Should you not sit after BBL, should you get massages and use compression garments?

Question

How do you know what to do when every surgeon says something different?

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions. In a Brazilian butt lift, fat is transferred from various parts of the body to the buttocks to re-shape and augment the buttocks. After the procedure, it is crucial to minimize or avoid sitting for prolonged periods. The reason is that the fat has not integrated to your tissues so the buttocks may flatten or loose projection. Further, sitting causes trauma to the newly placed fat so the process of blood vessel ingrowth, which is necessary for fat survival, may be disrupted. So I recommend that my patients minimize sitting for one month. If you have a sitting job, I recommend using a BBL pillow to minimize the trauma from sitting. After one month, I allow my patients to sit regularly although many continue to avoid it for several weeks.  Regarding massages, you should have them as soon as possible. The massages help in draining excess liquid as well as avoiding post-liposuction imperfections. You should do about 2 massages per week for about 4-5 weeks. As for compression garments, they really help the outcome of the surgery. The intention of the garment is to compress areas of lipo and hold up the buttock area where fat is injected. I think it's very important that the garment is used everyday and only removed for showering purposes for up to 8 weeks. Some surgeons don't believe in them, but my patients have been very satisfied with how the garments helps the outcome. Hope this helps. Make sure the surgeon you choose has extensive experience in with BBLs and clean credentials. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After your procedure with your certified plastic surgeon, you need to follow his recommendations only because he was the one that was there during your procedure. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. You should choose your surgeon carefully and follow his/her instructions. Garment, pillow and lymphatic massages are very useful post-operatively. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This is a question for the plastic surgeon who performs your BBL as plastic surgeon preferences for types of compression garments and length of wear vary. I recommend that my patients wear an adjustable abdominal compression garment for six weeks. This compression garment does not cover the buttocks or the hips.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. I advocate for sitting using a BBL pillow, getting massages and using compression garments. Whichever surgeon you choose, stick to their guidance for optimal results.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Hepburnn,
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

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

The general standards are: NO sitting unless using a BBL pillow for a minimum of 3 weeks to 12 weeks, lymphatic massages are highly recommended-at least 6, I have NEVER seen a lipo 360/BBL without compression garments.....Are you using a clinic or private practice boarded PS? Sounds like it is the latter. Better be extremely careful....

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It’s pretty simple. Each patient follows their doctors instructions.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Realself wants us to write 100 letters

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, and thanks for your question. There is no clear-cut evidence on the use of massages post-procedure. We do not recommend or discourage patients from getting massages. However, compression garments are absolutely necessary post-procedure-for at least about 4-6 weeks afterwards.

Please see a board-certified physician for your consultation. Best of luck to you!

Sincerely, James Fernau, MD 
FACS Aesthetic Surgery Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery Member: American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) American Academy of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) The Rhinoplasty Society

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Wow! You picked controversial topics...Every plastic surgeon has developed his / her own protocol for postoperative care based upon training and a lifetime of experience. There is significant variation!Some plastic surgeons recommend sitting restrictions after BBL for 2 weeks, some 4, and some for 3 months. In our practice we advise against sitting for 2 weeks and then sitting with "butt pillow" while leaning forward (to minimize pressure upon the buttocks) for an additional 2 weeks.The compression garment is utilized after BBL to prevent bleeding and to control postoperative swelling. Some plastic surgeons advocate use for a period of one month, some for 3 months, and some do not advocate for compression garments at all. In our practice, we use graded compression in the postoperative period for a period of 4-6 weeks or longer if needed.Lymphatic drainage / massage is utilized to control and to accelerate resolution of postoperative swelling. Some plastic surgeons employ it routinely, some only if swelling appears excessive, some do not employ it at all. In our practice, we routinely use massage as we have found faster resolution of swelling and discomfort.I don't think you will ever find consensus.Go with the board certified plastic surgeon with whom you feel the most comfortable and follow his / her instructions to a "T". Best wishes...

Should you not sit after BBL, should you get massages and use compression garments?

Answers (10)

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