How long do I have to wait to sit on my butt after an awake BBL?

Dear Ladyletty1,
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.
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question! For my patients having a BBL, I recommend they stay completely off of their butt for the first 10 days post op, then they can start sitting using the BBL pillow for the following 3 weeks. At 6 weeks post op, there are no sitting restrictions. I recommend discussing specific post op instructions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Great question!  Every surgery will have a different protocol.  However, I allow patients to sit with a BBL pillow for the first 4 weeks - this keeps the pressure off the butt and on the thighs.  At 4 weeks, patients can sit normally, but if longer than an hour or more, they need to use the pillow.  At 6-8 weeks, I allow patients to sit as long as they want.  However, I would always follow your surgeon's recommendation.Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Every surgeon has a different recovery protocol so it is best to talk
with your plastic surgeon about what he/she recommends for you. With
that said, short answer is 8 weeks. I advise my patients not to sit on
their rear ends at all for the first week, this includes driving. After
then they may sit for short periods of time with a pillow under your
legs above the knee for 8 weeks, it doesn't have to be a special BBL
pillow if you don't want to draw attention to it. I would not recommend
sitting normally without a pillow or sleeping on your back/butt for 8
weeks. 
Kamran Azad, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon@kamranazadmd

Best to ask your plastic surgeon for his/her recommendation.  I recommend that my patients minimize sitting, even with a pillow (boppy or BBL), for the first two weeks.  If they must sit, every 30 minutes or an hour, they should get up and stand for a few seconds to take the pressure off.   This reduces the chance for fat necrosis. I usually recommend about 6 weeks before sitting without a pillow. After 6 weeks the fat has revascularized, and they will have a very good idea of their final results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA