The Body
Immediate post-operative care: first week following BBL
D+1 after BBL :
Drainage and medicines
It is normal for a mixture of anaesthetic fluid and blood to flow during the first twelve hours. This is evacuated through the small holes used for liposuction and fat injection.
We do not use a drain after the operation. We provide Tena Bed pads for use on the mattress for the first night.
Prophylactic antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed to relieve pain.
At Clinique Bellefontaine, we prescribe – except in cases of allergy – antibiotics Ciproxine 500 mg (1x in the morning and 1x in the evening for 5 days) as well as painkillers Dafalgan 1 g every 6 hours (4x/day) and Novalgine 500 mg every 8 hours (3x/day if necessary).
Compression garments
We prescribe a Marena compression girdle or panthy, which you should wear day and night for the first 3 weeks, except when showering.
The upper elastic band of the panthy should be positioned just under the breasts. If it slips down, it can leave an imprint on the upper abdomen that is sometimes difficult to correct.
Panthys are specially adapted for BBL because they have a hole in the buttocks, minimising the risk of compression.
Wear them as directed to reduce swelling and support the new contours.
Pressure on the buttocks
Avoid any pressure on the areas where fat is injected, i.e. the buttocks.
Sensitivity
A temporary reduction in sensitivity is normal in the sampling areas (often the hips, stomach or back) due to micro-trauma to the superficial nerves.
D2 after the BBL :
Two days after the operation, remove the compression girdle and all dressings.
Take a shower, gently disinfect the small incisions with a usual disinfectant, then dry carefully around the holes without touching them.
Then apply a Tegaderm dressing.
Leave the Tegaderm dressing in place for subsequent showers until the next check-up with Dr Favre.
Please note When removing the compression sleeve for the first time, a drop in tension may occur. It is therefore advisable to be accompanied.
Weeks 2 to 4 following the operation
At the first check-up (7 to 10 days after the operation), it is recommended, depending on the areas treated (abdomen, hips, back), to start LPG Endermologie sessions.
This treatment reduces oedema, tones the skin and corrects minor irregularities. Sessions can be carried out at the Bellefontaine clinic. Thighs and knees do not systematically require LPG Endermologie treatment.
Two weeks after the operation, hardening of the subcutaneous tissues is common, especially on the stomach, hips and back. This induration may last between 2 and 6 weeks. Regular massages and LPG Endermologie help to soften the tissues.
Swelling and bruising are also normal and will begin to diminish over the first 2 to 3 weeks.
From the second week onwards, gradually increase your level of activity.
However, avoid any pressure on the buttocks and hip dips for 12 weeks.
The compression girdle can be removed permanently from the third week onwards.
Some patients choose to continue wearing it for better support, particularly when resuming sport between 8 and 12 weeks after the operation.
If you resume sport as early as the third week, this may lead to greater resorption of the injected fat. To optimise the results of a BBL, it is advisable to postpone resuming sport until 12 weeks after the operation.
Between the third week and the third month, some of the fat injected will be naturally resorbed. The final result will be visible around 3 months, provided that a stable weight is maintained.
From 5ᵉ week
If you are going to be exposed to the sun, apply SPF 50+ sun protection to the scars until they are completely lightened.
Swimming is permitted 4 weeks after the operation.
It is common to experience asymmetric pain at first and reduced sensitivity in the hips, back and stomach. Sensitivity returns gradually: around 90% at 3 months, with full recovery around 6 months.
Maintaining a stable weight is essential to preserve the results of your BBL.
Résorption et second lipofilling
Some of the transferred fat is resorbed naturally. At Clinique Bellefontaine, we see an average resorption rate of 20-30%. As each person is unique, this rate may vary.
Some very demanding patients opt for a second lipofilling session to perfect the shape and projection of the buttocks.
What are the essential guidelines for post-BBL recovery?
- Rest strictly for the first 14 days
- Sleep on the stomach for 8 to 12 weeks
- No pressure on the buttocks and hip dips for 12 weeks
- Stop smoking one month before and after the operation
- Prefer showers to baths
- Wear the compression girdle correctly for 3 weeks
- Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight
- Carry out lymphatic drainage of the donor area from 10 days
- Maintain a stable weight post-operatively
- Resume sport after 8 weeks
BBL at Clinique Bellefontaine
At Clinique Bellefontaine, we have specialised in Brazilian Butt Lift for many years. Don’t hesitate to consult our dedicated page for all the information you need on how a BBL is performed.
For the past 5 years, we have been using the EVL technique – Expansion Vibration Lipofilling – which we learned from Dr Aslani at the CIRUMED centre in Marbella. In addition, we offer the Safe BBL technique by injecting fat using ultrasound to minimise the risk of complications.
We have therefore developed this protocol for our post-operative patients. There may be differences with other protocols you may have access to, but this is the one we have been using for years in our clinic in Lausanne.
