Recovery from any type of surgery usually requires plenty of rest, a healthy diet and an adequate supply of water for hydration. Most recovery plans require a patient to recline in a chair with their feet propped up. However, butt augmentation recovery is a bit different than the usual methods. Since it is your bottom that has received treatment, you generally won’t be sitting on it during the recovery period. You must adhere to a few guidelines in order to have a successful outcome after the surgery.
Sitting:
You should avoid sitting on your rear for at least the first week after butt augmentation surgery. Following that, you can carefully sit for short periods of time.
Sitting on your buttocks can cause the tissue or implant to shift and position itself disproportionately. Sitting for long periods of time can also cause the fat injected into the buttocks during a fat transfer to not stick properly which can lead to asymmetrical issues.
Many patients are able to return to work two weeks after surgery and use a boppy pillow to ease the discomfort of sitting. Although driving is not recommended until 6 weeks post-op, a short distance drive is usually okay as long as you are no longer taking pain medications. A thick towel can be rolled up and placed under both knees while another towel is placed behind your back to help you sit without allowing your butt to touch the driver’s seat.
Resting:
During the recovery period, you will spend most of your time resting on your stomach. Side sleeping is not permitted for the first few weeks because it may cause a shifting of the tissue or implant. It can be difficult for many patients to sleep on their stomach if they do not typically sleep that way. Resting on your stomach can put a strain on your neck since you will be eating, drinking, sleeping, watching TV or reading in this position.
Prop yourself up with pillows so that your top half is much higher than the bottom half in order to be more comfortable. You can also choose to put several pillows beneath your stomach and head by putting your knees in the kneeling position. It is recommended that you take short walks around your house as often as possible to ease the strain on the neck and body. Walking also decreases swelling in the treatment areas and keeps your blood circulating properly.
Bathroom Breaks:
You will need to wear a compression garment 24 hours a day except when you are showering. The compression garment will be worn for up to 3 weeks. The best compression garment is one that can be unfastened at the bottom to make restroom use easier. Squatting over the toilet is best since sitting should be avoided as much as possible. Stool softeners are recommended to help make the process faster and more comfortable. Unscented baby wipes should be used to carefully clean your behind but be sure to avoid the incision sites.
Post-Op Appointments:
It is imperative that you keep all of your appointments so the surgeon can monitor your progress and check for infections. If drains were placed to remove excess fluids, but they are no longer needed, the surgeon will remove them at this time. The sutures will usually be removed after 10 days.
Restrictions:
You will be restricted from doing certain activities during the recovery period. You should not do anything that puts a lot of pressure or strain on the treatment areas. It is not recommended to bend over for the first few weeks as bending over will pull on the incisions. Prior to the procedure, you should place any items you might need within reach or have someone on hand to assist you. Around 2-3 weeks post-op, you should be able to resume normal activities and sit for short periods of time on your buttocks. You will not be permitted to swim for the first month after butt augmentation surgery. Patients should not have intercourse or exercise until the surgeon has cleared them to do so. Most patients are fully healed after 2-6 months but you should avoid exposing your buttocks to sunlight for about a year.
