Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery Guide

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is an effective and popular form of plastic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, its members perform more than 21,000 BBL procedures annually.

If you're considering this surgery, you're probably wondering about the Brazilian Butt Lift recovery process. This article will review what to expect after BBL surgery. We'll discuss the average BBL recovery time and provide some tips to help you recover effectively.

Table of Contents

What Is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Before we talk about the butt lift recovery process, we need to review what a Brazilian Butt Lift is. BBL is a surgical procedure in which a plastic surgeon removes fat from other body areas via liposuction. The fat is purified and then injected beneath the skin in the buttocks to enhance its shape and volume. A well-crafted BBL can create dimensions that will flatter your body frame.

Surgeons usually perform a BBL to address:

People prefer a BBL because it uses their own fat cells rather than artificial materials to create beautiful results. The fact that a BBL removes unwanted fat from other areas of your body is a fantastic bonus.

Factors Affecting Your BBL Recovery

A variety of factors determine your BBL recovery. You need to consider your:

How closely you follow the BBL aftercare instructions your doctor provides will also affect your BBL recovery timeline. Adhering to your doctor's orders and attending follow-up visits can make BBL surgery recovery easier.

Preparing for Your BBL Recovery

You should plan to make your BBL recovery as smooth as possible following surgery. You'll need to arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure. You also may find it useful to have someone around the house for the first 24 hours post-op to help with chores and other duties.

A BBL Recovery Timeline

While your own personal factors will affect your recovery, you can expect certain effects to appear over the weeks after your surgery. Here's a typical BBL recovery timeline:

Immediately After Surgery

Don't be surprised by some BBL drainage from your liposuction incisions. This is completely normal and won't affect your BBL recovery time. The drainage usually stops after 24 hours.

You can also expect a certain amount of discomfort and swelling. If the pain is too difficult to manage, you can ask your doctor to prescribe pain medication.

You'll need to avoid putting pressure or sleeping on your buttocks to help advance the healing process and ensure the best BBL results.

First Week

You'll wear compression garments around the liposuction areas to help minimize swelling and fluid retention. There will be lingering discomfort, but you should be able to return to work after seven days.

You'll need to continue to not sit or sleep on your buttocks.

Your BBL post-op care will also include several follow-up visits with your surgeon.

Second Through Third Weeks

At the end of the third week, you should be able to resume normal sitting and sleeping on your back. While some swelling will remain, the discomfort should decrease considerably.

Fourth Through Fifth Weeks

By this point in your BBL recovery timeline, you should be able to resume light exercises, although heavy lifting will still be off-limits. There may be some residual tenderness. If you experience persistent pain, you should contact your surgeon.

Sixth Week

Most patients no longer experience any discomfort or tenderness by this time. You'll likely be approved to begin lower body exercises. The results of your liposuction and BBL should be visible at this point.

Fourth Month

The final results of your surgery are usually visible within four months.

BBL Recovery Tips

Following your surgeon's orders is the most critical factor affecting your BBL recovery time. But there are some BBL recovery tips to help make the process as smooth as possible. Make sure to:

Use a BBL Cushion

Sitting or sleeping on our buttocks will directly impact your BBL results. If you have to sit, you'll want to make sure the pressure is on your upper thighs, not your buttocks. A BBL cushion can help ensure you use the proper sitting positions.

Follow a Healthy Diet

Well-balanced meals, including less fat and sugar, can aid in your BBL recovery. Also, avoid salty foods, which can promote fluid retention.

Wear Your Compression Garment

Your compression garment plays an integral role in your BBL recovery by reducing discomfort, minimizing swelling and helping your skin contract.

Avoid Long Soaks

As part of your Brazilian Butt Lift aftercare, you should avoid soaking in the tub, pool, hot tub or ocean until you get your doctor's OK. Soaking will only interfere with your healing process. You should be able to resume regular showers after a couple of days.

Remain Active

Although strenuous exercise isn't allowed, walking can help speed your BBL recovery and improve blood circulation. Check with your doctor to see what regimen they recommend.

Manage Your Pain

Some discomfort after surgery should be expected, but you don't have to suffer silently. Take pain medication as needed to ensure your comfort and a more pleasant BBL recovery.

Watch Out for Infection

Any surgery carries the risk of infection, and you'll want to look for signs like unexpected swelling and redness, unpleasant odor, excessive oozing, fever and increased pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your surgeon immediately.

Be Patient With Your Body

You can follow all these BBL recovery tips to the letter, but you'll still need time to recover fully. Pay attention to your BBL aftercare, and let your recovery take its natural course. That's the best way to ensure the results you want.

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