Brazilian butt lifts have taken the world by storm—more and more people are undergoing this procedure to achieve the silhouette they desire. Rather than using implants, a BBL involves harvesting fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the buttocks. While you often see the finished product of a BBL in person or on social media, what you don’t see is the recovery for it. People often experience mild discomfort and swelling for several weeks after the procedure, and there is even a ‘fluffing stage’ around six to eight weeks later. Let’s discuss what you should expect after undergoing a BBL:
The First Week: Discomfort & Swelling
Overall, a Brazilian butt lift is a minimally invasive procedure. However, there are still some side effects, and in the first week or two, those will include discomfort and swelling. The areas where the fat is harvested using liposuction and the injection points in the butt are where you’ll probably feel the most discomfort and maybe even see some bruising. Over-the-counter discomfort relievers can help combat this discomfort. It’s also helpful to lay ice packs on these areas to reduce swelling. While you shouldn’t sit directly on your butt or exercise heavily, you’ll be advised to start walking around soon after the surgery to get the blood flowing.
Two to Four Weeks: More Swelling
Swelling will continue to be prominent two to four weeks after the procedure. To help combat this, you will be told to wear a compression garment called a faja. Fajas look like biker shorts and help with swelling by gently compressing your waist, buttocks, and thighs and promoting blood flow.
Believe it or not, you should also continue avoiding sitting directly on your butt during this time. You should always use an inflatable donut or pillow when you do need to sit down. It’s even advised to avoid sleeping on your back; try to only lay on your stomach or sides during those first four weeks.
Six to Eight Weeks: Fluffing
There is talk about what exactly fluffing is after a BBL, with even some myths about a ‘fluff fairy’. There’s no magic surrounding this concept; it’s actually quite simple. When the harvested fat is first injected into the buttocks, it causes the skin to feel very tight and firm. As your body recovers and adapts to this new fat, the skin will slowly begin to stretch out. Once this happens and your skin feels soft again, it’s referred to as “fluffing”. It’s important to keep in mind that skin elasticity can depend on various factors such as your age, your ethnicity, your weight, and your genes. So, no two patients’ recovery and fluffing stage will be identical.
The Importance of Postoperative Care
Ensuring a successful Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) journey extends beyond the surgical room. Postoperative care plays a pivotal role in shaping your desired outcome. While the initial discomfort and swelling are normal during the first few weeks, understanding the significance of adhering to your surgeon’s guidelines is crucial.
Investing in Comfort Aids: Weeks 1-2
To manage discomfort during the initial weeks, consider investing in specialized aids such as donut cushions or inflatable pillows. These aids help alleviate pressure on the injected areas, promoting a smoother recovery process. Following your surgeon’s advice on walking, while avoiding direct pressure on the buttocks, enhances blood circulation, facilitating the healing process.
The Role of Compression Garments: Weeks 2-4
The second to fourth weeks post-surgery introduces the use of compression garments, commonly known as fajas. Beyond aiding in reducing swelling, fajas gently compress your waist, buttocks, and thighs, encouraging optimal blood flow. Strict adherence to wearing fajas contributes significantly to sculpting and maintaining the desired contours.
Navigating the Swelling Phase
Understanding the phases of swelling post-BBL is crucial for a realistic expectation of the recovery process. While initial swelling peaks in the first two weeks, it gradually subsides, with significant improvements seen by the fourth week. Embracing this natural progression and continuing to avoid direct pressure on the treated areas aids in achieving optimal results.
Debunking Fluffing Myths
The “fluffing” stage, often shrouded in myths and fairy tales, holds a simple truth: it is the gradual adaptation of the injected fat by your body. In dispelling misconceptions surrounding the ‘fluff fairy,’ it’s essential to recognize that each patient’s experience is unique. The skin’s elasticity, influenced by age, ethnicity, weight, and genetics, varies, impacting the duration and intensity of the fluffing stage.
Turn to Tampa Surgical Arts for a BBL
While it’s smart to do your research regarding Brazilian butt lifts, the best way to get the information you need is to schedule a consultation with a trusted cosmetic surgeon. You can find a reputable, triple-board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Tampa Surgical Arts in Odessa, Florida. Dr. Manik S. Bedi offers many types of BBL procedures, so we would be glad to sit down with you to discuss your options and what to expect from the postoperative process. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bedi by contacting Tampa Surgical Arts today.
