How long after having a BBL can you sit without worrying about losing fat?

During the first six weeks after a BBL, sitting is to minimized.  If they have to sit, it is critical that every 30 minutes or an hour that patients get up and stand for a few seconds to take the pressure off.   This reduces the chance for fat necrosis.  After 6 weeks the fat has revascularized, and you have a very good idea of your final results.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

I have my BBL patients avoid sitting for 10 days after surgery except for using the toilet.  This means they are either laying on their belly or their sides or standing during this period of time.  After these initial 10 days I have them sit with modifications for another 4 weeks, meaning they use some type of pillow underneath their thighs to slightly offload the pressure from their buttocks.

Hello and thank you for your question,Meticulous postoperative care is essential to optimized the "take" of the fat. Especially important is avoiding any direct pressure on the buttocks for 2 weeks following the procedure. The buttocks feel a little firmer in the months following the procedure, but this resolves with massage and ultrasound treatment. In my opinion, the results are far superior to buttock auction with buttock implants. I recommend a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss the available treatment options. Best regards, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS 

Thank you for your question. After a BBL procedure, I have my patients avoid direct pressure on the area for at least 4 weeks following surgery. During the first week, no pressure is allowed so that tissue diffusion of nutrients and neovascularization is not compromised. For the rest of the month, sitting on specialized pillows that avoid direct pressure is fine. I find that there are rarely any significant changes in graft survival after the first 3-4 months.
Every surgeon has a different opinion on this matter, so it is best to discuss with your plastic surgeon for their recommendations. Good luck!

I allow my patients to sit for short periods of time at 2-3 weeks after surgery.  Other surgeons tell patients to wait a bit longer. You are best to ask your surgeon.

I ask my patients to avoid pressure to the areas of fat transfer for 10 days and no strenuous activity or working out for 4 weeks. 

Thank you for your question.I recommend to my patients that they do not sit on their bottoms for long periods of time for the first three weeks. The first week I do not recommend any sitting or pressure on the buttocks, days 8-14 the patient may sit up to 5 minutes two times per day.  Days 15-21 the patient may sit up to 9 minutes five times a day only then days 22 and beyond sitting is fine as long as the patient is comfortable. If you must sit prior to 3 weeks because of your job, I definitely do recommend purchasing a BBL pillow and getting up every 15-20 minutes to walk around until you are at least three weeks post op. I hope this helps.  Best of luck!Sincerely,
James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS