Can I drive after BBL ,18 days post surgery long time, taking breaks to walk? (photo)

Thanks for your question. After two weeks the pressure caused by sitting is not sufficient to affect viability of the fat cells. At 18 days it should be fine to go on a long drive. It would be good to take breaks in between, maybe every 1 hour. 

You should wait at least 2 weeks before sitting without a support cushion and sleeping on your back. Sitting with no support too soon can harm the newly moved fat cells.

Dear Madabml,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. Fat viability depends a lot of surgeon technique. The fat has to be placed back into the buttocks as soon as possible so that it has a greater chance of survival. It has to be placed carefully so that not too much fat is placed in only one area.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello Madabml,
I appreciate your questions! Plastic surgeons have different post-operative protocols, customized for every patient, to achieve the best results.  I typically suggest my patients to avoid traveling at least the first 8 weeks after Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. 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 resorption of the newly transplanted fat cells. In the case you can’t absolutely elude sitting, I’d recommend you either using your post-operative BBL surgery support cushion or sitting 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. Moreover, your plastic surgeon may prescribe you an anti-coagulant medication to prevent a deep venous thrombosis when you travel. Consult with your plastic surgeon about your specific needs and concerns. Good luck and may God bless you! Dr. De La Cruz.

Your should ask this question of the PS who performed your BBL as all PSs have different post-operative protocols based upon your health, the procedures performed, how you are recovering, and travel destination along with mode of transportation.Most plastic surgeons would recommend limiting your driving the first 6 to 8 weeks following the BBL. I recommend that my patients minimize sitting, even with a pillow, for the first two weeks. If they have to sit, 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. Driving is much worst than sitting as pushing on the accelerator or brake involves pushing back against the buttocks and lower back.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Yes, you should be perfectly fine, driving, 18 days after surgery. Make 10 min. breaks to walk, every two hours.If you have any concerns, I suggest you to follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

unfortunately no one can give you an accurate answer to your question. The best you will get is different doctors opinions and they were very tremendously. 18 days should be a fairly safe time point to put pressure on a fat graft. We generally ask patients to avoid pressure for two weeks or 21 days. Typically grafted fat that survives gets revascularized with in the first  seven days but it tissues and new blood vessels are very fragile for the first several weeks. Minimize excessive movement and pressure directly on the graph that area is by placing the pressure on the back of the fires and not the buttocks. Walking is fine but I would not encourage excessive amounts of walking especially early after the procedure.Please discuss with your plastic surgeon. Overall 18 days sounds reasonable but not ideal.  Best, Mats Hagstrom M.D.