How long can I be in the car after a Brazilian butt lift?

Hello and Great Question.  I appreciate the time you are spending researching this procedure.  My name is Dr. Matthew J. Nykiel.  I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, a Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon, and a Butt Augmentation Specialist
Each surgeon has his/her own protocol, however, I do recommend my out of town patients to stay in town for a minimum of 4 - 5 days before driving (in your case laying down in the back on your stomach) home. This gives us the opportunity to stay in town for your post-op appt and to be sure that everything is healing properly.  I recommend that you have an in person or virtual consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in this procedure.
I hope that helps!  Best of Luck!
Matthew J. Nykiel, MD
#CoreAesthetic
Butt Augmentation Specialist
Liposuction Specialist
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question. It is highly recommended to not travel right after the surgery as your surgeon will need to follow up and check your recovery. Best is to stay in the area for the recommended days of recovery. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question its recommended if you stay in the car with bobby pillow to help this area and , try to stay like 3-4 hours in the car.

You should wait at least 2 weeks before sitting without a support cushion and sleeping on your back. Sitting with no support too soon can harm the newly moved fat cells.

Post operative activity protocols will vary from surgeon to surgeon and procedure to procedure. In my practice patients are encouraged to avoid exercise for approximately 4 weeks and strenuous activity for 6 weeks. With regards to the BBL in particular direct pressure should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Patients should work their way towards 1 hour of unrelieved sitting by 1 month.
With regards to your specific question, closer to home is always the best option (for more reasons than the ride home). Ultimately, an extended car trip is not contraindicated but you must avoid prolonged and unrelieved pressure to the operative site. Stopping to ambulate every few hours is recommended regardless of surgery in light of the risks of clotting events.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)

Hello annon3452,
Thanks for your questions! Plastic surgeons have different post-operative protocols, customized for every patient, to achieve the best results.  I typically suggest my patients to avoid traveling at least the first 8 weeks after Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. Putting pressure on your buttocks by sitting down or laying on it, especially for long periods of time, can stiffen, deform and even cause the resorption of the newly transplanted fat cells. In the case you can’t absolutely elude traveling, I’d recommend you either using your post-operative BBL surgery support cushion or sitting in a modified position, placing a bolster or rolled-up towel under the back of the thighs while sitting down, as to avoid significant pressure. Moreover, your plastic surgeon may prescribe you an anti-coagulant medication to prevent a deep venous thrombosis when you travel. Consult with your plastic surgeon about your specific needs and concerns. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

There are no hard and fast rules on when to travel by car after this procedure.  Recommend that you ask for your surgeon's opinion regarding riding in a car 5.5 hours within a couple of days following BBL surgery. He/she will know of any complications during or following the surgery. The main risk is related to development of a blood clot in the legs that can then migrate to the lungs. Sitting for long periods of time puts you at higher risk due to being stationary.  Pressure on the fat, etc. are also possibilities.  My LVN helps all my patients matriculate from the recovery room to their mode of transportation to ensure that they are comfortable and safe.  He reclines the seat at a 45 degree angle and places a folded pillow under their thighs.I recommend that my BBL patients remain in LA for at least a week or in a near-by location for follow-up and recuperation.  Our office offers the services of a LPN to stay with out of town patients who are not accompanied by a family member or friend who can be with them during the first few days of recovery.   
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Dear annon3452,I instruct my patients not to sit for 2 solid weeks. We provide them a specialized pillow that our patients can sit on during that time. They can sleep on their stomachs or sides. Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I do not recommend sitting for the first two weeks after surgery. A special BBL pillow can be used afterwards for short durations. Consult your surgeon regarding post op instructions since each surgeon has a slightly different protocol, but I would recommend staying at least a few days after surgery for follow up appointments after surgery. Seek a board certified plastic surgeon who performs many of these procedures, has great reviews and photos, and is an expert in this field. 

Hi and welcome to our forum!The first night after BBL may be totally benign...or may be associated with pain, nausea and vomiting. I don't recommend a 5 hour drive in the prone position in the back seat. An overnight stay in a local hotel allows for a one day postoperative visit where the dressings can be changed and the areas examined.  You will then be far more comfortable to make the 5 hour trek home.Best wishes...