Do you want to enhance your curves,┬ábut arenÔÇÖt comfortable with the idea of implants? Then a┬áBrazilian butt lift (BBL)┬ábe the answer for you. This procedure uses liposuction on areas with excess fat, and then the fat is purified and injected into your posterior.
ItÔÇÖs a surgery that can produce wonderful results without being too invasive, but thereÔÇÖs still a recovery process to go through. During that, you wonÔÇÖt be able to sit, as itÔÇÖll affect the final results.
Now, you may be wondering, ÔÇ£When can I sit after BBL surgery?ÔÇØ This article will address this question, as well as other related concerns you may have.
When Can I Sit After BBL Surgery?
The┬áentire BBL recovery timeline┬áspans roughly half a year, but donÔÇÖt get anxious just yet. This doesnÔÇÖt mean that you canÔÇÖt sit for six months.
Rather, itÔÇÖs important to avoid direct pressure on the newly transferred fat in the initial stages of recovery. If you donÔÇÖt sit correctly, then it can negatively impact the┬ásurvival of fat cells.
Typically, patients are advised to avoid sitting directly on their buttocks for at least two weeks. These first few weeks are most crucial for your BBL, as the newly transferred fat cells need time to develop a stable blood supply. If you sit too early, you can compress these fat cells, and itÔÇÖll reduce their survival rate.
Of course, it may be unrealistic for you to not sit for days or even weeks. Most surgeons recommend that you use alternative sitting methods, such as kneeling.
If this is too difficult for you, then you can try a BBL pillow or booty pillow. This is a specially designed pillow that allows you to sit and alleviates pressure on your buttocks. If you must sit in the first few weeks of recovery, try to keep it to short periods while using the BBL pillow.
After four to six weeks, sitting after a BBL is more normal for most patients. However, weÔÇÖd still advise you to not do prolonged sitting until at least eight weeks post-surgery.
How Long After a BBL Can I Sit Without a Pillow?
As weÔÇÖve just said, a BBL pillow is crucial to your recovery, and itÔÇÖs vital to use it whenever youÔÇÖre sitting. But there comes a time when you wonÔÇÖt have to use it anymore, so when is that exactly?
In general, the recommendation is to use your BBL pillow for at least four to six weeks. However, the exact timeline will depend on your individual healing process, as well as your surgeonÔÇÖs advice.
Once you reach the six to eight-week mark, you can probably start transitioning to normal sitting without a pillow. The key word here is ÔÇ£transitioningÔÇØ; you donÔÇÖt want to make an abrupt change. ItÔÇÖs best to ease into direct sitting gradually while avoiding long periods of pressure on your posterior for at least two months after surgery.
Again, if you have to sit for long periods of time, use a soft cushion or your BBL pillow still to help distribute weight more evenly.
ThereÔÇÖs a sitting-after-BBL myth that youÔÇÖll never sit normally again, but thatÔÇÖs not true at all. If you adhere to your surgeonÔÇÖs post-op guidelines and use proper techniques, you can go back to your normal sitting habits over time.
How to Sit Comfortably Without Ruining Your BBL Results
As weÔÇÖve already mentioned, you should use a BBL pillow while sitting. It should be under your thighs so thereÔÇÖs no direct pressure on the fat graft.
You can also use a kneeling chair. This is a great option if you need to work or study while recovering.
Otherwise, sit in a modified position where you lean slightly forward to distribute your weight onto your thighs. DonÔÇÖt recline, as this can put pressure on your behind.
Another important thing to do is to limit your sitting time. Try to stand and move around every 15-20 minutes to relieve pressure. If possible, lie on your stomach instead of sitting while youÔÇÖre resting.
Lastly, donÔÇÖt sit on hard surfaces if you can help it. Opt for cushioned chairs, or use your BBL pillow or memory foam cushions.
When Can I Sleep on My Back After a BBL?
Sleeping on your back isnÔÇÖt the same thing as sitting, but in reality, itÔÇÖs very similar. Both put pressure on your buttocks, and therefore, on the newly transferred fat too.
We recommend that you sleep on your stomach or side for at least six weeks after your BBL surgery. If you find it uncomfortable, then you can use pillows to support your hips. These can also help keep weight off your posterior while maintaining a comfortable sleeping position.
Once youÔÇÖre past the┬áinitial healing phase┬á(after six to eight weeks), you can begin sleeping on your back. Make sure to use a soft cushion, memory foam pillow, or BBL pillow to distribute the pressure more evenly.
How Long After a BBL Can I Have Sex?
Another issue on your mind may be sex, especially since it involves lying down at times.
Generally speaking, you shouldnÔÇÖt participate in sexual activity for at least two to four weeks post-surgery, depending on your bodyÔÇÖs healing process. You probably wonÔÇÖt feel up to it in this period anyway.
Even if you feel ready, itÔÇÖs best to consult your surgeon before resuming any physical activity, including sex. If you do so too soon, then itÔÇÖll put pressure on your buttocks, and this can lead to increased swelling, bruising, and┬áfat reabsorption. ThereÔÇÖs also a risk of infection since you might irritate the injection sites.
Get the Best Results From Your BBL
Now you know the answer to the question, ÔÇ£When can I sit after BBL surgery?ÔÇØ In summary, you should not sit at all for the first two weeks after surgery, but after that, you can use a BBL pillow to sit for short periods .
Basically, the longer you can avoid direct pressure on your buttocks, the better. This gives the injected fat a better chance of surviving and giving you the plump posterior you desire.
Get in touch with us┬áif youÔÇÖd like to schedule an initial consultation for a BBL. Dr. Valdez has over 16 years of experience and has performed over 3,000 successful surgeries.
References:
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- Writer KC| F, Monday M 28. Seven things you need to know about a Brazilian butt lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/seven-things-you-need-to-know-about-a-brazilian-butt-lift
- Writer KC| F, Thursday A 11. Six things you need to know about recovering from a Brazilian butt lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/six-things-you-need-to-know-about-recovering-from-a-brazilian-butt-lift
- Fat Necrosis: What It Is, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24187-fat-necrosis
- Shih L, Davis MJ, Winocour SJ. The Science of Fat Grafting. Semin Plast Surg. 2020;34(1):5-10. doi:10.1055/s-0039-3402073
