Body Surgery

If you’re planning to have a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) in the next few months, you have a lot to think about. One areas of concern for many patients who plan to undergo this procedure is how it will affect their sleep. They want to know how to sleep after BBL procedure during recovery, when it is critical to avoid any pressure on the backside. Here is some information that will help you be better prepared for a good night’s sleep after your BBL in Houston.

The BBL Procedure

Many patients become interested in a BBL if they have lost volume in the buttocks because of weight loss or aging. Some may have never had the butt they wanted and see a Brazilian butt lift as a way to achieve the shape of their dreams. This procedure uses liposuction, taking fat from other areas of the body, to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks.

The surgeon will determine which areas on the body are the best source for fat from liposuction. Multiple sites may be used if you don’t have a lot of excess fat. The fat is removed during the surgery and grafted. It is injected into the buttocks through a syringe. Multiple injections may be necessary to ensure the fat transfers evenly and provides a rounded, natural-looking appearance.

A BBL procedure is usually done as an outpatient under general anesthesia. The surgery takes around three to six hours, depending on the number of donor sites and injections needed. Once the patient wakes up from the surgery, they will be monitored until they are ready to go home.

What to Expect with BBL Recovery

Following your procedure, the surgeon will use a compression garment to help with healing. You can expect to have some swelling and bruising at the injection sites as well as from the liposuction. It will be difficult to sit during the first few weeks and you should avoid sitting directly on the buttocks as much as possible. As the swelling goes down and the discomfort diminishes, you will begin to feel better and more able to resume your normal activities.

BBL Recovery Restrictions and Limitations

To ensure the best results and to prevent complications with the Brazilian butt lift, your surgeon will recommend some limitations. They will restrict your activities for the first six weeks. The surgeon will recommend that you stay off your buttocks from either sitting or laying down for two to six weeks. This allows the fat to graft to the buttocks.

The doctor may recommend sitting on a special cushion to distribute any pressure on the buttocks. Once the swelling goes down, the doctor will recommend activity and even sitting. Most of the time, you will be able to go back to your normal routines in four to six weeks. It will be about three months before you see the full results of the BBL.

How to Sleep After BBL

One of the challenges for patients who undergo a BBL is sleeping. While laying down doesn’t put as much pressure on your buttocks as sitting down after a BBL, you should still be cautious. Most surgeons recommend you avoid sleeping on your back for the first few weeks after the procedure.

Adding to the complication is the fact that you will be sore in multiple areas. You may feel some soreness at the site of the liposuction as well as in your buttocks. While you will appreciate your new look afterwards, you may have to work to find a comfortable way to sleep for the first couple of weeks.

Sleeping on Your Side

You may find it more comfortable to lie on your side to sleep after a BBL, especially if you are naturally a side sleeper. Of course, this will depend on where you had fat removed and injected. If the fat was injected into the hips, sleeping on your side could compromise the results. If you had fat deposits removed from along your sides, you may notice soreness if you try to sleep in this position.

Sleeping on Your Stomach

It may be possible to sleep on your stomach after surgery, depending on where fat was transferred from. If liposuction was done on your stomach, sleeping in this position won’t be an option until it heals. However, stomach sleeping may be possible if the fat was removed from the thighs, back, or other areas.

Tips to Help with Sleep

Pillows are an important part of the recovery process for a BBL. You’ll want to have several supportive pillows on hand before your procedure. You can use one between your legs as you sleep on your side. You may find that a donut-shaped pillow makes it easier to lie on your back and sleep without putting pressure on the injection sites.

Create a soothing environment for sleeping. Your body is going to need extra rest to recover from the procedure. Use essential oils, soft music, low lighting, and other features to help you relax when going to bed.

When Can You Return to Sleeping Normally?

Once you figure out how to sleep after a BBL and lipo, you may be anxious to find out when things can return to normal. It will take a few weeks for the fat to graft to the buttocks and for incision and injection sites to heal. During this time, you should avoid sleeping on your back. It’s best to ask your surgeon before the procedure how to sleep after a BBL and when you can return to your favorite sleep positions. Follow the instructions to ensure you get the best results from your procedure.

Be aware that guidelines may change if you combine procedures. You’ll need to ask specifically about how to sleep after a BBL and tummy tuck as opposed to just having a BBL.

Contact Us Today About a BBL

If you’re ready to enjoy a new look and shapelier figure, contact us today about a BBL. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is an experienced plastic surgeon with more than two decades in practice, providing exceptional results for patients. He is a leading provider of a tummy tuck in Houston, TX. You can trust your body contouring in Houston to his expertise. Schedule a consultation to get all your questions answered and to plan for your BBL.