*BBL* 5 Years Post Op Update

I'm 5"4, about 118 and athletic. In college, I was leaner and fitter and weighed a few pounds less. But I have felt SO down since from the atrophy of my athletic figure, and the softening of my belly, thighs and arms.

Naturally, I am not built to be thin, but curvy. My bra size is a 31 DDD! But my butt is so small and flat that sitting for long periods of time, or on a hard surface at all, I get VERY uncomfortable and in pain even. My waist at its smallest was about 24 inches and that's with a lot of abdominal muscle build up. However, my thighs have always touched! I've always been so embarrassed that no matter how fit I get or how well I eat, my thighs always rub together, I always have a 'smoosh' out the sides of my sports bra and my arms carry some extra flap, detracting from the muscle I work so hard to earn! Of course my mom and my friends say, "you don't have any fat!" but I know my body and I know friends and moms aren't going to nit pick at your love handles unless you're several pounds overweight.

My body image has always been a major challenge for me. No matter my weight or size, I've always felt extremely uncomfortable in a bathing suit. I just have never had the look that makes me feel confident showing so much skin. I am extremely analytical and am able to honestly look at myself and say, "ok, I DO have touching thighs that would look better if they were a bit apart." So, instead of whining and complaining to people (or myself anymore), I decided to do something about it.

For the past two years, I have been researching smart lipo and then eventually the Brazilian Butt lift. I have never really been obsessed with being SKINNY. This is a word I do NOT care for because it implies a lack of muscle and lack of health in general. I have always just wanted to have my curves distributed in the right area aka my ASS, NOT my thighs, love handles, stomach arms and bra roll!

Hello! I am 8 days post operation Brazilian Butt Lift!

I have a few things I'd like to share for people who are planning on having this procedure.

1. My doctor, Thomas Pane, at Strax Rejuvenation is AMAZING! I am thrilled with my experience with him and encourage anyone interested in a Butt or Breast surgery to check him out in Sunrise, FL.

2. I know most candidates for this procedure are a bit bigger than me, but I encourage women who are petite, athletic and against the 'skinny' look of lack of curves to consider this procedure.

3. BBL is great for people who have BDD (body dismorphic disorder) like me. This means you have at least some difficulty seeing your body realistically and/or are fixated on less - than - perfect aspects of your body. Have your proportions set (in this case having a fat transfer) really helps take away the anxiety and fixation of how clothes fit. It is a way to boost your confidence without dramatically changing how you look or obsessing about numbers on a scale. It's amazing what 'proportionalizing' can do!

4. This procedure is a SURGERY and that means lots of healing! I have been so impatient! Checking my lipo areas every hour to see if the swelling has gone down and bruising is gone! Also, I get so excited about my beautiful curviture, I am almost afraid its going to disappear on me, I keep checking my behind in the mirror. No more flatty-ass with wide thighs! I finally have a great look to my behind, but I know my curvaciousness will not be complete for several weeks when swelling is gone.

5. Bathroom use. Yes, I have been peeing standing up, I almost feel like a man, but it is necessary to stay off the tush. For the first couple days, I peed almost every hour. Now I'm down to about every three. Also, I wasn't aware that I would become so constipated this past week. I didn't do number 2 for 5 whole days! YIKES! I recommend Ex - Lax laxative if you've gone that long. Believe me it works and is a huge relief.
Also, what helped me get my bowels, um, 'going' was a large exercise ball. I got on my knees and gently pushed my pelvis in the ball, moving a bit and putting various amounts of pressure on it. It feels like a massage and wakes up your body to go to the bathroom!

6. Sleeping on the stomach really is MISERABLE. The first two nights I set down a plastic sheet to catch any drippyness from my incisions. Also, I have been posted up on the couch because I'm afraid I will roll over onto my back if I stay in the big bed. I have tried many pillow combos, but here's the best one thus far: Two softy, moldable pillows, similar to goose down. lay them long ways, one under the other. Crawl onto the couch on your knees and position yourself over the pillows so your chest is on the end of the top on. Wad up a small blanket and make the side of your head comfortable. When you wake up (and you will, frequently) turn your head to the other side and adust the blanket. Way more comfy on your neck than a pillow, trust me.
As for laying on your side, it may be quite painful as it was for me from the brusing from lipo. Make sure there's a pillow or blanket between your knees and make sure you have a blanket or pillow to hug to keep your chest open and arms from being uncomfortable.

7. Don't do much activity this first week! I was stupid and walked to the grocery store on day 5. BAD IDEA. I was sick it made me hurt so much. Even in my compression garment, I was swollen even from limited, slow walking.

8. When you can stand it, give your lipo areas a gentle massage with the palm of your hand and fingertips to prevent those hard spots. It actually softened my up pretty quick.

9. Eat small meals throughout the day, but do NO lay on your stomach for about 20 minutes after eating. You will feel SICK. Oatmeal is great, chicken chili starter from Williams-Sonoma (had white beans), oranges and blueberries, peanutbutter and banana sandwich, a small salad with protein after a few days, other foods with fiber. I'm a major dessert lover and a couple days ago I have Rice Krispy Treat Squares and they did NOT do well bc of lack of fiber and sugar. Try to keep the desserts down.

10. Your face and your vajayjay may get swollen. I had no idea this would happen, so I'm telling you now.

11. Please reference my photos for what your bruising, swelling and incisions might look like.

Here are my before and afters thus far. I know a lot of women on here are a different body type and looking for that 'whah bam' booty and I think you women look really great! However, I am petite and did want a more subtle result that fit my frame. I had a lot of trouble finding women who were comparable to me and my body type, so I hope that my examples can help someone out there who wants something similar.