A BBL can give you the perfect hourglass figure; you just have to get through recovery. This blog provides helpful tips specifically for BBL recovery so patients can get the most out of the process and see ideal results.
Everything You Need to Know About BBL Recovery
BBLs are popular for a reason; Not only do they provide lifting and volumizing of the buttocks, but patients also get custom body contouring via liposuction. They’re also versatile: experienced plastic surgeons like those at 4Beauty by Mendieta use multiple approaches that best suit their patients for results that look amazing. For thinner patients or those who want a subtle result, for example, a skinny BBL is the way to go.
In any case, BBL recovery can pose a few challenges for those who are unprepared. That’s why we’ve put together this list of top tips for a successful BBL recovery period, so you can get the most out of your recovery and start enjoying your results faster.
BBL Recovery Tips
1. Settle in for at least four days
Your initial recovery period will likely last about four days, during which you’ll have reduced energy levels, your discomfort will peak, and you will have limited mobility. During this downtime, you’ll need to rest as much as possible, and while it’s important to start gradually walking around your house or neighborhood, prepare to tire easily and take frequent breaks.
This is all normal; your body just went through trauma with surgery, and now it’s concerned with healing. That’s why you get tired very quickly. Just listen to your body and plan to rest for that first stretch of time.
2. Hygiene is important–but challenging
As we’ve learned with recent stories of the “BBL smell,” the nature of this procedure can make hygiene a little more complicated. For one, some patients are suddenly having to adjust to a much larger behind than they’re used to. Remember: your surgeon is likely to “overfill” the buttocks to account for fat cell loss, so your initial result is likely larger than the final look. This can make certain practices—like adequately wiping after using the restroom—a little more challenging. This, paired with normal recovery issues like fatigue and soreness can result in a downtick in hygiene.
You can prepare for these common issues by purchasing some gentle wipes or even a bidet to help keep yourself clean as you recover.
3. You can’t sit directly on your butt
So you may be asking yourself, “Where else should I sit?” Well, it’s best if you can avoid sitting on your buttocks as much as possible for at least six weeks after your BBL. The reason is that you have to protect the newly transferred fat cells as they reattach to a blood supply. Putting pressure on your buttocks can cause the new fat cells to die and be reabsorbed by the body, adversely affecting your results.
It is slightly unrealistic not to sit on your butt for six full weeks, but you can reallocate pressure by sitting on a special BBL pillow or carefully arranged cushions. It’s also important to sleep on your side or stomach for the same reason.
4. Compression garments are key
This is a two-in-one procedure; you’re getting liposuction first, which slims one area, and then augmenting your buttocks. A compression garment is important for a few reasons: it’s tight enough that it helps reduce swelling as you heal, it keeps your skin close so it can more effectively contract after liposuction, and it helps your buttocks keep their new shape.
Since you’ll need to wear it day and night for a few weeks to achieve the best results, we recommend purchasing a backup so you can always have one while the other is being washed.
5. Your results will change
As we mentioned earlier, there is always some percentage of fat that is reabsorbed by the body. While this is normal, there’s unfortunately no real way to know for sure how much will be reabsorbed and how much will last. That’s why surgeons “overfill” with a little more than the desired size to account for this loss.
Lastly, while fat cell transfer is a permanent solution, the cells can still fluctuate in size. So, if you lose or gain weight, there’s a chance that the size of your buttocks will also fluctuate. For this reason, we recommend that you have a good idea of the size you want and are prepared to maintain your weight to keep it there.
Want to Learn More About BBLs in Miami, FL?
4Beauty by Mendieta is the elite plastic surgery practice in Miami, Florida, led by the legendary BBL master, Dr. Constantino Mendieta. If you’re considering a BBL to contour your figure, call 4Beauty by Mendieta today at (305) 860-0717 or fill out the contact form to schedule a consultation with one of our BBL experts.