I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

Question

I am 8 days post-op. I realize getting both done at once is not often recommended. In any case, I am only getting a few hours of fitful sleep at night and it is affecting me greatly. I am contorting myself with pillows and hanging off the edges of things to avoid pressure on both areas. Side sleeping also puts pressure on grafted areas. Which is more important at this point, to put pressure on one of the areas and get some sleep, or continue to avoid pressure for one more week and sleep then?

Alexander Aslani, MD · Answer

There is no single right answer to the question .. Fat transfer to the buttocks is mostly done injecting the fat in fine tunnels into the gluteal muscle. Results of buttock fat transfer are usually very robust but for optimal results I still encourage my patients to sleep in a prone position for the first two weeks if at all possible.I think that it is impossible not to sleep for a week, but in case you have to make a decision I am tempted to think that the grafted buttock fat would likely be better able to withhold pressure.However, the final recommendation is really up to your surgeon.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I tell patients to do the best they can, to try and sleep on their side if possible.  A soft mattress may help or pillows under each of the treated areas.  It would be best to follow your surgeons instructions, as each person is very particular with their post operative instructions.  I wish you the best of luck, Dr. Emer.

Morgan E. Norris, III, MD, FACS · Answer

Getting adequate sleep is
important during the recovery process.  However, putting pressure on the buttocks or breasts after a fat
transfer could affect the amount of fat that becomes viable.  The purpose of avoiding extended pressure on
those areas is to give the transferred fat enough time to attach to the blood
supply and become permanent.  I recommend
contacting your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.  After a physical exam your plastic surgeon
should be able to offer an opinion about putting pressure on your buttocks
and/or breasts while sleeping.  It is also
possible that a light sleeping aid could be prescribed to help improve your
sleep but please be sure to discuss starting any new medications whether they
are prescribed or over the counter with your plastic surgeon or primary care
physician.Be well and good luck!@norrisplastic

Maan Kattash, MD, FRCS, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

I instruct my patients to sleep on a soft comfortable mattress after their surgery. I find it difficult to tell the patient to sleep otherwise, on their side or on their tummy. Surgeons vary in terms of their after care protocols following BBL. Best is to consult with your surgeon.

I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

Answers (4)

Answer: I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

Answer: I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

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I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

Answers (4)

Answer: I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

Answer: I can't sleep after fat transfer to buttocks & breasts. Is it more important to not put pressure on grafted areas or get sleep?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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