BBL. How many days do I need off work after surgery?

Question

My work consist of driving 8 hrs a day. If I get a BBL, How many days do I need off free surgery before I can start again?

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

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.  So in your case, I would recommend about 10 days off of work because you can driving with the pillow under your thighs afterwards.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Only the plastic surgeon who performs your BBL can answer that question as he/she will know of any complications in wound healing.
The first 3 to 4 days tend to be the worst for most BBL patients.  Many of my patients feel well enough to return to work at 1 week, but some patients may need 2 weeks before returning to a SEDENTARY job. At six weeks, they can return to strenuous exercise.  During the first six weeks after a BBL, sitting is to minimized.  Because you have to drive (be sure to use your pillow) eight hours a day, it is critical that every 30 minutes or an hour you stop, get out of your vehicle, 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

Michael Zwicklbauer, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually cancel patients to wait 10 days to two weeks before sitting. Even at that point I counsel them to sit on the back of their thighs with a pillow so their buttocks is essentially suspended in air . If people question them I tell them to say that you broke your tailbone and can't sit on your butt. Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The problem is that sitting on your buttocks for great lengths of time during the early post-op period may cause loss of graft. You are best to  discuss this with your surgeon.

Amir Nasir, MD · Answer

Every surgeon has different recommendations. I would recommend following closely the advice of your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. For someone who does a lot of sitting, you have to be very careful. Pressure is the enemy of BBLs especially early in the healing process. Pressure from sitting can interrupt the blood supply to the fat graft resulting in fat necrosis.
There are devices out there than you can use that will allow you to distribute your weight more evenly.
I would say no prolonged sitting for at least 3 weeks. But you have to listen to your body and more importantly listen to your surgeon.
I hope this helps!

BBL. How many days do I need off work after surgery?

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Answer: BBL and driving

Answer: BBL and driving

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BBL. How many days do I need off work after surgery?

Answers (7)

Answer: BBL and driving

Answer: BBL and driving

Answer: Great question!

Answer: Great question!

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.