How long does it take for fat to settle after BBL? Whilst every patient is different, generally, the final results of BBL surgery will be visible between 3 and 6 months.
By the end of the fourth week, you should have a better idea of what your bottom will look like in its final form. However, keep in mind that you won't see the ultimate results of your BBL until 6 to 12 months after the procedure.
Following most facial fat grafting treatments, fat graft survival rate is 60%. This surviving fat is permanent, and as such, it responds just like any other bodily fat. If you experience weight fluctuations, you will notice changes in your fat grafting results.
It can take up to 6 months for a surgical fat transfer to fully take effect, as some of the injected fat may be reabsorbed by your body during the first few months after the procedure.
In our experience, the fat survival rate after a BBL procedure is generally more than 80%. For example, if 1L of purified fat tissue is injected into each buttock, we'd expected to see a long-term survival of about 800 mls of fat.
After a few weeks, the fat that survives develops its blood supply and integrates naturally into the fat there. Transferred fat should live indefinitely in the buttocks, and Brazilian butt lift results are usually permanent.
In fact, wearing a garment that's too tight can negatively impact your BBL results, says Dr. Franco, who adds that it's a common mistake patients make.
Remember that if you squeeze the newly transferred fat by any means, it may kill or ruin the cells. That is why it is essential to make sure you do not wear restrictive or tight clothes during your recovery process.
For the first six weeks following your BBL surgery, it's essential to wear your faja 24 hours a day, except when bathing or laundering the garment.
Squat or Stretch- Similar to sitting, these activities increase pressure on your buttock and can cause damage or shift the transferred fat.
BBL healing stages: What to expect
As the body starts to heal, the swelling will gradually reduce, with the most noticeable decrease occurring within the first 3 – 6 weeks. However, some residual swelling can persist for several months, even up to six months, as the body adjusts and the results become more apparent.
It can take up to six months to see the final results. During this time, the fat cells settle into their new places, where they remain for life.
Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen) for 2 weeks before and after surgery. These medications may increase bleeding. Substances to Avoid: Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, for these will dramatically slow the healing process.
Let's prioritize protein intake from sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes to promote tissue regeneration and muscle recovery. We'll also want to incorporate healthy fats found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which provide the necessary building blocks for successful buttock augmentation.
Signs of fluffing after BBL
The skin of your buttocks will start to become softer, more elastic, and generally less tense. The shape of the buttocks becomes rounder and should start to feel and look more natural as the skin stretches to accommodate the newly introduced fat.
Following a BBL, be on alert for the following symptoms suggestive of problems: Ongoing pain unrelieved by medication. Progressive swelling or bruises. Hard areas in the buttocks, which might be fat necrosis.
Without it, you may experience a lot of unnecessary swelling and the skin may not retract to fit the new buttocks and body contour. Compression garments also tend to speed up recovery and reduce discomfort overall.
As adipose tissue cells begin to die, you may notice changes in the texture or appearance of your skin in the area. You may feel a lump or a hard node under your skin, or the area may appear red, thickened or bruised.
The idea is to consume enough calories—and the right kinds of calories—to give the newly transferred fat cells the best chance of survival. It's not just about eating more; it's about eating smart. Consuming nutrient-dense foods can support cell health, which in turn helps to solidify the results of your BBL procedure.
DON'T Massage the buttock or any area where fat was transferred. This needs to heal without disruption. Massage is ideally performed under the direction of a massage therapist (preferably one trained in lymphatic massage). This can be started immediately and a typical protocol would be 2-3 x per week for 2 – 3 weeks.
The Settling Period
It takes a while for the newly transferred fat cells to fully settle into their new location. That's why the period between 3 and 6 months is so crucial. It's when the 'excess' fat cells are either absorbed back into the body or become a permanent part of your newly enhanced buttocks.
If you have to sit, use a BBL pillow or an elevated cushion underneath your thighs. Sleep on your stomach or side for at least two months. Wear your specialized compression garment for three to six weeks. It should fit snugly and not too tightly to minimize the pressure on your buttocks.
The initial BBL results will be visible within seven days, but you can expect to see improved results over the course of a few months. Depending on your specific needs and the advice of your skin care specialist, it usually takes multiple treatments to achieve optimal results.