by Peter Houtz | Brazilian Butt Lift
BBLs are transformative procedures, but you have to follow recovery guidelines to yield an ideal result. This blog discusses when patients can sleep on their backs after a BBL, how to sleep effectively during this process, and why this rule about sleeping positions exists.
5 Min Read:
BBL Recovery Facts
A Brazilian Butt Lift creates the ultimate hourglass figure, with liposuction slimming target areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, while fat is transferred to the buttocks for a rounded result. Because this procedure involves transferring autologous fat (the patient’s own fat), the recovery process must be undergone with care, and it’s crucial that you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
In order to ensure that the fat transferred to the buttocks survives, BBL patients are given certain rules, such as avoiding sitting directly on the buttocks and sleeping on their backs. While this can be a challenge, it’s important to follow these rules. After about six to eight weeks, you can sleep normally again.
Why Can’t I Sleep On My Back After a BBL?
The fat transfer process moves viable fat cells from one area of the body to another. If successful, the transferred fat cells will remain permanently in the new location; they do not reabsorb into the body or relocate. The only factor that affects healthy fat cells (naturally) is weight loss or gain, which causes them to shrink or grow, respectively.
However, all of this depends on the cells’ ability to attach to a healthy blood supply, which is why your BBL surgeon must reinject the fat in even layers—it’s not as simple as it sounds. The entire BBL procedure and recovery are delicate processes, as the survival of fat cells is essential to achieving a desirable result. It’s not like silicone, which essentially just sits within the body.
Avoid Putting Pressure on the Buttocks
You’ll need to do everything you can to avoid putting pressure on your newly injected fat cells and healing buttocks. This means no sitting on your butt, and of course, no sleeping on your back. So what’s so bad about putting pressure on freshly transferred fat cells?
- Pressure reduces access to the blood supply, which the cells need to survive.
- Pressure crushes the cells, physically compressing them and preventing new blood vessels from forming.
- Pressure can result in cell death (necrosis). A healthy blood supply gives the cells access to oxygen and nutrients, without which they die and are reabsorbed by the body.
Basically, any type of pressure can lead to cell death during recovery, which not only undoes all the work of the BBL but can result in an odd, uneven, lumpy result. Necrosis doesn’t happen in even, aesthetic layers like the way your surgeon injects the fat, after all. It’s a natural process, so it can create an asymmetrical result that would require secondary procedures to fix.
Tips for Sleeping Comfortably After a BBL
Now that you know what not to do after a BBL, let’s talk about what you can do to make those six to eight weeks more comfortable, because rest is another key factor in a successful BBL recovery period.
If you’re a chronic back sleeper, this transition might be difficult for you, so you’ll need to plan ahead to set yourself up right.
- Use cushions or pillows to make a barrier while you sleep. If you don’t naturally sleep on your side or stomach, you’ll need to use pillows to make sure you don’t roll onto your back while asleep. If you’re really worried, you may want to consider using a pregnancy body pillow, which can be wrapped around your body to keep you in one position the whole night.
- Practice ahead of time. The more you can do to make your recovery easier, the better. It’s possible to train yourself to sleep in different positions, so you can begin practicing as soon as possible to make this transition easier. You’re going to need a lot of rest right after surgery, so the last thing you want to deal with is being extremely fatigued and not being able to sleep comfortably because you’re suddenly trying to train yourself into being a side sleeper.
- Good, old-fashioned sleep hygiene. If you’re struggling to get enough rest in these first weeks, do yourself a favor and restrict caffeine (that’s a good idea for recovery anyway), reduce screen time, and make yourself as comfortable as possible with loose clothing, a cool room, and dimmed lights.
Once you get used to it, those six to eight weeks of BBL recovery will be a breeze, and you are one step closer to the curvaceous booty of your dreams!
Want to Learn More About BBLs in Miami?
Learn what the best in the business can do for you: Dr. Constantino Mendieta is the pioneer of the BBL and the architect of modern beauty. To learn more about how Dr. Mendieta can sculpt a booty that is the feminine ideal, call 4Beauty by Mendieta today at (305) 860-0717 or complete the contact form to schedule a consultation.
by Peter Houtz | Brazilian Butt Lift
BBLs deliver stunning results; you just have to get through the recovery process. This blog discusses the top, lesser-known recovery tips for BBLs that help readers make the most of this process.
5 Min Read:
What Is Recovery Like After a BBL?
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is the ideal procedure for those who want curves that wow. With two-in-one slimming and volumizing results, BBLs are by far the most transformative body contouring procedures today.
As BBLs grow in popularity, more patients are learning about the benefits and fabulous results, but the recovery process remains a touchy subject. In reality, there’s no need to fear BBL recovery, especially with our helpful tips below.
BBL Recovery Tips Everyone Should Know
Before we jump into the details, here’s an overview of what exactly a BBL is:
BBLs are multistep procedures with an aim to create a curvy, voluptuous backside using the patient’s own (autologous) fat. To do this, experienced plastic surgeons use liposuction to remove fat from a specific area of the body (e.g., the hips, thighs, or abdomen), purify it, and then reinject it into the butt to create curves.
Basically, a BBL takes fat from one area and transfers it to the butt. The transfer process takes much longer than the time on the operating table, which is why patients need to be mindful during their recovery.
1. Don’t Sit on Your Butt!
Let’s call this the golden rule of BBL recovery. After your BBL, for about two weeks or so, you are prohibited from putting pressure on your buttocks. This means no direct sitting or lying on your butt, even when you sleep.
Why: Newly transferred fat cells need time to attach to a new blood supply; without it, they cannot survive and will be discarded by the body. During this process, pressure on the fat cells can dislodge them or impede their access to the blood supply. This can result in a lopsided or misshapen result or cell death.
The Fix: You can purchase a special BBL pillow for times when you absolutely need to sit on your butt. These pillows are specifically designed to redistribute weight and keep it off the buttocks. To sleep, we recommend using a body pillow or a collection of pillows to side-sleep, using them as a barrier so you don’t roll onto your back.
2. Buy a Back-Up Compression Garment
You’ll be required to wear your compression garment (faja) day and night for a few weeks after your BBL. These garments are amazing for recovering after body contouring procedures, as they constrict the body to reduce swelling, help the skin retract after liposuction, and also keep transferred fat in place as it settles.
Why: Having at least two fajas will make your life so much easier — and it helps avoid BBL smell. Your body is going through a lot during this stage, and there’s usually some hygiene maintenance that needs to be done, such as cleaning liposuction incisions. Having a backup faja gives you more opportunities to put your other through the wash, which is crucial for your comfort and cleanliness.
The Fix: Ask your plastic surgeon ahead of time how and where to obtain your additional fajas. Having them in advance sets you up for success and gives you one less thing to worry about during recovery.
3. Feed the Fat
BBL recovery is no time to skimp on meals or restrict calories. Your body needs fuel to heal, especially when it comes to fat transfer procedures. And while it may be painful for some to avoid the gym, that doesn’t mean you need to diet to make up for the lack of movement.
Why: Eating nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats is key to promoting effective healing during recovery. Fat also fluctuates, so if you restrict, you run the risk of losing fat that you just transferred to your butt.
The Fix: Cooking is not really an option for many patients as they recover, but takeout may not offer healthy options. We recommend meal prepping before your procedure. Choose nutrient-rich foods, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Healthy fats like avocado and nuts are also a great idea. When all else fails, protein shakes can help in a pinch.
4. Balance Rest and Movement
Immediately after your procedure, you won’t have much energy at all. You’ll be sleeping for most of the day until about day three. Our tip here is simple: as you start to feel more energy, start incorporating light movement into your routine for a more effective recovery.
Why: Being stationary for too long is dangerous, just as pushing yourself too far, too soon. Not incorporating light movement, like slow walks around the house, puts you at risk of developing blood clots. Light movement is also key for increasing blood circulation, which helps the body heal faster, as blood carries crucial oxygen to the healing tissues.
The Fix: Always listen to your body, but as you start to feel up to it, start taking slow walks around your bedroom, working your way up to walking around the house and then the neighborhood. Keep in mind: you will be weak and tire easily. That’s normal. Have a friend or family member walk with you to provide extra support when you need and take frequent breaks.
Considering a BBL in Miami, FL?
Our last tip: Choose the best BBL surgeon you can find. Dr. Constantino Mendieta is the pioneering mind behind the modern BBL, having invented today’s techniques that are now standard for BBL surgeons across the globe. Call 4Beauty by Mendieta today at (305) 860-0717 or complete the contact form to request a consultation with Dr. Mendieta.
by Peter Houtz | Brazilian Butt Lift
A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a surgical procedure that increases the volume and reshapes the contour of the buttocks using your own fat. Because it involves liposuction and fat transfer, small incisions are required—and with any incision, some scarring is inevitable. The good news is that BBL scars are typically small and fade over time with proper care. Understanding where incisions are made and how to take care of them can help you plan for your recovery and results.
Typical Locations of BBL Incisions
A Brazilian Butt Lift involves two procedures: liposuction and fat transfer.
During liposuction, your surgeon removes fat from areas such as your abdomen, thighs, flanks, or back. This fat is purified and prepared for injection into the buttocks. Liposuction requires small incisions—usually only a few millimeters long—through which a thin tube, called a cannula, is inserted to remove fat.
These incisions are often placed in discreet areas to make scars less visible. Common liposuction incision sites include:
- Along natural skin folds near the abdomen or waist
- Under the buttock crease
- Near the inner or outer thighs
- Along the lower back or flanks
During the fat transfer portion of your Brazilian Butt Lift, your surgeon uses small injections to transfer purified fat into your buttocks. These injections require tiny punctures in the skin, even smaller than liposuction incisions, and typically leave little to no visible scarring.
What Do BBL Scars Look Like?
BBL scars are generally small and round, about the size of a freckle or small mole. Initially, they may look pink or red and feel slightly raised. Over several months, they fade and flatten as your skin heals.
Your natural skin tone, your body’s healing response, and how closely you follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions all affect how visible your scars become. For many patients, BBL scars eventually become barely noticeable.
If you have a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring, let your surgeon know during your consultation. They can discuss incision placement and scar prevention strategies for your skin type.
How to Care for Your Incisions
Proper incision care helps reduce the risk of infection and supports optimal healing. Here are a few general tips:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely. Everybody heals differently, and your surgeon’s plan will be uniquely tailored to your needs.
- Keep your incisions clean and dry. Gently clean with mild soap and water as directed. Avoid soaking in tubs or swimming until cleared by your surgeon.
- Avoid tight clothing. Compression garments help with swelling, but avoid friction from tight clothes over healing areas.
- Don’t pick or scratch at the incision sites. Although it can be tough, let scabs fall off naturally to prevent irritation or discoloration.
- Stay out of the sun. UV exposure can darken scars, making them more noticeable. Use sunscreen on a daily basis and keep scars covered when outdoors.
- Eat well and stay hydrated. A nutrient-rich diet supports tissue repair and recovery.
After BBL surgery, your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and provide personalized recommendations.
Scar Care Tips After Your BBL
Once your incisions have closed, you can take extra steps to help your scars fade:
- Use silicone-based gels or sheets. These products create a protective barrier that helps flatten and lighten scars over time.
- Massage healing incisions or scars gently. Once approved by your surgeon, light massage can improve circulation and soften scar tissue.
- Avoid smoking. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which can slow healing and affect tissue recovery.
- Be patient. Scars mature gradually. It can take 6 to 12 months to see their final appearance.
Consistent care makes a difference. While some scarring is part of any surgical process, most patients find their BBL scars fade to the point of being barely visible.
Interested in a Brazilian Butt Lift in Miami, FL?
Dr. Constantino Mendieta is a pioneer of the modern Brazilian Butt Lift and a highly recognized expert in body contouring. Choose 4Beauty by Mendieta for advanced surgical techniques with an evidence-based approach to help you achieve natural, balanced results.
Call (305) 860-0717 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and learn more.
by Seo Manager | Brazilian Butt Lift
BBL smell has been a trending topic on social media, but the wild stories can cause more confusion than clarity. This blog discusses what exactly BBL smell is, its causes, and how to prevent it.
What Is BBL Smell?
A new trend in plastic surgery discourse has emerged: the BBL smell. With influencers, celebrities, and everyone else chiming in on social media, it’s hard to know if this phenomenon is real—especially since it sounds so strange.
Essentially, people are claiming that there’s a strange, temporary side effect after a Brazilian Butt Lift: a mysterious smell that’s been described as “musty” or “rancid.” While not overpowering, it is noticeable, and yes, the BBL smell is real.
However, it’s not always present and can be avoided. We’ll break it down below.
What Causes BBL Smell?
Make no mistake: BBL smell is an uncommon issue. BBLs are performed in sterile, safe environments, and when postoperative care is appropriate, it’s not an issue for most patients.
In fact, the BBL smell is not due to the surgery itself, but the postoperative process. Common causes of BBL smell include: bacterial overgrowth, poor hygiene, infection, and fat necrosis.
Bacterial Overgrowth
Sometimes during recovery, bacteria can overgrow on the skin’s surface, causing an unpleasant odor. A very common side effect of liposuction, a key part of the BBL process, is fluid accumulation. It’s not uncommon for fluid to release through liposuction incisions during the healing process. If this is not properly managed, a combination of this moisture, heat, and friction can cause bacterial growth and result in a smell.
The Solution: Following proper aftercare of your incisions and surgical area is key. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions on how to care for your incisions, when and how to bathe, etc.
Hygiene Challenges
For patients who desire a large increase in their buttock size, this change can pose certain surprising challenges during the recovery period. Patients often have limited mobility after a BBL, making it difficult to sufficiently clean after using the bathroom, resulting in bacterial growth and unwanted smells.
The Solution: Investing in a bidet can help keep you clean while you adjust to your new derriere, or using hygienic wipes to ensure optimum cleanliness.
Infection and Fat Necrosis
In rare, unfortunate cases, infection and fat necrosis can be the cause of an unpleasant smell post-BBL; however, these issues are often accompanied by alarming health concerns such as pain and redness at the incision sites, painful lumps in the newly transferred fat, and fever.
The Solution: Monitor for signs of infection and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of illness during recovery.
How Can I Prevent BBL Smell?
BBL smell does not have to happen to you; You can get your dream bod and booty without worrying about smelling bad, just follow these tips!
Maintain Good Hygiene
Be sure to follow all guidelines after BBL surgery. Shower regularly with a gentle cleanser recommended by your surgeon. Carefully cleansing and drying the area with a clean towel and frequently changing your bedsheets and clothing can reduce moisture and bacterial accumulation.
Maintain Proper Hygiene After Using the Restroom
Do your best to thoroughly clean after using the restroom. If mobility is an issue, a bidet can help immensely. Be sure to change your undergarments and anything that comes into contact with the incision sites as well.
Launder Your Compression Garments
Another key issue causing the BBL smell is unclean compression garments. While it is essential to wear them as directed by your surgeon (usually day and night), they can get dirty fast, especially if fluid is leaking from your incisions. It’s highly recommended that you invest in more than one compression garment, allowing you to have one to wear while washing the other. We recommend washing your compression garments once every 24 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
Follow Post-surgical Instructions
Your surgeon will supply you with everything you need to know about having a safe and effective recovery process, including when you can shower, how often to wear your garments, and how to clean your incisions. Follow the instructions as closely as possible, and always contact your surgeon’s office if you have any questions. Better safe than smelly!
Want to Learn More About Brazilian Butt Lifts in Miami, FL?
Don’t fear the BBL smell: call the BBL experts at 4Beauty by Mendieta at (305) 860-0717 and learn how our surgeons can create the perfect peach for you.
by Seo Manager | Brazilian Butt Lift
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.
by Seo Manager | Brazilian Butt Lift
This blog discusses the options patients have for reversing or reducing a BBL result they are unhappy with, including a BBL revision procedure or liposuction with Dr. Constantino Mendieta, or weight loss.
Hate Your BBL?
If you’ve had your buttocks increased with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) but aren’t happy with the results, you may be wondering if it’s possible to reverse the procedure. BBLs are popular because they utilize the patient’s autologous fat to increase volume in the buttocks, providing a more rounded, hourglass result. Of course, this can go wrong, especially if the surgeon is not particularly practiced in this complex procedure.
BBLs are intended to provide long-lasting results—and they usually do! Especially compared to non-surgical options such as butt augmentation using injectable fillers. Because BBLs use fat, the results are designed to be permanent. However, if you are unhappy with your BBL result, the permanence can be a drawback. Don’t worry, though, you still have options for adjusting or reversing results.
Why Would Someone Reverse Their BBL?
Sometimes, patients are unhappy with their BBL results. This can be for a variety of reasons, including:
- Overfilled or overly large buttocks
- Buttocks that are out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Poorly shaped buttocks
- Mismatched buttocks
- Lumpy or uneven buttocks
BBLs, despite their immense popularity, are notoriously difficult to execute safely and competently. Unfortunately, too many underexperienced or careless physicians undertake this procedure and end up providing lackluster results. Additionally, patient education is key to an attractive result; you should be properly prepared for the results of the procedure and fully informed of any risks.
How to Reverse a BBL
While you can’t technically dissolve or remove your BBL results, you do have options for reversing or altering your results.
When you transfer fat cells from one area of the body to another, as is the process for a BBL, the cells that survive the process are considered permanent. However, as with any other area with fat, you can reduce the size of the fat cells through a combination of diet and exercise.
To reduce the size of a BBL without surgery, it’s recommended that you safely enter a calorie deficit, do cardio, and incorporate some weight lifting to increase muscle mass and reduce fat. This is one option for reversing an overly large BBL result.
Another option is to have a surgeon remove fat cells via liposuction. Just as the fat can be reinjected, it can be removed using the same process in reverse. You may have the option of simply altering results this way, by smoothing lumpy areas or evening out asymmetries. Alternatively, some patients simply want to remove as much fat as possible.
How to Avoid a Botched BBL Result
The best way to avoid a BBL that you don’t like is to choose the best BBL surgeon you can find. Dr. Constantino Mendieta is a world-renowned BBL expert, a prominent pioneer behind the modern approaches to this procedure, and a prolific educator in sharing these techniques.
Dr. Mendieta has developed a variety of techniques to enhance the results of the BBL, executing highly technical procedures at a much safer and more effective rate than competitors. When looking for the ultimate authority on BBLs, look no further than Dr. Mendieta.
In fact, if you’re unhappy with your BBL result, Dr. Mendieta has such mastery over the procedure that he can likely adjust your results through advanced liposculpting techniques to refine the shape and volume of the buttocks.
BBL Reversal and BBL Revision in Miami, FL
Don’t leave your results up to chance. Choose the ultimate BBL surgeon for initial BBLs, the Miami Thong Lift, BBL reversal, and BBL revision with Dr. Constantino Mendieta. At 4Beauty by Mendieta, our team of experienced surgeons has trained under the expert guidance of Dr. Mendieta and is prepared to give you the BBL results of your dreams. Contact 4Beauty by Mendieta today to schedule a BBL revision or BBL reversal with one of our experts: call (305) 860-0717or fill out the online contact form.
