If you’re unhappy with a flat or sagging backside and would love to have a curvier, more hourglass-shaped figure, you’ve probably been considering a Brazilian butt lift or a BBL as it’s more commonly known. In order to have a better experience and get the best possible results, it’s important to know what to expect during and after the procedure. That’s why Dr. Ortiz, a leading board-cerified plastic surgeon in Raleigh, is sharing some tips on how to prepare for your Brazilian butt lift.
Understanding the Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure
A Brazilian butt lift is a fat transfer procedure. Using liposuction, fat is removed from one area of the body, commonly the belly, thighs, or hips. It is then processed and strategically injected into the buttocks through a grafting process via several small incisions. This adds volume to the backside using your own fat cells, creating a rounder shape with improved firmness.
Recovering from Your BBL
While the BBL is less invasive than other cosmetic procedures, such as buttock implants, it’s important to take proper care during recovery. Not only will this minimize pain and discomfort as well as the risk of complications, but you’ll also have better long-term results.
It’s normal to experience some bruising and swelling following the procedure, both where the fat was removed and where it was injected. To help minimize this and to increase circulation to the area, patients are given compression garments to wear. You’ll also want to have a BBL pillow to sit on for two to three weeks after the procedure in order to get the best possible results.
5 Ways to Prepare for Your BBL
We want to share how you can best prepare for your BBL in order to have the best results and easiest recovery.
Achieve a Healthy Weight
Before having any cosmetic surgery, it’s important to achieve a healthier weight with a body mass index below 30. This improves your results and minimizes the potential for complications. However, your body needs to have fat in order to extract cells, so you don’t want to be underweight either. Dr. Ortiz will discuss any issues during your consultation.
Stop Using Nicotine
If you smoke or vape, it’s necessary to stop at least six weeks before the procedure and six weeks after to improve healing and prevent complications, including tissue necrosis (tissue death).
Practice Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach
After your procedure, you will need to sleep on your stomach or side for six weeks. If you’re a back sleeper, you may want to “practice” to get used to sleeping comfortably before you have your procedure.
Schedule Two Weeks Off Work
If possible, take a full two weeks off work to give yourself time to heal properly. Sitting directly on your backside is not recommended during the first two to three weeks as this is not only uncomfortable, it can hinder your results. If you must go back to work, make sure you have a BBL cushion to sit on to redistribute your weight.
Have a Helper
You’ll need someone to pick you up and take you home following your procedure, and while you will most likely be back up and moving slowly the following day, you’ll want someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours. This allows you to get the rest you need and avoid overexerting yourself.
Make Your Home Convenient
You’ll be a bit sore for a few days, and it’s important to get a good mix of light movement and rest. To minimize strain and overexertion, we recommend having easy meals ready and everything located on one floor (including bathroom and sleeping area) if possible. Keep simple, healthy snacks on hand and plenty of water as well as entertainment so you can take it easy for a few days. Also, make sure you have comfortable, loose clothing to wear over your compression garments.
Understand the Healing Timeline
The most important way to prepare for your BBL is mental preparation. Many people think they will see the final results immediately after the procedure and may be disappointed. For the first several weeks, there will be swelling and adjustment. Though you’ll see a significant difference by six months post-procedure, you will see the full results of your Brazilian butt lift one year later.
Schedule a Consultation for a Brazilian Butt Lift in Raleigh Today
If you’d like to learn more about a BBL and whether it’s right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortiz today. He’ll discuss your options, the procedure, and your likely results in personalized detail so you can feel confident about taking the next step. Call North Raleigh Plastic Surgery at 919-552-2270 or fill out the form below to get started.
