What Is The Recovery Period For a Brazilian Butt Lift?

By: Dr. Nana Mizuguchi

6/10/2020

As beauty trends continually change, some celebrities have adopted a new style of femininity. Look around, and you will see that shapely, voluptuous, and round butts are in style. There is no denying the popularity of Brazilian butt lifts in the cosmetic world. On the rise since its introduction as a fat transfer to buttocks procedure, also known as a BBL, it provides volume and fullness by using a person's own fat to augment their backside naturally. Many individuals turn to diet and exercise to give their derrière a boost, but sometimes, reshaping that area requires cosmetic intervention with gluteal augmentation.

Dual board-certified aesthetic and plastic surgeon Dr. Nana Mizuguchi specializes in body contouring procedures, including Brazilian butt lifts. At his private practice in Louisville, KY, Dr. Mizuguchi incorporates his surgical experience and meticulous attention to detail to deliver stunning patient results. Dr. Mizuguchi and his professional staff at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery will help patients every step of the way, including throughout the healing process. Read on as Dr. Mizuguchi provides a brief overview of how this fat transfer to buttocks procedure works and what to expect during a BBL recovery.

What is a BBL with fat transfer?

A Brazilian butt lift, or BBL, is a type of butt augmentation that uses a patient's unwanted fat to reshape and augment the buttocks naturally. During the procedure, liposuction is performed to remove stubborn fat in other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, upper thighs, or lower back. The extracted fat is then purified through a special process and reinjected back into the buttocks to add fullness. This technique is accomplished by the use of specialized fat transfer and grafting processes. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is essential for patients to plan ahead and be informed about the surgical process, as well as the recovery period.

BBL recovery expectations

Immediately following the procedure, Louisville patients can expect swelling and bruising in the donor areas used to harvest fat cells. Every patient recovers at their own pace, but most can expect to be up and walking around a day or two after the BBL procedure. Patients will wear a compression garment to minimize any side effects and promote proper blood flow or circulation to begin the healing process. Beneath the compression garment, patients will be able to access the liposuction incision sites through a bandage for proper cleaning and care at home. It is usual for BBL patients to experience some discomfort, slight bleeding, and numbness at the sites where fat was harvested and in the buttocks area. At a follow-up appointment, Dr. Mizuguchi will assess each patient's progress and give instructions on when the sutures will be removed, along with any additional steps to follow.

How long is the recovery after a BBL?

One of the most important tips regarding BBL recovery is patients should avoid sitting directly on their buttocks for at least three weeks after the procedure. It is recommended to use an inflatable pillow or donut-shaped pillow if an individual must sit down. At night, patients are advised to sleep on their sides or stomach. For patients to achieve long-lasting results, sitting directly on the target area must be avoided. Reduced blood circulation with direct contact, like sitting, can destroy the fat cells that were transferred to the target area. Dr. Mizuguchi and his skilled staff will provide helpful instructions regarding BBL recovery at home so patients can take the necessary steps to protect their enhancement. Some other aspects to consider are:

  • Avoid stretching or squatting for at least three weeks. These types of movements can cause pressure in the buttocks area and also destroy transplanted fat.
  • Avoid tobacco products or smoking before and after a BBL. Smoking can cause circulation issues and slow down the natural healing process.
  • Avoid activities, including sexual intercourse, strenuous exercising, swimming, or driving for 3 - 4 weeks.
  • Take all prescribed medications as directed. If changes are needed, please contact the office at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery so we can be of assistance.
  • Don't avoid certain dietary restrictions, like eating carbohydrates, for at least two months after a BBL. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body, which will be needed during the healing period.

It is crucial for patients to follow all post-operative instructions to ensure the final results provide a pleasing aesthetic contour. We understand you may have more questions about a fat transfer to buttocks procedure and what to expect during the BBL recovery. If you are considering a Brazilian butt lift procedure and would like more information, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nana Mizuguchi at Mizuguchi Plastic Surgery in Louisville, KY. Dr. Mizuguchi and his team are committed to patient satisfaction and providing the highest level of care when it comes to your cosmetic procedure. We invite you to call and schedule your BBL appointment today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.