This blog discusses top recovery tips unique to BBLs, including how to sit, sleep, and eat during the healing process.
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The Truth About BBL Recovery
Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) give patients more control over their cosmetic results than any other body contouring procedure before: in addition to increasing the size and shape of the buttocks, this “two-for-one” procedure also removes fat pockets in targeted areas of the patient’s choice.
Results from a BBL are fully custom to the needs of the patient; rather than simply augmenting the buttocks, your BBL surgeon can shape and contour the hips, abdomen, or thighs via liposuction to give you the hourglass shape you’ve always wanted.
Cosmetic surgery on the buttocks can make for an interesting recovery, but Dr. Daniel Urias has got you covered. Below, we’ll detail the most surprising BBL recovery facts.
BBL Recovery Fact 1: You Can’t Sit On Your Butt
A BBL uses fat grafting to take fat cells from one area of the body (the abdomen, hips, or thighs, usually) and reinjects them into the buttocks to create a more rounded, voluminous backside. The fat grafting process requires a meticulous technique from the surgeon and also the patient’s participation during recovery!
Newly transferred fat cells need time to connect to the blood supply in the buttocks, and putting pressure on the butt too early can affect this process. And yes, sitting on your butt puts pressure on it, so you’ll need to make some temporary adjustments—most BBL surgeons will require you to avoid sitting on your butt for at least 8 weeks.
Recovery Tips:
- Invest in a BBL pillow or a donut-shaped pillow used for post-partum women. The donut shape helps to displace pressure off your buttocks as you heal, and is a lifesaver when you start to feel up to normal activities.
- Use the pillow as directed by your surgeon. Most patients also use it when sitting for work, when going out to dinner, or while driving.
BBL Recovery Fact 2: You Can’t Sleep On Your Back
Similar to the above point, sleeping on your back can put too much pressure on your backside, affecting your beautiful BBL results. Your surgeon will require you to try sleeping on your stomach for as long as possible in order to protect those healing fat cells. Side sleeping is also a little iffy, as any transferred cells to the hips can be affected the same way.
Recovery Tips:
- Pillows are your friend. If stomach sleeping is not your thing, use strategically placed pillows or cushions to either keep your body from rolling in your sleep or to displace pressure away from your treatment areas.
- You can use pillows under your ribs or low back to lift your buttocks and hips up, so there is less direct pressure later on in your recovery.
- Sleep is KEY for BBL recovery, so plan ahead and practice sleeping positions or pillow configurations so that you’re ready once it’s time for surgery and recovery.
BBL Recovery Fact 3: You Have to Feed the Fat
A BBL can yield pretty amazing results, in some cases giving patients an hourglass figure overnight. And we get it, waking up with your dream body is really exciting, and you’ll want to protect that in any way you can. But dieting and exercise are strictly prohibited after a BBL!
In fact, you need to treat your body very carefully as you recover by feeding yourself lots of healthy, nutrient-dense foods, including healthy fats. Avocados, olive oil, salmon, nuts, leafy greens—these are all important for nourishing your body after it heals and for providing the transferred fat cells with essential nutrients. No dieting here–eat well, and eat frequently. Restricting your calories is not conducive to healing and will only starve your new fat cells, and you just paid for a fat booty!
Recovery Tips:
- Prepare for recovery by stocking up on fat-supporting foods, meal prepping, and planning ahead with friends or family.
- In the early stages of recovery, you might not have much of an appetite. Protein shakes can help fill in nutritional gaps as needed.
- Stay away from the gym. Your surgeon will tell you when you can work out again, so be sure to follow those instructions.
BBL Recovery Fact 4: You’ll Have Extra Fat—But It’s Temporary
Transferring fat is not an exact science. With each fat transfer procedure, there’s anywhere from 20 to 40% of transferred fat that is reabsorbed by the body during the healing process. This is why BBL recovery has some unorthodox rules; you’re trying to preserve as much of that fat as possible, but your body is going to do what it does.
To try and temper this process, BBL surgeons do a little overfilling to compensate for the loss of fat cells. This means your backside will look even bigger than you might be expecting, but it does shrink down.
Recovery Tips:
- Mentally prepare for your appearance early on. Your butt will be swollen and full of extra fat—but don’t panic. BBL results only improve with time, and you’ll start to see your final results about two weeks after your procedure.
- Follow your aftercare instructions as best you can, protect your body, and prioritize your health. The better you heal, the better your results.
Your Orange County BBL Expert: Learn More BBL Recovery Tips
If you’re ready for the body of your dreams, call Dr. Urias today at (714) 844-6334 or fill out the contact form to learn what BBL results he can create for you.