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BBL Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

BBL Recovery Timeline

When you look in the mirror, you might be mostly satisfied with what you see. However, you may not be completely happy with your posterior, and no matter what you do, you can’t get the body shape you want.

One solution is to get a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which adds volume in addition to lifting the buttocks. As a result, you’ll get a stunning shape.

It is a significant surgical procedure, so you’ll have to plan carefully for your recovery. What’s the BBL recovery timeline like, and what should you expect beforehand? This article will go over all you need to know for your BBL healing process.

The BBL Recovery Timeline

How long is a BBL recovery? Well, you should be fully recovered two to three months after your procedure. However, it can take up to six months to see the final results, so remember to be patient.

With that said, here’s what to expect from BBL recovery, week by week.

Immediate Post-Surgery (First 24-48 Hours)

When you first wake up from surgery, you’ll feel groggy from the anesthesia. You’ll eventually feel more and more alert, although you won’t be able to drive home yourself. So, arrange for reliable transportation beforehand.

Also, since a BBL involves liposuction, you’ll experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the liposuction and injected areas. In addition, you’ll have drainage from the incisions.

As you might expect, you’ll have pain and discomfort after your surgery. However, you can manage both with the medications your surgeon prescribes. You’ll have to use compression garments too.

Because things may initially be difficult, arranging for a caregiver to assist you can be beneficial. You should avoid sitting or lying directly on your buttocks and sleep on your stomach or side.

Don’t be sedentary though; if you can manage it, then start light walking to promote circulation. It’s also helpful to stay hydrated and eat light meals.

Week 1

The first week is the critical adjustment phase, as this is when you’ll have significant swelling and bruising. Plus, you’ll have some pain and tenderness.

At this point, the fat cells will start integrating, and you may get tightness or numbness in the treated areas. There may also be drainage still.

It’s important that you wear your compression garment 24/7, except when you’re showering. Keep sleeping on your stomach or sides, and avoid prolonged sitting. If you must sit, then use a BBL pillow, which is a cushion specially designed to help with recovery by reducing pressure on your buttocks.

If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, then take them as prescribed, even if you’re feeling good. And of course, continue to stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense foods to promote healing.

Week 2

Most likely, you’ll still have swelling and bruising, but they’ll start to decrease. There will be less pain, too, but it’s normal to have lingering tenderness.

Some people may have hardness or lumpiness in the liposuction areas. This is fibrosis, and while it can be due to genetics, it can also happen if you haven’t followed post-op instructions carefully. It may be a sign of mediocre surgical work too, so make sure you choose a reputable surgeon who’s board-certified.

During this week, you should still avoid direct pressure on your buttocks. Continue wearing your compression garment, and keep up with light walking. You should still keep your physical activity limited, though.

Weeks 3-4

In weeks 3-4, you’ll see visible changes as the swelling continues to subside. It may seem like your buttocks are smaller, but that’s because the swelling’s going away.

Your fat cells will begin to stabilize too. On top of that, the liposuction areas will start smoothing out.

Just because you’re seeing visible improvements doesn’t mean you should stop using the compression garment. Keep wearing it as recommended, and don’t do strenuous activities and heavy lifting. If necessary, continue using a BBL pillow while sitting to encourage the best results possible.

Some surgeons may recommend gentle massages to help with recovery. Only schedule these if your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.

If you’re wondering, “How long after a BBL can you go back to work,” some people can at this point. You can’t do anything that involves bending or twisting, and if you work a desk job, arrange for a standing desk if possible.

Weeks 5-6

Around the 1.5-month mark, you should be settling into the results. You’ll see a more defined shape in your posterior, thanks to further reduction in swelling. Since you’re healing, you’ll experience increased comfort in mobility as well.

At this point, you still shouldn’t have direct pressure on your buttocks, such as through sitting. However, you can gradually ease back into low-impact exercise. Just make sure that you follow up with your surgeon for progress checks.

Months 2-3

These months are considered the final stages of recovery. It’s expected that some fat cells will have died off after surgery, but the ones that survive to this point should become permanent. This means that your buttocks will take on a more natural shape, as nearly all swelling should be gone too.

You should feel almost back to 100% normal, so you can resume regular activities with caution. If your surgeon approves, you can also begin lower body workouts. They may advise you to wear a compression garment still, so listen to their instructions.

Months 4-6

After half a year, you should be fully healed and have your final results since the buttocks have fully settled. The liposuction areas should also be fully healed, meaning that long-term results are now visible.

It’s important to keep up with a healthy diet and lifestyle, for both your health and the maintenance of your new buttocks. Continue strength-building exercises if you wish, and keep away from significant weight fluctuations to preserve these results.

Plan Accordingly for BBL Recovery

Getting a BBL can be exciting, especially if you’ve always thought your posterior was lacking. However, healing from the procedure can be an ordeal, so knowing the BBL recovery timeline is useful.

With this newfound information, you can determine the best time for you to get this surgery. Plus, you can adequately plan your recovery period so you can heal without interruptions.

Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in scheduling a BBL. Dr. Valdez specializes in this procedure and can give you fantastic results.

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