While every recovery is different (and affected by age, health and adherence to post-op instructions), most people fully recover from their BBL within 6 weeks—with significant healing by weeks 4-5. Here’s what to expect.
Immediately after surgery:
After surgery, you’ll need a dedicated caretaker to pick you up, take you home and help with any immediate needs in the following days (filling prescriptions, helping around the house, getting groceries, preparing meals, etc.). Expect to experience some pain, swelling and bruising after the surgery and as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Your doctor will send you home with a prescription to help manage the pain. After surgery, you should mostly rest, but getting up and moving around periodically is also important, as it can reduce swelling and improve circulation.
In the first hours, days and weeks following surgery, you’ll need to avoid putting direct pressure on your buttocks, including during sleep. A donut pillow is a good tool to use when sitting for short periods. If and when you do need to sit, transfer the pressure to the outer thighs as much as possible.
Most importantly, be sure to closely follow all post-op instructions given to you by your surgeon. Failure to do so can compromise your results (and put your health at risk).
Week 1:
In the first week, you’ll want to continue to avoid putting pressure on your buttocks in any way. You should also use compression garments in the areas where you had liposuction. These garments are designed to help with discomfort and reduce swelling and fluid retention. During week 1 you’ll also have follow-up visit/s with your surgeon. During post-op visits, lymphatic massage may be used to speed up the recovery process and minimize scar tissue.
Weeks 2-3:
You should be feeling more like yourself in weeks 2-3, although some soreness and discomfort can persist. You’ll also likely still be a little swollen and not yet able to see fully healed results. During this time you should continue to use the donut when necessary, but avoid sitting as much as possible. Light walking is important to your recovery at this stage, but continue to avoid strenuous activities and heavy exercise.
Weeks 4-5:
At this point, life can start to return to normal, with some light exercise if you’re feeling up to it (but don’t push yourself! No heavy weight lifting). Some residual soreness and swelling is still expected, but if you’re feeling major pain or discomfort, call your doctor immediately.
Week 6:
By week 6, discomfort should subside. This is also the point at which you should be able to more clearly see the final results of your BBL—without swelling and bruising. Keep in mind that final results can vary in terms of the look of your buttocks, as not all transferred fat will survive.
