Fat transfer to the buttocks is a reliable and popular way to improve the aesthetic features of your backside. However, the recovery period after the surgery is essential to the achievement of the desired results. Carelessness during the recovery can possibly trigger a multitude of aesthetic and health complications.
After the surgery, your overall health condition will be overseen and closely monitored. If your health remains stable, you may be allowed to return home a few hours after the procedure. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions for a smooth and faster recovery.
Tips to recover smoothly after the butt augmentation procedure
The buttock augmentation via fat transfer is not an end in itself. The reality is that it is a slow process and the final results take time to appear. You have to go through a complete recovery process and follow the doctor’s instructions thoroughly. Here are some tips for a smooth recovery after the fat transfer to the buttocks.
– Compression garments
Following the operation, the doctor may recommend you to wear compression garments. These garments are made and designed especially to keep your body intact after the butt augmentation and other plastic surgery procedures. Make sure to wear them for the time period recommended by your doctor. Normally, patients are required to wear the garments for a few weeks after the surgery. The compression garments significantly reduce the post-surgery swelling, keep your newly contoured buttocks in place until the fat grafts are vascularized, reduce your body’s pain and discomfort, and protect you from a host of health complications. Of course, you can take off the compression garments when taking a shower.
– The surgeon’s recommendations and instructions
After the fat transfer surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions and recommendations so you can recover smoothly and without any complications. You will be told to avoid doing certain physical activities. Also, drain tubes will be placed under the skin in the surgery area to carry away the fluids discharged from the body. Make sure to keep the drain cannula in place for the recommended time period.
You can expect to experience some pain and discomfort for the first 24-72 hours following the operation. In most cases, the pain and discomfort can be easily managed with pain relief medications. If your surgeon has prescribed you with certain medications, be sure to take it on time. Swelling at the liposuction sites after the procedure is normal; however, if the swelling expands beyond the operated area, you must contact your plastic surgeon.
– Avoid doing physical activities
While you may be able to resume work 2 weeks after the surgery, the first 6 weeks following the procedure are extremely critical. During this period, be sure to avoid doing any physical activities. It cannot only damage the fat grafts in your backside but it can also lead to the opening of the incisions. Make sure to avoid activities like running, jumping, weight lifting and doing sports and exercises. Also, avoid stretching or bending your body.
You will be required to spend most of your time resting in bed. While it can get too overwhelming and boring, you still have to go through this process and tolerate the discomforts to achieve your desired aesthetic improvements. However, you will be encouraged to get up and take short and slow walks, because doing so will prevent conditions like blood clotting and constipation.
– Avoid sitting for the first 2-3 weeks
The first 2 weeks are extremely important in terms of recovery. During this time, you must avoid sitting. Also, you must avoid sleeping or resting on your back during this period. Sitting and sleeping on your back have the tendency to apply undue pressure to your buttocks, which can damage the fat grafts in it. The fat grafts need 2-3 weeks to be vascularized.
After 2-3 weeks, you may start sitting and sleeping on your back; however, make sure to avoid sitting for prolonged periods of time. You can drive again after 3 weeks, but you should put a soft cushion or rolled towel under your hamstring muscle, so the pressure is kept off your buttocks. The same practice must be also observed when it comes to using the rest room.
– Don’t expose the incisions to the sun for 6 months after the surgery
Normally, the incisions placed for liposuction will develop into scars. While scarring is normal and unavoidable in fat transfer, exposing the incisions or scars to the sun will lead to its abnormal scarring. Sun exposure of the incisions during the first 6 months can be extremely dangerous in terms of scarring. It will make the scar appear unsightly, raised, and noticeable.
Patients are always advised to avoid exposing the incisions to the sun or other direct sources of heat to avoid unwelcoming scars. After the first 6 months, you may go out in the sun but make sure to cover the incisions for an additional 2-3 months. After 9 months, you can go topless without worrying about abnormal scarring. However, make sure to apply your body sunscreen when you go out for swimming. Also, you must eat healthy with a balanced diet and drink a lot of water to reduce the visibility of the scars.
Conclusion
The fat transfer to the buttocks is an effective procedure; however, the final results of the intervention are dependent on different factors, including the recovery process. In order to achieve your desired results, you must make sure to follow the surgeon’s instructions diligently. In this article, we have discussed the most important tips for a smooth recovery after the fat transfer procedure.
Many patients achieve impressive results with the fat transfer surgery but lose the results due to their carelessness during the recovery period. If you are undergoing the operation, you must be ready to face some difficult time during the recovery. It is a tradeoff for the aesthetic improvements that you achieve as a result of the intervention.