What to Expect Post-Surgery
BBL: Post- Surgery Expectations
Immediately following the procedure, the patient can expect to have bruising and swelling in the areas used to harvest the fat cells. Pain can be managed with medication, although it is advised to switch from narcotics to Tylenol before driving a motor vehicle. Every patient recovers differently from surgery, but most often one can expect to be up and walking a day or two after the procedure. Excess tumescent fluid may also drain from the incision points. Do not be alarmed if the fluid is tinged with blood, as this is completely normal and will cease a few days after surgery.
One of the most important recovery tips regarding Brazilian Butt Lift surgery is to not sit directly on your buttocks for at least eight weeks after the procedure. Patients are often advised to sleep on their stomach or sides, and if you absolutely do have to sit, it is recommended to use a donut pillow or inflatable pillow. Placing the pillow behind your legs is helpful to avoid putting pressure on the fat graft by raising the buttock. This is very important to achieve long lasting results, as sitting directly on the buttocks can affect blood circulation in the area. Reduced blood circulation could destroy the fat cells transferred to the buttocks, though it should be noted that up to 40% of the transferred fat may not survive, regardless of if a patient has or has not sat down. After the first eight weeks of recovery, it is important to still use a cushion when sitting, and to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. It is also advised to continue to avoid sleeping on your back for the first eight weeks after your surgery.