BBL Recovery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City and Maryland

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A Brazilian Butt Lift, commonly referred to as a BBL, is a popular cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of the buttocks by transferring fat from other parts of the body. This two-in-one procedure has gained immense popularity over the years, with many people desiring a curvier and more shapely figure. While learning more about the whole of the procedure is significant, the recovery period is crucial for achieving optimal results. Below are valuable tips for ensuring a smooth and successful recovery after a BBL procedure.

Whether you’re considering a Brazilian Butt Lift at Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery with Dr. Daniel Markmann or have already undergone the surgery, we’re here to guide you through the recovery process and help you achieve the best possible outcome. Our dedicated Ellicott City, MD staff makes themselves available to answer questions after any procedure. Patients may experience emotional ups and downs during recovery, such as anxiety about the outcome. Despite the excitement about showing off results, patients must give their bodies the time to recover fully and adequately to ensure the best results. So let’s dive in and uncover Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery’s tips for a successful BBL recovery. Call 410-465-3600 with questions or to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Markmann and his staff.

Interested in learning more about procedures offered by Dr. Markmann? Check out our blog!

Before and After Photos

What is a Brazilian Butt Lift?

The Brazilian Butt Lift has taken the world by storm. It’s easy to see why – a shapely, curvy behind has become a highly sought-after feature, and the BBL offers a natural-looking solution.

Fat is harvested from other body parts using liposuction techniques, purified, and then injected into the buttocks to enhance their shape, size, and contour. This dual-purpose procedure provides more prominent and lifted buttocks and slims down areas of the body where excess fat is removed.

The procedure usually takes a few hours and is performed under general anesthesia. One of the significant advantages of BBL is that it uses the patient’s tissue instead of implants or foreign materials. This means there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction, and the results are often more natural-looking than those achieved with implants.

The BBL is a versatile procedure that can be customized to meet each patient’s needs. Whether you want to

  • Add volume
  • Improve shape
  • Subtly lift your buttock

a skilled plastic surgeon can tailor the BBL to your specific goals.

At Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery, we understand the importance of feeling confident and comfortable in your skin. We offer the BBL procedure to help you achieve the silhouette you’ve always wanted. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Daniel Markmann, has extensive experience performing BBLs and is committed to providing personalized care and attention to each patient.

If you’re considering a BBL, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us to learn more about the procedure and how it can benefit you. With our help, you can achieve the beautiful, natural-looking curves you’ve always dreamed of! Patients in Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City and Maryland can call 410-465-3600 to schedule an appointment.

The Day of Your Procedure: Waking Up From Anesthesia

Waking up from surgery can be a disorienting experience, especially for those who have never undergone general anesthesia. However, rest assured that Dr. Markmann and his Metamorphosis Plastic Surgery team are dedicated to ensuring your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

After completing your BBL procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where our staff will monitor you closely as you awaken from anesthesia. You may experience grogginess or dizziness, which is normal and should pass relatively quickly.

Every patient’s recovery experience is unique; some may take longer to wake up from anesthesia than others. However, our staff will be with you every step of the way, ensuring that you are safe and that your recovery is progressing smoothly. With our help, you can wake up from surgery feeling confident and ready to embark on your journey toward a shapelier, more beautiful figure.

Caring For Your Incision Sites

During your Brazilian Butt Lift, Dr. Markmann will strategically place small incisions in inconspicuous areas. These incisions will offer access to the fat that will be harvested and transferred to your buttocks so Dr. Markmann can sculpt your figure.

After your procedure, you’ll need to care for these incision sites to ensure they heal properly. This will involve keeping the area clean and dry and avoiding any strenuous activity that could cause the incisions to reopen. You may also notice some bruising or swelling around the incision sites, but don’t worry – this is a normal part of the healing process and will gradually improve.

While the appearance of your incision sites will depend on your healing process, most patients find their scars barely visible within a few months after their procedure. And with your Brazilian Butt Lift results, you can confidently show off your beautiful new curves and the hard work you’ve put into transforming your body.

Recovery Specific to BBL

Avoiding sitting is a critical aspect of recovering from a BBL. The pressure of sitting on the buttocks can damage the newly transplanted fat cells, resulting in less-than-ideal results. But, the biggest concern is Motion.   Every movement of your hip, whether it is to bend over or to sit down, moves the fat cells and can stretch or tear the new blood vessels that your body is forming to keep those new fat cells alive.    Therefore, it is essential to find ways to avoid sitting and bending at the hip.  

Dr Markmann has found that laying on your back does not damage the fat cells.  He actually encourages his patients to lay on their back, sides as well as face down.  Dr Markmann recommends that patients walk for 5-10 minutes every 2 hours, then go lay down in a different position for the next 2 hours.  His patients follow this routine for the first 3 weeks after surgery. 

Dr Markmann does not recommend the use of the BBL Pillow or Cushion as this still requires bending at the hip.  

A specially designed BBL pillow or cushion can help distribute your weight evenly across your thighs and reduce the pressure on your buttocks. These pillows or cushions are shaped like a horseshoe and have a hole in the middle, which allows you to sit without putting pressure on your buttocks. The problem is, using these devices still require bending at the hip.

Use a Standing Desk

If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods, consider using a standing desk. This will allow you to work while standing up and avoid sitting on your buttocks.

Lean Forward While Standing

If standing for long periods is uncomfortable, try leaning forward while standing to take the pressure off your buttocks. Place your hands on a table or counter and lean forward slightly.

Avoid Driving

Driving requires you to sit for extended periods, which can be harmful to your buttocks during the recovery period. If possible, avoid driving for at least three weeks after surgery.

Wearing Compression Garments

As you recover from your BBL, you’ll need to wear a specialized compression garment that applies light pressure to the areas treated with liposuction and to support the new curves of your buttock. These are also known as Fajas.  A Faja is just another name for a compression garment or a girdle. These garments are designed specifically for liposuction, BBL and other plastic surgery procedures to provide compression and shaping, but also to minimize swelling, fluid collections and bleeding.   They are similar to high-waisted bike shorts that include openings in the crotch to allow you to use the restroom without removing the entire garment. You will be provided 3 of these garments for recovery, but often patients buy several more to have extra to wash and wear.   Dr Markmann will measure you at the end of surgery and place you into the correct fitting size for your new curves.  Dr Markmann recommends that you  wear them  24/7 for the first 2 months following BBL surgery.  However, most patients wear these compression suits for 3-6 months.  Most patients say they feel more comfortable wearing them than not.    You may also need to buy smaller sizes as your swelling subsides. Some patients need larger sizes towards the beginning of their recovery to account for swelling, and smaller sizes to maintain proper compression as the swelling abates. Wearing these garments diligently is important, as they help to relieve swelling and fluid build-up and ensure that skin contracts smoothly in the areas treated with liposuction.

Fat Survival Rates After BBL

One thing most patients must understand before undergoing BBL surgery is the survival rates of the transferred fat. Fat transfer is the critical component of the BBL procedure, and the success of the surgery largely depends on how much of the transferred fat survives in the buttocks. Here are some statistics on fat survival rates after a Brazilian Butt Lift:

  • The average fat survival rate after a BBL is approximately 50-70%, depending on various factors. [1]
  • The survival rate of the transferred fat can be significantly influenced by the patient’s post-operative care. Avoiding sitting or lying on your back for an extended period, wearing supportive garments, and following a healthy diet can all contribute to a higher fat survival rate.
  • In some cases, a touch-up procedure may be necessary to achieve the desired results. The touch-up procedure usually involves injecting additional fat into the buttocks to achieve the desired shape and size.

Adipogenesis is the process of creating new fat cells, and it begins when certain stem cells in our fat tissue become activated. This process takes around three months, and during this time, some of the old fat cells are replaced with new ones. However, not all of the old fat cells are replaced, and they can take up to nine months to be absorbed by our bodies. The amount of fat that remains after a fat grafting procedure is partially determined by how many new fat cells successfully replace the old ones. [2] This is why Dr Markmann is very diligent about being certain that he transplants not only the fat cells, but all of the stem cells as well.  

What Does a Brazilian Butt Lift Cost in Baltimore?

Whether you need guidance on pain management, advice on when to resume physical activity, or simply a reassuring voice to talk to, we’re here to support you every step of the way. At times, recovery from a BBL may be emotionally challenging, and it’s important to have a support system in place. 

Call today to learn more about the cost, the procedure, and how it can change your life. Call 410-465-3600 or contact us online. We look forward to meeting you! 

References

  1. Irvine Duncan D. Enhanced Liposuction : New Perspectives and Techniques. IntechOpen; 2022. Accessed December 23, 2022. https://directory.doabooks.org/handle/20.500.12854/90244
  2. Pu LLQ. Mechanisms of Fat Graft Survival. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2016;77:S84. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000000730