How much walking is too much also?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello hippiecurves,
  
Congratulations on your recent Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery! Every patient is unique and will have different recovery processes and deadlines. The swelling, soreness and bruising during the first 3-7 days is significant, and most patients will have difficulties laying, sitting and moving around in general. However, your surgeon will give you pain medication to handle any pain that might be involved and help you feel much more comfortable. After the first 3-7 days, you will notice that the swelling, soreness, and pain will begin to fade away. You will see significant improvement in the way your body feels and looks in the following 2 weeks. Be patient during these 2 weeks and you will then begin to see the final results of your BBL procedure. Some light walking might be advised starting the first night after surgery to prevent blood clots in your legs. However, consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon about it, as each case is different. Bear in mind that putting pressure on your butt 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. Patients must avoid sitting or sleeping on their backs at least the first 8 weeks or else the desired outcome will be negatively affected. In the case you can’t absolutely elude sitting down, I recommend you doing it in a modified position, placing a bolster or rolled-up towel under the back of the thighs, as to avoid significant pressure. There is also a variety of post-BBL surgery support cushions available on the market. Furthermore, I suggest my patients stomach sleeping, having different pillows at hand and changing their neck’s position from time to time, to feel more comfortable in bed. Side sleeping can be an option after BBL as well, but only if you feel certain you won’t end up on your back. Most of your weight will be on the front of one of your hips. Your legs will be sprawled out, and you can place a pillow in between them to make it more comfortable. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Brazilian Butt Lift recovery time is dependent on how the patient’s body reacts to the procedure. Patients usually return to work after a week but you should not sit without the use of cushions for at least two weeks and you must wear a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure. You should wait until at least 2 weeks after the procedure to engage in sexual activity. Swelling and discomfort normally fades at six weeks. After about a month you will be mostly healed and you can get a nice idea of the permanent results after around six months.

Robert Najera, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I advise to lay on your stomach after a BBL. The key is to avoid anything that stresses your butt and hence can kill the newly grafted fat cells. For walking, make sure you start taking light walks as soon as possible after your BBL. It would prevent blood clots. Standing is also fine as long as it doesn't stress your butt. This should be followed for a few weeks post op.

Recovery after a BBL, standing, walking, laying. I’m 4 days post op

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Recovery after a BBL, standing, walking, laying. I’m 4 days post op

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Everything you need to know about Brazilian Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.