Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
When a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery has been done, one of the many changes that must be made to aid recovery is finding a way to sleep comfortably. As it’s not possible to sleep on your back after this procedure, it is necessary to find a comfortable sleeping position and keep yourself from rolling onto your back. You also must manage the pain and discomfort that will occur during the healing process, and care for both your body and mind during the recovery period.
We show you how to sleep after a BBL right here, sharing with you the best sleeping positions and what you need to do to ensure the healing process is as quick as possible. We also share with you when you can sleep on your back after BBL, and more!
Disclaimer: Although we share tips here, as always, you must consult your doctor and ask their opinion about what is right for you, as every individual case differs.
But First: What is a BBL and Are there Risks?
This cosmetic surgery involves removing fat from other areas of the body and adding it to the buttocks for a larger and rounder shape. The fat is placed in such a way to create a full appearance and to create the shape desired by the patient. It carries the same risks as other procedures under general anesthesia, including reaction to the anesthesia, infection at the site of the procedure where fat has been removed as well as where it has been replaced to, formation of cysts, clotting, and in some cases there’s a risk of fat even working itself into the bloodstream.
Thankfully risks can be minimized by following post operative care instructions carefully, and ensuring that periods of rest are adhered too. The instructions for after care are created to ensure the fastest and most effective healing can occur, and that the desired outcome is achieved.
Also provided will be guidelines on bedrest and when it is safe to begin sitting normally, when it is safe to sleep on your back, and when you can return to physical activity.
It is important to learn about the doctor that will be completing the procedure too, and ensure that they are well trained and have a high success rate, with low complication occurrences.
Many patients travel to other countries where laws are less rigid, and the standards are not as well monitored. These procedures bring a much higher risk than those done in the USA or Canada, though they’re often at a much lower cost. Selecting a talented cosmetic surgeon with impeccable cleanliness in their location, along with follow up appointments, is recommended.
Recommended Sleeping Positions and the Three Steps You must take
As it’s not possible to sleep on your back after a BBL, anyone who has a preference for back sleeping should begin to adjust their sleeping positions a few weeks or months before surgery. By becoming accustomed in advance to the new sleeping positions we show you below, your body is less likely to revert back to sleeping on your back during a deep sleep.
So wondering how to sleep after BBL? Follow these steps:
1) Sleep on Your Stomach
The best sleeping position is on your stomach, with a supportive pillow beneath your hips to promote the ideal alignment of your back for the best possible healing. This allows for circulation to be supported, which will keep the cells alive and allow them to remain in place and grow as they are intended too.
A BBL pillow can be purchased, or another supportive option used, that will keep your hips and buttock supported while sleeping on your stomach, subsequently keeping you as comfortable as possible. Placing pillows on each side of the body will also keep you from rolling onto your side or back after you have fallen asleep.
Alternatively, a massage table can be used. This will promote stomach sleeping while offering a cushioned headrest with space in the center to allow for easy breathing while stomach sleeping. When cushioned and with pillows to support your hips, thighs, or other areas, this table can provide a comfortable resting position throughout the entire night.
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2) Support Your Pelvis and Thighs
Supporting your pelvis and thighs is key to a comfortable sleep after BBL surgery. This will encourage circulation, ensure that comfort can be found, and will support the alignment of your spine.
3) If You Can Only Sleep on Your Back, Then Do it This Way
For those who have more than one surgery at a time, such as a tummy tuck too, or who are unable to remain on their stomach the entire night, there are some ways you can make back sleeping safer and better after a BBL.
You can use a supportive wedge pillow beneath your hips and thighs, as well as your lower back. This will allow your buttocks to be raised off the surface of the mattress avoiding pressure or weight being applied.
This position requires the pillows and cushions to remain in position all night. You may require pillows on each side of your body to stop you from rolling in the night, and to make sure the wedge pillows don’t shift and move away during sleep.
When Can I Sleep on my Back After BBL?
You may be able to return to sleeping on your back after the first four to six weeks.
Before returning to sleeping on your back ensure that you have attended all necessary follow up appointments and check ups with the surgeon, and that they have told you that the cells have transplanted correctly and are stable and healthy. This may be a different span of time for each person, as the body heals in its own way at its own time, making the process very personal.
Four Suggestions for Best Results and Healing
After the procedure it will be necessary to avoid sitting or sleeping on your butt or back to give the fat time to become correctly positioned and ensure it can safely heal. It is often recommended that you stay off the area for a minimum of two weeks, and up to six weeks.
1) Be Careful When Sitting
When sitting, use pillows and cushions to keep the weight and pressure off your rear. Instead, support yourself on your thighs. As more time passes you can begin to sit normally for short periods of time, but will need to walk around frequently to ensure pressure does not remain on the area for long.
The time that you can sit normally will increase as time passes, and the healing process continues.
2) Consider a Compression Garment
It may be recommended that a compression garment be worn for a few days or weeks following the procedure. This will reduce the swelling and maintain circulation in the area which will then speed up the healing process.
When worn in the area of the liposuction it will ease swelling and discomfort.
And compression undergarments that fit over the area of the fat placements will help to encourage the transplanted cells and help them to find their place and grow as intended.
These garments should not be tight and uncomfortable, but provide an even, snug fit that creates a slight compression effect. Follow your doctor’s guidance on how long to wear it and what type is preferred.
3) Make Sure You Walk When You Can
As with many other surgeries and procedures it is necessary to begin walking as soon as you can. Walking improves circulation and ensures that your muscles remain mobile. That will promote healing of your body as well as maintain mental health.
Walks can become longer as the weeks after surgery pass. Soon walks around the block or within the area you live will be welcomed and encouraged.
4) Prepare Before Surgery and Eat Well
Preparing ahead of your surgery date is important to make everything easier afterwards. Have someone you trust take you to your procedure and drive you home. Stock the kitchen with healthy foods and have your prescriptions filled while you are in surgery, so they are available when you are released to go home.
Gather the cushions and pillows that you will be using to sleep on before surgery, and practice sleeping on your stomach in the weeks leading up to surgery, so it’s an easy adjustment when you return home.
Focus will also be needed on ensuring that a diet rich in fibre and water is consumed, to avoid constipation and digestive problems.
Pain Management
It is important to manage the pain that follows a BBL. Pain killers will be prescribed or recommended, and there may be other prescriptions such as antibiotics as well. Instructions for these must be followed and all doses taken on time as directed. Walking regularly will help ease discomfort, speed healing, and lower swelling. Take any anti-inflammatories that are recommended.
Avoid sitting or laying on your back as this will help to manage pain after the procedure. Remain on your stomach and use pillows or cushions to create a comfortable resting position. Limit activities for the first few weeks, and allow your body to adapt to the changes, during which time some movements may be painful.
Choosing the right foods and ensuring that you are consuming a balanced diet with omega 3, collagen, and vitamins A and C will also help support healing. The better support your body has while healing the faster the pain and discomfort will decrease. Fibre is also necessary to ensure your digestive system continues to work well, and to reduce the chance of constipation.
How to Sleep After a BBL: Our Final Thoughts
Though there are risks to a BBL there are ways to make it as safe as possible. From choosing the right cosmetic surgeon for the task, to following the after care instructions.
Part of the healing process will require ensuring you have enough sleep to allow your body to heal quickly and well. To prepare for sleep it is not only important to find the correct sleeping position but also to relax before bed. Turn off electronics or avoid screens as much as possible for an hour before bedtime. Select clothing that is loose and comfortable, and find activities in the evening that you find restful and calming. These may include meditation, reading, puzzle books, or listening to an audiobook or podcast that you enjoy. By participating in relaxing hobbies, you will find your mind begins to find a rhythm that is calm and relaxed.
Before preparing for bed ensure that you have had enough to eat, allowing you to sleep through the night, and that you are consuming enough water throughout the day. Leaving a glass of water next to the bed can help to ease thirst as it occurs.
While bedrest may seem to imply that it will be easy to sleep, it can have the opposite effect when there are not enough tiring activities done during the day. Completing some exercises can help to tire both your body and mind and subsequently improve the quality of sleep. These including walking around the house, taking short walks outside, and leg or arm exercises that can be completed even when laying down.
By following all of your doctor’s recommendations for after care, taking prescriptions as instructed, and moving your body throughout the day you can improve the healing process and promote the cell repair that is needed. It can take several weeks for the healing to become complete, and then a return to your regular activities can occur. You will be able to sleep on your back after the first two or three months, but the more deep sleep that is achieved before that, the faster the healing will progress.