I had a BBL. I am 10 weeks post-op and areas on my butt are still hard. Is this normal?

Question

I had to get drains done because they said the area formed fluid.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Brazilian Butt Lift recovery time is dependent on how the patient’s body reacts to the procedure. Patients usually return to work after a week but you should not sit without the use of cushions for at least two weeks and you must wear a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure. You should wait until at least 2 weeks after the procedure to engage in sexual activity. Swelling and discomfort normally fades at six weeks. After about a month you will be mostly healed and you can get a nice idea of the permanent results after around six months.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
You are still early on the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient. At the stage you are in, inflammation and lumps are still normal.
I suggest my patients to try the lymphatic massages and to use a full body compression garment, 24/7 for the first 3 months, and after that, for 12 hours a day for 3 more months, to get the best results.
If you have any concerns, I suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

Seroma formation is pretty common with a BBL because of aggressive liposuction to the waistline/lower back. Some PS place drains and others ask you not remove your tight compression garment. As long as the fluid resolved this is not important. Global hardness to the buttocks after a BBL is common and normal especially if a large volume was injected. Over 3-6 months after the surgery as you lose ~30-50% of the fat volume that was injected things start to soften out. This usually happens by 3 months. If you have multiple smaller lumps this may be fat necrosis. See your PS as it is pretty easy to tell on exam.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have lumps several months post BBL procedures.  They are usually fat necrosis (dead fat) that needs to be absorbed by the body.  You may leave them alone, massage them or even have your surgeon inject them with a mild steroid to aid in their resolution.  The drains you mentioned would be for seroma formation (fluid pockets which need to be drained).Dr T

Jorge Jiménez Toribio, MD · Answer

Hi dear, thank you for your question..
It takes time for the tissue to settle and stop swelling, these issues will be present until the area is completely healed and it usually takes up 6 to 8 months. However It is hard to give you a proper assessment without first seeing you in person so I'd recommend consulting your PS and expressing your concerns.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Dr. Jiménez Toribio 
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

I had a BBL. I am 10 weeks post-op and areas on my butt are still hard. Is this normal?

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