How Long Is BBL Recovery?

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) recovery usually takes about two weeks of downtime, with another four of restricted activities. Many patients love the idea of this procedure and the results it provides but are wary of such a lengthy recovery period. This blog details the honest truth about BBL recovery, how to deal with the most inconvenient aspects of this process, and what patients can expect from this transformational procedure.

Is BBL Recovery Worth It?

Brazilian Butt Lifts are seen as something of a double-edged sword in aesthetics: they provide some truly stunning results, but many prospective patients assume the recovery period is too much to handle. 

But in reality, recovery from a BBL is more inconvenient than difficult, which is why we’ve compiled the ultimate BBL recovery guide with step-by-step instructions, an honest timeline of when you can sit, drive, and sleep normally, and essential tips for success.

Once patients get through the six-week recovery process, they see why most BBL patients think the recovery time is worth their new, alluring curves.

What Is the Hardest Part of BBL Recovery?

Let’s start with the most inconvenient aspects of BBL recovery so you know what you’re dealing with upfront: you cannot sit down for at least two weeks after surgery. 

Why? Because you just transferred fat cells into a new part of your body—putting pressure on your buttocks by sitting down can cause the transferred fat cells to die and affect your results. This means you’ll spend most of the time laying on your stomach or side, with strategically placed pillows and cushions supporting you and avoiding the buttocks. 

Even though not being able to sit on your butt for two weeks is pretty inconvenient (made less so by creative sitting and sleeping positions, though!), it’s really the worst part of BBL recovery. You probably won’t experience much pain at all—no more than any other procedure. Since BBLs use liposuction and fat grafting, incisions are very small and discreet, and swelling and bruising are typically reduced after week one. 

Essential BBL Recovery Tips

First, prepare early. Get yourself a body pillow for sleep, a donut pillow to sit on, and any other cushions to make sleeping, sitting, and relaxing as easy as possible. With the increase in BBL popularity, there are several options for cushions that are specifically designed for BBL recovery. These BBL recovery pillows take the pressure off your buttocks and transfer the weight to your thighs so you can sit comfortably without affecting your new fat cells. 

Enlist a friend or family member to help you for the first two weeks. Yep, two weeks. This is how long you will have limited mobility and possibly some difficulty getting around. If you live alone, ask your support to stay with you the first two nights after your BBL to ensure you are clear of initial risks. Once you get settled into your routine with plenty of food and supplies, you might be okay with having your friend check in every few days. 

The number one tip for making your BBL recovery a breeze: listen to your surgeon’s instructions for aftercare, as it’s up to you to take care of your body as you heal. The better you follow the rules, the better result you’ll end up with. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon or their team—don’t leave your recovery up to chance. 

And if you’re still shopping for an experienced BBL surgeon who offers comprehensive support before, during, and after surgery, Dr. Marco Gonzalez is an excellent choice. With extensive experience performing this complex procedure, Dr. Gonzalez creates beautiful results with safety as a number one priority.

Your Ultimate BBL Recovery Timeline

Each BBL is unique to the needs, goals, and anatomy of the patient, so each recovery period will likewise be unique. The following is a general timeline of what most patients reasonably experience, but be aware that your experience will likely vary and that’s ok!

Immediately After Your BBL

On day one, you’re going to be groggy, possibly numb, bandaged, and medicated. Your surgeon will put you in a compression garment to keep everything supported. They will give your responsible caregiver your aftercare instructions and medications and then send you both on your way. 

When you get home, you’ll likely sleep. Your caregiver should make sure you have plenty of water, food when you’re ready, and medications all set for you. Your first week will be pretty much taken up by rest, light walking, eating good food, and any follow-up visits. 

You’ll be sore, bruised, and stiff. Follow your aftercare instructions, which will include specific limitations (like sitting, of course, but also exercise, etc.), but they may also suggest that you get up and walk as soon as you feel up to it. This is key, as increasing blood flow aids in healing and reduces the risk of blood clotting.

One Week Post-Op BBL

One week after your BBL is when pain, bruising, and swelling peak. Don’t get discouraged—this is all part of the process. You’ll slowly start to feel better after about week two, but you can manage pain with over-the-counter medications or pain meds prescribed by your surgeon.

You’ll still be wearing your compression garment day and night, except when you shower. You’ll likely be instructed to continue this until after your second week post-op. It’s important to follow this rule closely, as not wearing your garment can affect your final results.

You might notice that your butt is much larger than you anticipated or discussed in your consultation—this is normal. During the fat transfer process, there is always some amount of the transferred fat cells that do not survive. Only about 30-60% of the transferred cells remain viable in the new location, which is why your surgeon will add slightly more fat to account for this. 

Two Weeks Post-Op BBL

You’ll continue to wear your compression garment, be diligent about not sitting on your buttocks, and slowly incorporate light walking. By now, you’ll have your recovery rules down, you’ll likely be feeling a lot better, and swelling and bruising will start to fade. 

But don’t move too quickly—you still have plenty of healing to do. Your buttocks will continue the process of absorbing excess fat cells, and you’ll start to notice some slight improvements to the shape and overall contour of the buttocks. 

If you sit for work, you may still need to take time off or make special arrangements. 

Weeks 3–4 Post-Op BBL

This is the point where you’ll start feeling much better, with increased energy and physical comfort. Your surgeon may start to give you clearance to return to work, remove your compression garments, or start to incorporate light exercise. Always refer to their instructions or give them a call before resuming any new activities. 

You can incorporate more activity into your routine now, including light exercise, but avoid anything that engages the glutes. Continue to limit the amount of time you spend on your buttocks—you still want to keep those fat cells protected—but brief periods of time to drive or sit are ok.

Around week four, you should start to see the final results of your BBL. Any irregularities like bumps or lumpy skin should smooth out, including around the areas that received liposuction. At this point, your results will only continue to improve. As you feel more like yourself get a little stronger and more energized, things will definitely start looking up. 

Please note that your final results may take anywhere from 2 to 12 months to appear.

Weeks 5 and Beyond: Final Results

BBLs are truly transformational procedures that offer stunning results with very little need for invasive measures. The combined effect of slimming and contouring liposuction exactly where you want, plus the artistic augmentation of the butt, results in the ultimate hourglass figure that lasts for as long as you take care of it. 

A few weeks of inconvenience for your dream body? Sounds like a great deal.

Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez: Your El Paso, TX, BBL Expert

Call Dr. G Plastic Surgery at (915) 600-2639 or fill out our online form to schedule a comprehensive BBL consultation with Dr. G.