Following the BBL procedure (liposuction and fat transfer to the buttocks), elastic bandages and a corset will be applied to the areas of your body where liposuction was performed. This special compression corset both tightly wraps the areas where fat was removed and prevents direct pressure on the buttocks where fat was transferred. You must wear your corset 24 hours a day for the first four weeks, removing it only for showering.
You will be encouraged to stand up and begin walking as soon as possible after surgery; early movement increases blood flow and reduces the risk of clots. It is very important not to sit on your buttocks for the first 10–14 days. If you must sit, you can only do so briefly, using the special BBL pillow, shifting your weight to your upper thighs and keeping your buttocks free. You should also be careful to avoid putting pressure on your buttocks while sleeping.
In the first few days, it is normal for some pink or red fluid to leak from the liposuction incisions and is not a cause for concern. Absorbent pads placed under your corset will collect this fluid.
Diet Recommendations
During the first hours after anesthesia, consume liquids and light foods such as water, apple juice, or soup.
If you are not nauseous for the first 24 hours, consume liquid, low-fat, and light foods.
You can return to your normal diet the day after surgery as you feel better. Avoiding fatty and heavy meals during your first meals will help prevent nausea.
Drink plenty of fluids; be sure to drink at least 8–10 glasses of water per day. Avoid alcohol for the first week after surgery.
Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.
Adequate protein intake supports recovery. Aim for approximately 2 grams per kilogram of protein per day, and consume protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, and legumes regularly.
Pain Management and Medications:
Following BBL surgery, you may experience pain, burning, and tenderness in the liposuction areas and buttocks for the first day. This pain is most intense in the first 24 hours and subsides rapidly over the next few days. Regular use of prescribed painkillers can help you stay comfortable.
It’s important to take your antibiotics as prescribed until the pack is finished. After surgery, especially in patients who have had a large volume of fat transfer, a low-dose blood-thinning medication is often prescribed to prevent clot risk. If you are currently taking blood thinners, plan your resumption according to your doctor’s recommendations. You should also avoid medications that can increase bleeding, such as aspirin, for a period of time.
You can take painkillers on a full stomach to protect your stomach; if necessary, ask your doctor about a gastric protector.
Dressing and Corset Use:
You will need to keep your special corset and bandages for the first 48 hours after surgery. Upon discharge from the hospital, our nurses will show you how to remove and reapply your corset and change the pads.
You can take your first shower 3 days (72 hours) after surgery. Before showering, remove your corset and gently lift the outer gauze over the liposuction incisions. Any steri-strips that may be placed over small incisions should be left in place as long as they remain attached. You can wash your body thoroughly during a warm shower, but gently clean the incisions without rubbing. After showering, gently pat the wounds dry with a clean towel and cover the stitches with steri-strips or clean gauze, if necessary. Then, put your corset back on to support your body.
After returning to your country, if your liposuction incisions are completely closed, you can remove the tapes at the end of the first week (7–10 days). If necessary, you can apply new steri-strips for support until day 14. Tape use is generally not necessary after day 14; if your doctor approves, you can apply silicone-based scar cream or gel to the scarred areas.
Because the incisions in BBL are very small (~2–3 mm), stitches are usually not required; the stitches used dissolve on their own. Protect your scars from the sun for the first year, avoid tanning beds, and always use sunscreen with SPF 30+ when going outside.
Bleeding, Swelling, and Bruising:
In the first 24–72 hours after surgery, it is normal for pink-red fluid to leak from the incisions in the liposuction areas. Pads placed inside your corset will collect the fluid during this period, and the discharge will subside naturally as your body recovers.
Swelling and bruising may occur in the buttocks and areas where fat was transferred. The bruising is usually dark and resolves within 2–3 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery. The bruising will fade from purple-red to yellow-green during the healing process; there is no need for concern.
Most of the swelling will subside in the first few weeks; however, it may take up to 6 months for your body to fully recover and for any remaining swelling to resolve. You may feel some firmness or minor irregularities in the liposuction areas; these will soften over time.
Receiving a professional lymphatic drainage massage starting the third day after surgery will help reduce swelling and firmness more quickly.
Exercise and Movement:
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or cardio for the first two weeks after surgery. You can resume daily light activities (e.g., short walks around the house) immediately after surgery.
It is recommended that you wait at least 4–5 weeks before returning to sports or exercise. You can gradually resume brisk walking and low-intensity exercises after about four weeks; however, it is best to wait 6–8 weeks for high-impact activities such as running and weight training. Be aware that you may experience a temporary increase in swelling when you begin exercising; this is normal and will resolve over time.
Avoid swimming in pools, sea baths, and hot environments like saunas or Turkish baths for the first three to four weeks. This promotes wound healing and reduces the risk of infection.
It is recommended that you avoid driving for the first two weeks after surgery; it is unsafe due to both the restriction of sitting and the use of painkillers. The return to work time varies depending on the extent of the procedure; if you have a desk job or light work, you can generally return to work after two weeks. Avoid sexual intercourse and any physical activity that puts excessive pressure on your body for the first 4 weeks.
Scar Care:
Avoid exposing the scarred areas to direct sunlight for the first 6–12 months. If you must be in the sun, use high-protection sunscreen and be sure to cover the area with clothing.
Starting two weeks after surgery, after ensuring the scars are completely healed, you can apply silicone gel or scar cream to these small scars. Liposuction scars are generally unnoticeable after 6–12 months, except for a slight change in skin tone. The small incisions made for fat injections to the buttocks are usually in hidden areas, such as the gluteal folds, and therefore do not leave a visible scar.
Emergencies:
If any of the following symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately:
High fever: 38.5°C or higher, severe chills.
Severe pain or vomiting: Intense pain that persists despite painkillers, or persistent nausea and vomiting.
Surgical site issues: Excessive swelling, redness, increased warmth, foul-smelling discharge, or persistent bleeding in the area where liposuction or fat was injected.
Difficulty breathing: Sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, severe dizziness, or fainting. (These rare conditions require immediate evaluation because they can indicate serious problems such as a fat embolism or a clot in the lung.)
If you notice any abnormal symptoms, don’t wait; contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.