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What Can I Expect After My Brazilian Butt Lift?

Posted May 16, 2023 in Body Surgery

3 Min Read: The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is one of today’s most popular cosmetic enhancements. In fact, the procedure has grown year-on-year.

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With its popularity, you may think the BBL is a simple procedure. And while it is less invasive than other buttock augmentation procedures (like butt implants), the BBL does have downtime and requires some minor adjustments to your daily lifestyle.

Here is what you can expect during and after your surgery and how to help you recover so you’re happy with the result. 

What Happens During a Brazilian Butt Lift?

A Brazilian Butt Lift enhances the shape and size of the buttocks via fat transfer or fat grafting.

For this technique, fat is harvested using liposuction from another part of the body — often an area that the client wishes to minimize, such as the abdomen, waist, and hips — and is purified. 

Once the harvested fat is ready, it is strategically re-injected into the buttocks to get the most pleasing shape possible.

Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Hurt?

Usually, a BBL is performed under general anesthesia (“sleeping” anesthesia). Because of this, the patient will not feel anything during the procedure.

However, you may experience some discomfort once you awaken from your BBL procedure. This can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter medications. You will also have some bruising, and you may experience swelling. These will both decrease over the coming weeks.

Do’s and Don’ts for Your BBL Recovery

While you’re recovering, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Remember to always follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions. If you have any questions, call our office.

  • DO avoid sitting directly on your buttocks. This is very important. You will want to put as little pressure as possible directly onto the grafted fat during the initial stages of your recovery. You will be asked to avoid sitting and lying on your back for up to six weeks or longer
  • DO invest in a BBL pillow. A high-quality BBL pillow is usually donut- or U-shaped. This allows you to sit without putting too much pressure on the grafted fat.
  • DO sleep on your stomach. The idea here is the same as the two points above: you are making sure not to put too much pressure on the area that has been enhanced.
  • DON’T smoke. Smoking greatly increases the chances of post-operative complications and could hinder your recovery.
  • DO take time off. Most of the time, you will be asked to take two weeks off from work. This is because you cannot initially sit or place pressure on the area. This does NOT mean you shouldn’t get any movement during the day (see the next point).
  • DO make sure you get some gentle exercise at regular intervals. GENTLE activity can help reduce inflammation. Follow your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions on how much activity you should engage in during the first two to four weeks.
  • DON’T drive. Driving puts significant pressure on your buttocks, so you should avoid this activity (especially if you live in the city and are likely to be in traffic).
  • If you have had other body procedures at the same time as your BBL, ask your cosmetic surgeon for instructions that include recovery from each.
  • DO eat healthy, nutritious food. Eating well will help you feel your best and may have a hand in a smooth recovery.
  • DO drink plenty of liquids. Water is preferred. Staying hydrated is important at this time.
  • DO wear your compression garments. The BBL requires liposuction. Compression garments can help reduce swelling in the donor locations, such as the abdomen and waist.

If You’re Not Sure What to Do Next

Questions about your BBL recovery? Ask your Brazilian Butt Lift Manhattan physician. They can guide you so you have the best possible recovery and get a result you can be happy with now and in the future when your final results are achieved. To learn more about how you can benefit from butt augmentation, reach out to the board-certified cosmetic surgeons at New Look New Life in New York City. Call our Manhattan office at (646) 559-2854 or fill out our online contact form.