Can I lay on my stomach after having a BBL with a tummy tuck done at the same time?

Question

I want to lay on my stomach with pillows to not put pressure on the incision in order to preserve as much newly transferred fat on my butt as possible is this safe if done correctly?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At the time of a tummy tuck, the flap is elevated and the blood supply depends on coming down from above. If you put pressure on the tummy tuck from above you can cut off the blood supply and interfere with wound healing of the tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Fernanda.1,

It's understandable that you're looking for the best way to recover comfortably while preserving the results of both your Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and tummy tuck procedures. It's crucial to avoid putting pressure on both the newly transferred fat to your buttocks from the BBL and the incision from your tummy tuck to ensure optimal healing and results.

I advise against lying directly on your stomach after these procedures. Instead, I recommend my patients recover on their backs using a specially designed BBL pillow. This pillow has a cutout where your buttocks can rest comfortably without touching anything, thus avoiding pressure on the newly transferred fat. Additionally, this positioning helps protect the tummy tuck incision from undue pressure and stress that could compromise the healing process.

This recovery method is designed to ensure both comfort and the integrity of the surgical outcomes for both procedures. It's important to follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative care instructions closely, as proper care and positioning are crucial for your healing and to achieve the best possible results.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your recovery process, please do not hesitate to discuss them with your surgeon. They can provide you with personalized advice tailored to your specific procedures and health profile.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

We require post-op that you sleep on your back and elevated in the bed for 6 weeks as you recover from surgery. You would not want to sleep flat on your back, on your side, or on your stomach post-op from an abdominoplasty. If you also get fat transfer to the butt during that same procedure then you can use a boppy pillow or avocado pillow for sitting post-op to preserve the transferred fat.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Your question is commonly asked by patients considering both surgeries.  In my practice, I tell patients that they may not lay on their stomach or back after these combined surgeries.  Ideally, they would have to sleep on their left and right side.  Please discuss with your surgeon their postoperative protocols and restrictions.  Good luck!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This depends on your surgeon’s particular post-op instructions. However, generally speaking, patients are advised not to lie on their stomach after a tummy tuck.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. When I perform Tummy Tucks on patients, they are not allowed to lay on their stomach until 6 weeks after surgery. I do not perform BBL's at all in my practice; I would advise asking your surgeon what their protocols are.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I perform BBLs simultaneously with tummy tucks many times per month, and I can tell you avoiding sitting (or laying) on your buttocks is not an issue, especially with specially made pillows or even regular pillows positioned properly. As for safety, if your selected surgeon doesn't use high resolution ultrasound guidance in the operating room while injecting the fat, you are not 100% safe, even if the surgeon says they've done 'thousands' without it.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a question for your surgeon, and only for your surgeon.  It's best to assume nothing and follow your doctor's explicit recommendation(s) for positioning your body after these two procedures, one with tension closure on your front side and the other with fat grafted on your back side.

In my experience and with my operative techniques, laying sideways in the flexed position is what we advise as best.  Supine also OK with pillows beneath back and knees.  The fat does not die, and survives quite well contrary to anecdotal notions.  Laying prone on a fresh abdominoplasty is a position we strongly discourage.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would advise not laying on your fresh tummy tuck for 6-8 weeks to avoid having areas of skin necrosis from the pressure. I recommend not doing the two procedures together, or plan to sleep on your sides only. Initially, you may have to sleep on your back with the tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This question is best answered by your surgeon as she/he will have protocols for recovery.  Ideally to promote optimal healing you should not lay on your abdomen in the early stages of recovery from a tummy tuck.  Furthermore it may prove to be uncomfortable.