BBL recovery. How long before you can lay on your back and or side after surgery? Do I have to sleep on my stomach?

Dear 8675309sly,I instruct my patients not to sit for 2 solid weeks. We provide them a specialized pillow that our patients can sit on during that time. They can sleep on their stomachs or sides. But every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You need to avoid putting pressure directly on your buttocks for at least 2 weeks, so sleeping on your sides and front is best.

Hello 8675309sly,

It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Putting pressure on your buttocks by sitting down or laying on it, especially for long periods of time, can stiffen, deform and even cause the transplanted fat cells to reabsorb. In the case you can’t absolutely elude sitting, I recommend you doing it in a modified position, placing a bolster or rolled-up towel under the back of the thighs while sitting down, as to avoid significant pressure. There is also a variety of post Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery support cushions available on the market. Moreover, I suggest my patients stomach sleeping, having different pillows at hand and changing their neck’s position from time to time, to feel more comfortable in bed. Side sleeping can also be an option after BBL, but only if you feel certain you won’t end up on your back. Most of your weight will be on the front of one of your hips. Your legs will be sprawled out, and you can place a pillow in between them to make it more comfortable. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.

The recovery is usually not as bad as patients think.
During the recovery period, we typically ask the patient to take a minimum of one week off, but if possible, two weeks would be better. The reason for that is because we prefer the patient to not sit directly on the buttocks for the first two weeks. In my practice, I provide every one of my BBL patients a comfort pillow that offloads any pressure from the buttocks, as well as a surgical garment. Offloading pressure from the buttocks is recommended for two weeks, and each patient will be in a compressive garment for a full month. This special garment is used following liposuction, because compression is important to help with swelling and pain, and to improve overall comfort. It is also really effective in helping to maintain the shape that was achieved during the procedure.
In terms of the recovery, the first couple of days your entire body will be very sore, similar to how you would feel if you had done a very heavy gym workout. Usually during days three, four, or five you will begin to feel better, and after about one week you will feel a lot like yourself. You could expect to have swelling and bruising for the first several weeks, but most of that subsides after about a month. By three months you can expect to have a good idea of your final result but it is usually after six months when you will see it, as well as the amount of fat that you will end up keeping.
I hope that answers your question on recovery. It's great you're doing your research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients.
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!