The incredibly popular Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure involves a method known as a fat transfer for reshaping and adding volume to the buttocks. Fat transfer is a type of procedure that involves liposuction and subsequent transfer of that fat into the buttocks area to help add volume and create attractive contours.
Should you feed the fat after BBL?
Once you’ve fully recovered from your BBL, you’ll want to make sure that your investment in your appearance is protected by taking steps to maintain your results. Since the procedure works through the transfer of fat, protecting this donated fat is a priority.
How long does it take for fat to settle after BBL?
Every patient is different, but in general, it can take anywhere from three to six months for fat to settle after a BBL procedure.
How much fat survives after a BBL?
After a BBL procedure, not all of the donated fat will survive the process. Some of it will be absorbed and metabolized by your body. Some factors that determine how much fat survives include:
- Amount of fat transferred
- Tightness and elasticity of skin in the treated area
- How you handle your recovery when you return home
Although every patient is different, in general, around 80% of the transferred fat can be expected to survive the process.
What happens to the fat that dies after a BBL?
Any fat that fails to survive the transfer process should be safely absorbed and eliminated by your body.
Is omega-3 important for my diet?
Yes. As mentioned earlier, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, will help you recover from your procedure.
Recovery after BBL
For a few weeks after your BBL procedure, you should avoid prolonged sitting. The transferred fat will still be settling in at this time, and you don’t want to disturb it more than is absolutely necessary. Avoid placing pressure on your buttocks so that the donated fat cells can make a new home without becoming displaced, which could otherwise lead to a distorted procedure result.
Before undergoing your procedure, do some shopping for pillows that can help you sleep on your stomach or side. There are even special BBL recovery pillows available to help you comfortably sleep without putting pressure on your buttocks.
Dress Properly
Immediately after your surgery, you’ll be provided with a compression garment to wear. Its purpose is to minimize post-procedure swelling and discomfort. You should also avoid wearing clothes that fit tightly while you are recovering. Stick to clothes that are loose and baggy so that the blood supply to your newly transplanted fat is not cut off.
Take It Easy
Not long after you return home from your BBL procedure, you’ll need to walk around some each day to promote healthy blood circulation and prevent blood clots. However, this is not a free license to engage in any kind of physical activity that you desire. The time will come when you can resume light activities and gentle exercises. Just make each transition into a higher level of activity a gentle process.
Fuel the Fat
When it comes to the body, food is fuel. When you’re recovering from your BBL, now is not the time to go on a crash diet. Your body desperately needs foods high in nutrition so that it can heal rapidly and provide nourishment to the transferred fat cells in your buttocks. So eat a healthy diet rich in healthy fats, which can be found in foods like walnuts, avocados, olive oil, and salmon (omega-3 fatty acids). Avoid junk food like candy, potato chips, and sodas that can hinder your recovery.
When it comes to diet, don’t forget to stay hydrated. After surgery, your body will have a higher demand for water so that it can deliver nutrition to your entire body, including the transferred fat, which needs to develop a blood supply so that it remains viable. Your body also needs plenty of water to flush out toxins from your body so that injured tissues can heal completely.
Maintain a Stable Weight
Maintaining a steady weight is important following a BBL procedure. You may think that putting on weight might actually help your results. Unfortunately, gaining a lot of weight can backfire, as the additional fat can distort the results of your BBL. More obviously, losing weight can cause a loss of fat in the area of the procedure, diminishing your results.
The Takeaway
The Brazilian Butt Lift is a popular procedure that can dramatically improve your attractiveness and contours. After your plastic surgeon has performed your procedure, you’ll need to carefully follow all of their instructions so that you can maintain the results of your BBL for years to come.
