The buttock lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes the buttocks. The procedure can be done using different techniques, depending on the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s needs.
Buttock lifts may be performed to improve the shape of your buttocks after pregnancy, weight loss or aging. They may also be done to improve your body contour after losing fat from other areas of your body. The procedure may also be used to increase or decrease the size of your buttocks.
If you’re thinking about having a buttock lift, you might be wondering about the recovery process. A buttock lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure to address sagging skin in the buttocks area. It can also be used to help you achieve a more rounded appearance, if your buttocks are too flat.
The procedure involves removing excess fat and skin from your hips and thighs, then transferring it to the buttocks to increase volume and shape. The surgery can also involve liposuction of other areas of your body to improve your overall shape.
The following are some tips to help you stay healthy during buttock lift recovery:
1. Walk as often as possible to improve circulation.
Walking will reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. It’s also important that you keep moving around to avoid muscle aches and stiffness. Get up every hour or two and walk around for several minutes at a time.
2. Keep your body clean
You may be tempted to sleep in your clothes or keep wearing the same ones for several days after surgery. But doing so can make it harder for your body to heal properly. Change into fresh clothing each day, and shower regularly.
3. Stay away from blood thinners
Blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix and Coumadin can cause excessive bleeding and bruising during and after your surgery. If you have been taking these medications prior to your procedure, please talk with your surgeon about stopping them a few days before surgery and continuing to avoid them after surgery.
4. Avoid Staying in One Position
You may be surprised to learn that staying in one position for too long can actually cause problems with healing after your buttock lift surgery. The reason for this is that when you remain in one position for too long, your blood circulation decreases and fluid builds up. This can lead to complications such as swelling, bruising and infection. So try not to stay in one position for too long after your surgery, even if it means sleeping on your stomach instead of lying on your back or side.
5. Avoid Wearing Tight Underwear
Your buttock lift recovery is going to be uncomfortable, no matter what. But one thing that you don’t want to do is wear tight clothing or underwear during this time! This can cause unnecessary pressure on your incisions and lead to infection or other issues. It’s better to wear loose-fitting pants and panties so that any swelling around the incisions can dissipate more easily.
6. Avoid Sitting Directly on Your Buttocks
When you sit down, avoid sitting directly on your buttocks, which can be uncomfortable and may cause bruising or swelling. Instead, use a soft cushion between your buttocks and the chair so that you do not weigh down the area too much. This will help reduce pressure on the incision site and prevent bruising or bleeding under the skin.
7. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding how long you should wait before showering and how much time to allow between showers (usually two weeks). It’s important that you follow this advice so that your incisions heal correctly. You should also avoid getting water on your incisions for at least a week after surgery — even when taking a bath or showering! If you have questions about how long it will take for your incisions to heal, ask your doctor for clarification before leaving the hospital or office after surgery.
8. Move your legs
You may be able to get up and move around right away, but it’s important not to overdo it. Keep your activity level low during the first 24 hours after surgery. You’ll be more comfortable if you stay in bed or on a sofa rather than sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you need to walk around, use a cane or walker for support until your doctor gives you the go-ahead to move more freely. As soon as you’re ready, resume normal activities like walking and stair climbing slowly but surely. It’s also important not to carry heavy items around for at least two weeks after surgery; otherwise your stitches could tear open prematurely and cause infection or other complications that could delay your recovery significantly.
9. Don’t smoke or use other nicotine products
Nicotine has been shown to have a negative effect on wound healing and blood flow. Nicotine increases platelet aggregation which causes blood clots to form more easily. This can lead to bleeding complications during surgery and post-operative period. It is recommended that you stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery and continue this practice until at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
10. Know What to Expect
Every surgeon has their own protocol for post-operative care. Make sure you understand what to expect from your surgeon before your procedure. Some patients experience more swelling and bruising than others, so ask about how long it will take for these issues to subside. You should also ask how often you’ll need to follow up with your surgeon after the procedure.
11. Protect Your Body After Buttock Lift Surgery
Your body needs time to heal from the procedure, so try not to put too much stress on it during the first few weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks after your surgery. If you’re going back to work, try not to sit at a desk or stand all day long; take frequent breaks and walk around for about 10 minutes every hour.
12. Eat Healthy Foods To Stay Healthy During Buttock Lift Recovery
In order to ensure that your body heals well, it is important to eat a healthy diet. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as other foods that contain vitamins and minerals. You should also avoid foods that contain too much sugar or fat, as these can interfere with how well your body heals after the surgery.
13. Keep Up With Your Buttock Lift Exercises
Exercising is key for buttock lift recovery, but it’s important not to overdo it. After surgery, your doctor will recommend specific exercises designed to aid in your recovery and strengthen your back muscles. Depending on your particular anatomy, these exercises may include:
Leg raises: Raise and lower one leg at a time while lying on your stomach or side.
Lying hip abduction: Lie on your side with legs bent and feet flat against the bed for support; raise one leg up and out from the hip without letting your pelvis rotate or arch upward. Return to starting position and repeat with other leg.
Hip flexion and extension: Lie on back with knees bent 90 degrees; lift one knee toward chest while keeping other foot on floor; alternate between knees every five seconds for a total of 10 reps per side.
14. Follow Up With Your Doctor Frequently
Your doctor will see you multiple times during the first few weeks after surgery. He or she will remove stitches and take out drains, which are small tubes that collect fluid from the incision sites. Drainage usually lasts for about a week after surgery, but it’s normal for fluid to continue leaking for several days afterward as well. He or she will also check for signs of infection and monitor swelling, pain levels and mobility during these visits. If there are any issues that can’t be resolved by simply changing your bandages or taking medicine, he or she may recommend more invasive procedures like draining abscesses or using additional stitches if bleeding isn’t stopping on its own.
15. Use cold therapy to eliminate swelling.
Ice packs placed on the area will help reduce swelling and bruising. You can place ice packs in a plastic bag and wrap them in a towel before placing them on your buttocks. Leave them on for at least 20 minutes each day, or as needed until swelling has subsided. Do not place the ice packs directly against skin — they should be wrapped in a towel first.
16. Sleep on your stomach or side.
It may be tempting to sleep on your back after surgery, but laying flat on your back can cause swelling in your buttocks that can make sitting uncomfortable and make it difficult for blood to flow properly through the area.
17. Stay Hydrated
The most common side effect of an abdominoplasty is dehydration, which can lead to dizziness and muscle cramps. To avoid these issues, make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. This includes water and juices; however, avoid caffeinated drinks because they can dehydrate you further. Also avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery.
18. No exercise for 6 weeks (but you can move around).
You should avoid any exercise that causes pain or swelling in the buttocks area for 6 weeks after your surgery. But don’t sit around! Your body needs movement to help speed up healing and avoid blood clots. Walk, do leg lifts and stretches (as long as they don’t cause pain), or ride a stationary bike.
19. Stick to your medication schedule.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery, and it’s important that you take it as directed. Keep in mind that pain can vary from person to person, so if you’re feeling less than 100 percent, don’t hesitate to ask for more medication.
20. Consider getting a massage.
Massage therapy is an excellent way to ease muscle tension, which can help you feel less sore and stiff. It also stimulates blood flow to the area, which can help prevent swelling and bruising.
21. Do not drive until your doctor gives you permission after your surgery.
Having someone drive you home from surgery is also recommended so that they can help with any problems that may arise during the first few days after surgery.
