The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) enhances the buttocks by transferring fat harvested from areas like the abdomen or flanks. Following surgery, a strict clothing protocol is adopted to protect the newly grafted fat cells and ensure optimal aesthetic results. The garments worn immediately after the procedure manage the body’s healing response and maintain the desired body contour. Understanding post-operative wear is fundamental to the recovery process and directly impacts the long-term success of the fat transfer.
The Essential Post-Surgical Compression Garment
The first layer of post-BBL wear is a specialized, medical-grade compression garment, often called a faja. This garment applies strategic pressure to the liposuctioned areas, typically the torso and thighs. The primary function of this compression is to reduce post-operative swelling (edema) and minimize the risk of fluid accumulation (seroma).
The garment uses high-denier elastic materials like Spandex or Lycra, offering firm support. Crucially, it is designed with an open or gentle-compression area over the buttocks to prevent damage to the delicate, newly injected fat cells. Excessive pressure on the grafted fat compromises its blood supply, leading to cell death and volume loss. Proper sizing is paramount: the garment must be snug enough to compress donor sites but loose enough not to flatten the buttocks. Many designs feature a crotch opening or adjustable closures to facilitate bathroom access, as the garment must be worn nearly continuously in the initial weeks.
Secondary Support Devices for Healing
Auxiliary devices are worn underneath the primary compression garment to refine liposuction results and support healing. Lipo foam, soft, medical-grade pads, is placed over the liposuctioned areas to distribute pressure evenly across the skin. This helps the skin adhere smoothly to the underlying muscle and prevents the formation of creases or indentations from uneven pressure.
For additional contouring, patients may use abdominal boards and backboards. An abdominal board (ab board) is a semi-rigid piece worn over the stomach to maintain flatness and reduce the risk of seroma formation. A backboard provides lumbar support and aids in shaping the lower back area. These boards are typically placed over the lipo foam and beneath the compression garment to avoid direct skin contact, which could cause irritation. When sitting, patients must use specialized devices, such as a BBL pillow or a donut cushion, to transfer weight and pressure from the buttocks to the backs of the thighs.
Dressing for Mobility and Daily Comfort
During the initial recovery, external clothing worn over the compression garment must prioritize comfort, ease of dressing, and non-restriction. Significant swelling occurs during the first few weeks, and the compression garment adds bulk, necessitating oversized and loose-fitting outer clothing. Garments should be simple to put on and take off, which is important when mobility is limited and drains may be present.
Oversized T-shirts, loose-fitting cotton sweatpants, and flowing dresses are commonly recommended. Button-down shirts or zip-up hoodies are preferable to pullover styles, as they avoid strain on the torso and arms. External clothing must ensure no pressure is inadvertently applied to the buttocks; therefore, wide-legged pants or maxi dresses are better choices than anything form-fitting. Selecting soft, breathable materials also helps manage discomfort and prevents skin irritation from the underlying compression wear.
Timeline for Transitioning to Regular Clothing
The recovery involves a staged transition in compression wear, guided by the body’s healing timeline. The initial, heavier-duty Stage 1 compression garment is worn almost constantly for the first two to four weeks post-surgery. This period focuses on controlling major swelling and establishing the new contours.
Following this, patients transition to a Stage 2 garment, which is slightly less restrictive and may be worn for a reduced duration each day, often for four to eight additional weeks. The surgeon’s guidance dictates this shift, as the garment supports the final contouring. Patients are advised to avoid tight, restrictive clothing like fitted jeans or leggings for a minimum of six to eight weeks, and often up to three months. Wearing tight garments too early can destroy the fat grafts by restricting blood flow, so the reintroduction of regular clothing must be approached with caution.