Recommended Pillow for Sitting After 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 a slightly different recovery protocol and you should always go over your surgeon's protocol.   
 PILLOWS:  Why is the post-operative Pillows and Sitting so important in recovery for a BBL?  
Because it is extremely important that one avoids sitting or lying which generates pressure onto their butt for prolonged periods of time during the early stages of healing when the transferred fat is trying to live.  The off-loading pillow allows you to sit and return to work or simply relax.   The sitting/pillow restrictions should be continued for 4 weeks following surgery; and the restrictions are gradually lengthened with each week (see timetable below).  But Why does it matter?  Because the transplanted fat cells must re-establish blood supply in order to live.  In the first four weeks after surgery, these fat cells are very fragile and susceptible to pressure which can cause cell death or cause the fat to disappear. Therefore, during the 4 week period we encourage patients to avoid sitting.  But (No Pun), if it is absolutely necessary you can sit for certain time intervals (see table below) and/or utilize an off-loading pillow.  What Type of Specific Pillow?  Any type of pillow works; no "one pillow" has been shown to be better than another.
How does an Off-Loading Pillow Work?
The pillow is folded and placed behind your knees and under your thighs.  This effectively puts all the pressure on your thighs and "off-loads" pressure on your butt.  This may potentially minimize the cell damage of the transferred fat.  As the potential for cell death is decreased, the potential for surgical results are optimized.  Again, a regular pillow will work; if you are looking for a specific off-loading pillow, examples are:  Booty Buddy®, BBL Pillow®, Booty Mate® etc.   

SITTING PROTOCOL:  I utilize a 4 week sitting protocol.  Again, the 1st week I like you to be off your butt as much as possible in the early stages of healing.  The protocol is: ◦ Week 1: Sitting for the bathroom ◦ Week 2: Sit as usual with the assistance of a pressure off-loading pillow. If you do not have a pillow then: 15-30 minutes at a time, then standing up to shift your weight. ◦ Week 3: Sit as usual with the assistance of a pressure off-loading pillow.  If you do not have a pillow then:  30-60 minutes at a time, then standing up to shift your weight. ◦ Week 4: Sit as usual with the assistance of a pressure off-loading pillow.   If you do not have a pillow then:  1-2 hours at a time, then standing up to shift your weight. ◦ Week 5:  No Sitting Restrictions.  Sit as usual.  Unless otherwise directed.

RETURN TO WORK:  Most of my patients are back to work in 1 week or less.  Again, I perform a number of these procedure on college students and professionals that sit for the majority of their day.  

ACTIVITY:  After 1 week you can Run/Jog or go to the gym.  Prior to 1 week, I want you walking around as much as possible.

RETURN TO GYM:  After 1 week you can go to the gym.  You can do any upper body work out and/or Run/Jog.  No lower body squats or any activity that requires you to place pressure on your Butt/Gluts (i.e. Leg Press, Back Row etc) until after 4 weeks from surgery. Best of Luck!  Please reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Matthew J. Nykiel, MD#TopREALSELFDoctor#CoreREALSELFDoctorButt Augmentation SpecialistLiposuction SpecialistBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

After a Brazilian butt lift, it’s often recommended to use a donut-shaped pillow or a BBL pillow. These pillows have a hole in the center, relieving pressure on the newly augmented area while providing support to the surrounding areas. Always consult with your surgeon for guidance based on your specific situation.

I recommend complete pressure offloading on the butt and hips for 3 weeks after a BBL. Although many patients have tried to find ways around not sitting directly on the butt, the problem is that these device put pressure on the lower back and upper thighs. When you put pressure on these areas, the skin in between them tighten like two people pulling a sheet in opposite directions. The taut skin causes pressure on the buttocks and causes a flatter appearance.