How to Prepare Before and After for a Smooth BBL Recovery

Posted November 08, 2024 in Brazilian Butt Lift

Over the last decade, the popularity of the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has been on the uptrend. While the end result of a BBL can be rewarding and satisfying for many patients, it’s important to be fully informed about the entire process, including postoperative recovery. This blog provides tips and steps you can take to prepare before and after your surgery for a smooth BBL recovery experience. 

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Is a Brazilian Butt Lift the Right Procedure for You?

A Brazilian Butt Lift is a butt augmentation procedure that recontours and increases the size of the buttocks using fat transfer instead of traditional implants. Many patients are interested in a BBL because the results can look more natural, and the liposuction used to harvest the fat is a bonus that allows improved contour of the donor area as well.

Women and men who are ideal candidates for a BBL are those who wish to augment or reshape their behinds. A BBL is also an option for people who want to correct asymmetry in their buttocks. Good candidates for a BBL:

• Are in general good health
• Have enough excess fat on their bodies that may be transferred
• Are nonsmokers or willing to quit
• Are not currently taking aspirin or NSAIDs

Picking the Right Plastic Surgeon is Key

As with any surgical procedure, the results of a BBL are directly influenced by the skill and expertise of the surgeon. It’s highly recommended that patients choose an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. J. Brian Boyd to ensure he or she has a safe, smooth procedure and recovery experience.

Patients should take the time to do thorough research when choosing a surgeon for their BBL. In addition to qualifications and experience, experienced surgeons like Dr. Boyd will have before and after photos that can paint a picture of what to expect regarding recovery and the end results.

Ask Questions During Your Consultation

Some BBL patients feel hesitant to ask certain questions during an initial consultation. That won’t be the case with Dr. Boyd, who encourages questions to ensure his patients are fully informed of the procedure and necessary recovery period. One part of Dr. Boyd’s work is performing the surgery; the other is making sure his patients are comfortable by clearly answering their questions and addressing their concerns.

Before surgery, make sure to raise all the concerns you have, and don’t be shy to ask questions. Bringing photos to these sessions is a great way to convey your intended goals and be sure to know if they are achievable. A run-down of your medical history is also very important as it highlights crucial aspects that might influence your BBL candidacy.

Identify the Donor Site

During a BBL procedure, Dr. Boyd extracts fat from one or multiple areas of the body and transfers it to the buttocks. Dr. Boyd usually extracts donor fat from the abdomen, hips, or thighs, but liposuction can be done wherever fat is abundant. Discuss and identify the donor site(s) during your consultation so you are fully informed before committing to BBL surgery.

Have Realistic Expectations

Improving your behind through a BBL procedure can be a lengthy process. That’s why it’s important to set realistic expectations. Don’t cave into the pressure of dramatically increasing your buttock’s volume overnight. Dr. Boyd advises patients to stick within a specified range of fat transfer to the region depending on their needs, as it produces better and safer outcomes.

Large volumes of fat transfer can result in complications such as:

• Fat necrosis and lumps
• Blood flow difficulties
• Poor lymphatic drainage

However, Dr. Boyd’s skill and expertise reduce the risk of complications because he is knowledgeable about how much fat to transfer into each buttock to produce the desired outcomes.

Follow Pre-Surgery Plans

Just like any other surgical procedure, a preoperative plan is recommended for a BBL procedure. Some of the precautions to consider before undergoing a BBL surgery include:

• Following any dietary and supplement advice from Dr. Boyd
• Staying away from nicotine
• Arranging time off work to accommodate the BBL recovery period

Following Dr. Boyd’s pre-op instructions is key to streamlining a smooth BBL surgery and future recovery period.

Prepare Postoperative Essentials

Another important aspect of early preparation is to purchase recovery accessories before surgery so they are handy when you return home. Some of the accessories that can make BBL recovery easier and smoother include:

• A special wedge pillow and/or donut pillow
• A BBL recovery chair
• Comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
• Hygiene items like body wipes

These accessories and recovery essentials can ease pressure on your hips and buttocks, keeping your new contours in check and allowing for a smooth and streamlined recovery.

Follow Aftercare Instructions

After the surgery, Dr. Boyd will outline a postoperative plan. Following aftercare instructions as closely as possible is a must—it’s not optional. Failure to follow recommendations may increase your chances of less-than-ideal results. Some general aftercare instructions include:

• Wearing a compression garment around the liposuction site the first week after surgery
• Sleeping on your stomach or with a special BBL pillow for two weeks to avoid putting pressure on the buttocks
• Avoiding strenuous activities for up to three weeks or per the instruction of Dr. Boyd
• Scheduling a lymphatic massage to promote healing and minimize scarring
• Gentle walking to encourage blood flow

These important rules and guidelines should be followed strictly to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of potential complications.

Why Is It Important to Follow Postoperative Instructions?

A BBL, like any other surgery, has potential risks. Following Dr. Boyd’s postoperative instructions is essential to reduce the chances of these risks and complications. Some risks can include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fluid retention
• Infection

By allowing your body time to rest and heal, you are increasing your chances of a smooth and successful recovery. If you experience any pain or discomfort out of the ordinary, contact Dr. Boyd immediately.

Learn More About Brazilian Butt Lifts in the South Bay

Dr. Boyd is a compassionate, board-certified plastic surgeon in the South Bay who can help achieve your BBL aesthetic goals. Schedule a consultation today by calling (310) 597-4734 or completing our online contact form.