Brazilian Butt Lift: Your Step-by-Step Guide to an Optimal Recovery

The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has surged in popularity, and if you’re one of the more than 28,600 people who have gone the surgical route to enhance their curves, understanding the recovery process is paramount. 

Ensuring a smooth rehabilitation is just as crucial as choosing the right surgeon and procedure details. 

Frederick H. Watkins, MD, a leading plastic surgeon in and around McLean, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, wants you to walk away with the results you envision, so he’s compiled this step-by-step plan for your post-op recovery.

Navigating the initial hours after your BBL

The hours immediately following your Brazilian butt lift are the most critical and require your full attention to expedite healing. Upon waking from anesthesia, we monitor you closely before clearing you to go home, typically on the same day. 

Immediate care and comfort measures

Right off the operating table, managing pain is the highest priority. Dr. Watkins prescribes pain medication, but you should have a family member or friend in charge of administering your doses because you’ll be under the influence of anesthesia. 

Dr. Watkins might also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, except aspirin and ibuprofen, which can thin your blood and increase bruising.

Hydration and early nutrition

The anesthesia and pain medications can cause constipation, so focus on a liquid diet initially and gradually introduce simple, easily digestible foods. 

Staying hydrated is key; sipping water throughout the day will prevent postoperative ileus, temporary paralysis of your digestive system, leading to discomfort and bloating.

Setting up for a successful recovery at home

Preparation for recovery begins long before you undergo your surgery. 

• Have soft, nonslip surfaces to walk on, like a plush rug in your bathroom
• Stock up on ice packs, a donut pillow for sitting, and a “grabber” tool to avoid bending
• Get a pool float or pregnancy pillow to help you sleep 

You need to prevent pressure on your backside while you heal, so practice lounging and sleeping in comfortable positions ahead of time. 

Arrange for someone to help with cooking, cleaning, or anything that requires significant movement for the first few days. 

Dos and don’ts during your BBL recovery

After your BBL, you must avoid actions that can stress your newly augmented buttocks but also remain mobile for proper circulation. Here’s how to balance your movements after your BBL:

Walking slowly

Dr. Watkins advises you to walk around the house every hour or so after the first 24 hours post-surgery. These walks should be short and slow.

“Sitting” and lying down

During the first week, you can lie on your side or stomach but never on your back. When you must sit, do so carefully using specially designed BBL cushions or donut pillows — and never for more than 10 minutes.

Post-BBL diet

What you eat during your recovery directly impacts your healing process. 

Eat this

Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, like leafy greens and fruits, into your diet. Vitamin C, in particular, aids in collagen production, which is essential to the healing process. Protein is also vital for muscle repair, so in the weeks following your BBL, eat more protein than usual to help repair tissues.

Don’t eat this

Processed and high-fat foods can lead to constipation, so eat a high-fiber diet after your BBL. You should also steer clear of ingredients that increase your risk of blood clotting, like ginger or garlic.

When to get your behind in gear again

Recovery after your Brazilian butt lift is a gradual process. In the early weeks, rest is essential, but don’t overdo your lounge time — gentle movements prevent muscle atrophy and blood clots.

Between weeks two and three, Dr. Watkins may clear you to incorporate light movement into your daily routine, such as gentle stretching and short walks outside the house.

Monitoring for complications

Numbness, tightness, itching, and changes in sensation are normal. However, Dr. Watkins explains how to monitor for symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, like swelling and redness in your legs. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention or call us immediately. 

Also, stick to your pain management schedule. Keeping your discomfort under control allows you to move enough to keep your blood and oxygen flowing.

The final phase of recovery and the road ahead

After six to eight weeks, you’ve completed the first phase of your BBL recovery. 

As you feel better, you can gradually resume normal activities like driving, working, and performing household chores. However, always listen to your body, don’t push yourself too hard, and clear your activities with Dr. Watkins.

For more information on recovering well from BBL, request a consultation with Dr. Watkins online or call our location most convenient to you today.