Recovery from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is crucial to achieving smooth, beautiful, and long-lasting results. Because this procedure combines liposuction with fat transfer to the buttocks, recovery involves protecting both the liposuctioned areas and the newly transferred fat. This blog will discuss BBL recovery tips and the general healing timeline to help you prepare.
What to Expect After a Brazilian Butt Lift
Immediately after BBL surgery, bruising, swelling, soreness, and a feeling of tightness are all common and expected during the recovery experience. Generally, these symptoms are most noticeable during the first week or two, and gradually improve over time.
One of the most important aspects of BBL recovery is avoiding pressure on the buttocks. Newly transferred fat cells require adequate access to a healthy blood supply to survive, and pressure can limit blood flow to the area. Following all of Dr. Gonzalez’s post-operative instructions will help you maximize fat retention and pave the way for beautiful final results.
How Long Is BBL Recovery?
Brazilian Butt Lift recovery will be different for each patient. Most people can expect initial healing within a few weeks and continued improvements over several months. Even if you feel better relatively quickly, a full recovery—including final results—takes time as post-surgical swelling resolves and the transferred fat establishes a blood supply.
Below is a general BBL recovery timeline to help you know what to expect.
BBL Recovery Timeline
Initial Recovery (Weeks 1–2)
- Avoid pressure on the buttocks. You’ll need to sleep on your stomach or side. When sitting, use a donut pillow, a BBL pillow, or an adjusted sitting position (such as on the backs of your thighs or knees).
- Gentle movement is recommended right away to promote circulation and help prevent clots.
- “Feed the fat.” Protein-rich foods, as well as healthy fats and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and rebuild tissue.
- Wear your compression garment 24/7 (except when showering) to control swelling and support your new contours as they settle in place.
Gradual Improvement (Weeks 3–6)
- Many patients feel they can return to work during this period.
- You’ll continue to use a BBL pillow and be mindful of pressure on your buttocks during this time, though you may be cleared to slowly return to normal sitting.
- You may be able to resume light exercise, although you will need to avoid strenuous activity.
Always wait until you are cleared by Dr. Gonzalez before resuming normal sitting or exercise.
Full Recovery (Months 2–6)
- Usually, you can resume full activity and your usual exercise routine.
- Most patients can expect their final results to stabilize during this period, including complete fat survival and resolution of swelling.
- Results tend to look more natural and proportionate.
Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery Tips
The most important thing you can do during your BBL recovery is follow all your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These are tailored to you, your procedure, and your surgeon’s technique, and following them ensures a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Other recovery tips include:
- Have a support system to help with daily tasks, whether that’s a friend, family member, or professional caregiver. You’ll appreciate assistance with meal preparation, medication schedules, and household chores.
- Avoid smoking—nicotine negatively affects circulation (which can affect blood supply for grafted fat) and can cause complications like tissue necrosis.
- Lymphatic drainage massage can help with fluid buildup and circulation, and helps to support your new contours. Always check with Dr. Gonzalez before beginning a course of lymphatic massage.
Learn More About Brazilian Butt Lifts in Orlando, FL
If you are considering a Brazilian Butt Lift, it’s essential that you choose a highly qualified surgeon with BBL experience. Dr. F. Jorge Gonzalez is a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the few surgeons in the country to be honored as a TD Grand Master in High-Definition Liposuction. With over two decades of experience performing body contouring surgeries, Dr. Gonzalez helps patients achieve their desired results, including stunning curves and increased confidence.
Contact Le Contour Aesthetic Surgery today at (407) 447-1628 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your BBL consultation with Dr. Gonzalez.
