Will I still lose fat after 6 weeks post op Brazilian butt lift? (Photo)

Question

I had fat transfer to buttocks 5 weeks ago. Unfortunately , my skin was tight so my doctor could only manage to put about 500cc to each cheek. I was a little disappointed but I know it could've been worse! However, I have already lost some volume and can't afford to lose much more because then I will be almost back to where I started with! :( My question is, how much more fat can I expect to lose after 6 weeks?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photos. I tell my patients to expect about a 50% survival after fat transfer  anD that is if they do everything to optimize survival. ( not laying or sitting directly on fat injected areas of buttock for approximately 3 weeks) Fat is very fragile and tends to die easily. it also depends on the quality of the fat, age of  the patient , skin elasticity at graft site; to name a few. At about  3 months your fat survival  should be close to what you will maintain. Best regards

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Following surgery, it is actually fairly difficult to know how much of a reduction people will get in buttock volume.  A portion of what is lost is the fat from grafting, and a portion of what is "lost" is swelling that was created at the time of surgery.  At 5 weeks, the fat that has taken has likely taken, and the reduction you may continue to see is some of the residual swelling that is still going away.  How much more swelling?  Hard to say.  An examination is usually helpful (the swollen tissue feels more firm).I typically take my postoperative photos at 3 months, as the vast majority of swelling has gone at that point.  5 weeks is still a bit early.Best of luck!

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Fat survival is best gaged over a year.  At six week you probably have not lost very much and should even have some residual swelling.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
You are still early in the healing process, it can take up to six months to see your final results, so please be patient​. After a BBL, only about 70% of the transferred fat cells will survive, so you can expect a reduction in your buttocks. If you have any concerns, I suggest you follow up close with your plastic surgeon.
Good luck :)

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

Generally, It takes 2-3 months to start appreciating a difference. Therefore, you are still early in the process of healing. Besides, without the " Before" pictures, it may be hard to give you an opinion.Meanwhile, for now, I recommend that you share your concerns with your surgeon and adhere to your follow up appointments.

Will I still lose fat after 6 weeks post op Brazilian butt lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)