August 26, 2022
Recovery is such an important part of the surgical process. In some ways, it’s one of the most important parts, because how well you recover after surgery will have a direct impact on your final result.
Sure, your surgeon needs to do their part of the work flawlessly, but once they’ve done their portion, it’s up to the patient to do their part. And the patient’s homework is to really ensure that they have the best recovery possible.
All surgeries have their specificities when it comes to recovery time and how extensive a recovery is. But truth be told, recovery after a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), in particular, can be tricky.
So we decided to go straight to the source and ask our amazing Perioperative Nurse Lori how to have the best recovery possible after a BBL. Here’s what she had to say.
In order to ensure not only a speedy recovery but also best possible results, BBL patients can’t put pressure on their bum for two weeks. It’s super important that they lie on their stomach to sleep… no side sleeping, please!
How do you eat? You can eat standing up or kneeling.
There are moments when you can sit, but not for too long. Patients can sit to use the washroom and sit in the car to get to and from post-operative appointments. Some patients will buy a BBL pillow which takes pressure off the buttocks when they sit.
After the second week, patients may sit for 20-30 mins at a time. After that amount has passed, patients then need to get up for 2-3 minutes before they sit down again.
If you’re recovering after a BBL, you must wear a surgical garment and foam for two weeks. After two weeks you’ll switch into a stage two compression garment until the 6-week mark.
At The Plastic Surgery Clinic we don’t currently carry a stage 2 garment, so we ask patients to source their own. What does that mean? Basically something like a Spanx or equivalent. Garments are important, not to create shape, but to contain the swelling you’ll have following surgery in order to improve your recovery.
Patients will also need to wear compression stockings for two weeks.
The first week following the BBL surgery, patients will start a massage routine which will help a lot with tightness and swelling. However, full disclosure, the massage can be very uncomfortable. It’s unfortunate, but it works!
Some patients will hire a registered massage therapist (RMT) to do lymphatic drainage massage which they are welcome to do, but it’s not mandatory. It’s important to note that patients who do hire an RMT must still do the massage we teach them at the clinic on their own.
We always say this and we’re going to say it over and over again. You need to be patient with your body and yourself. Recovery can be difficult, but it’s not impossible, and it’s made easier if you carefully follow your surgeon’s guidelines. We’re also with you every step of the way. You can call us 24/7. You’ve got this!
What you see just after your BBL surgery, and in the early weeks of your recovery, is not the result that you’ll see 6 months to a year following your surgery. Patience is key.
In the beginning the buttocks may appear smaller than you might have expected or wanted – but this is only because the parts of the body where you had liposuction (typically around the abdomen) are super swollen, so the full shape and size of the buttocks is not fully realized right away.
The first week following surgery is difficult as the liposuction sites are super swollen and the skin is super tight. Your bum will feel rock hard and be bruised as well. It’s important to be realistic about this phase. It can feel a bit disheartening, but it’s going to get better. On top of providing you with all of the necessary medical guidance you need, we’re here to be your cheerleaders. Lean on us if you need to.
That all being said, even though the first weeks are tough, you will get through it, and the reward of the amazing result far outweighs some of the difficult moments.
Did we answer all your questions? Our goal is to ensure you have the best information possible to make your decision. If you still have questions, we’re here to help.
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