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.
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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.