Dr. Sobel Reacts to Viral TikTok About “What They Don’t Tell You When You Get A BBL”
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is the go-to option for sculpting a more ideal backside and is one of the most talked-about cosmetic procedures on social media. Recently, a viral TikTok video claiming to expose what patients aren’t told about this surgery has sparked a wave of discussion. But is everything in the video accurate?
The video shares a patient’s personal experience with BBL surgery and recovery, and while her story is undoubtedly unique and real to her, her experience is far from typical.
Here, I give you an experienced cosmetic surgeon’s real insights on BBL surgery and debunk some of the misinformation in this viral video.
Surgeons must adequately prepare patients for BBL surgery
This patient is correct in that one should choose a good surgeon and follow their instructions, but “good” is subjective. I do not believe this patient was prepared by her medical team as much as she could have been, leaving her with incomplete and problematic information that led to an uncommon recovery experience. Cosmetic surgeons must provide patients with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure they know what to expect and have the support they need throughout the recovery process.
BBL aftercare must-haves
BBL recovery, when thoroughly explained and prepared for, is far less traumatic than how it’s portrayed in the video. Here are BBL aftercare must-haves for a smooth recovery and optimal results:
- Properly fitted compression garments. These need to be fit to the patient’s unique body proportions ahead of surgery. And despite what this patient experienced, there should definitely not be any wet garments, which would make you more prone to infection.
- A walking plan. There is no better lymphatic massage than walking full stride in a compression garment. We recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of walking, three times daily starting the day after your procedure. Not only is this great for lymphatic flow and swelling, but also reduces rare complications and promotes great mood and positive self awareness.
- Good nutrition. Patients must provide their bodies with the nutrition needed to recover and repair the body after the physical trauma of surgery. Patients should be fueling with a nutritious, high-protein and high-fiber diet including all key nutrients for about twelve months after surgery so that their bodies can properly heal. (In other words, you should not experiment with dieting fads—which often omit key micro- and macro-nutrients—during your recovery period.) Periodic fasting can be helpful, but with physician supervision and protein taken throughout the day.
BBL aftercare must-have myths
- A BBL pillow. We do not necessarily recommend patients invest in a BBL pillow—a donut-shaped pillow that, again, is sized for your unique body proportions. When properly fitted, it may keep the pressure off your backside so you can sit comfortably without affecting your BBL results. However, if improperly seated, it will cause pressure irregularities that can affect your results. Most supportive seats encourage that you sit on your posterior thighs and ischial tuberosities, which are below your butt anyways.
The surgical team should set patients up for success. At our Bellevue cosmetic surgery practice, we write all of the aftercare instructions out in an overly detailed way because we truly care about patient comfort and outcomes.
Post-op appointments are non-negotiable
Aside from monitoring the healing process, BBL surgery follow-up appointments are designed to facilitate communication and education about each stage of recovery, so the patient can feel comfortable and confident throughout the process. It’s OK to wonder if what you feel is “normal” or second-guess whether or not you are following all the recovery guidelines correctly; these check-ups are great opportunities to ease doubts and make adjustments, so your experience is as pleasant as possible.
There should be pre-scheduled follow-up appointments at pivotal milestones post-surgery:
- 1 week
- 6 months
- 12 months
Surgeons should check in regularly and have an ongoing conversation about the patient’s experience and satisfaction.
A BBL should not cause “the worst pain of your life”
The unbearable pain this patient describes during her initial recovery should never be the case after a cosmetic procedure—especially considering BBL surgery is one of the less invasive body contouring procedures. Everyone has a different threshold for pain, so the anesthesia and pain medication will yield completely different results for each patient. That said, your surgeon can easily adjust the type of pain medication or dosage to ensure you are comfortable.
The patient passing out in the shower was likely due to the natural dilation of blood vessels after removing her compression garment, and not her pain level. This can happen regardless of what surgical procedure you have. That is why, in our office, we take our time when removing garments and go slowly, step by step, to transition the patient from lying down to sitting to standing up so they know exactly what to do and what to expect when removing garments at home.
And contrary to popular belief, liposuction is the more invasive part of the BBL procedure, not the BBL itself (when the harvested fat is injected to shape and volumize the buttocks).
The effects of pain medication depend on the patient’s pain tolerance, BMI, and lifestyle choices, such as fitness level or smoking.
Debunking untruths in “What They Don’t Tell You When You Get A BBL”
There were some key misconceptions mentioned in the video that need to be addressed:
- Myth: You won’t be able to use the restroom normally. Using the restroom is not a major issue for most BBL patients—as long as you’re not going to sit there for hours at a time, your results will not be affected. It will be a simple and basic task, just a little more challenging than normal during the initial healing period.
- Myth: You must stand for 6 weeks. It’s true that you should avoid putting pressure on healing tissues during this time (other than routine restroom visits), but natural seating arrangements do not put overly taxing pressure on the buttocks. Reputable cosmetic surgeons cover this and every aspect of recovery so patients don’t wonder how they will lead everyday lives during recovery!
- Myth: You need to gain weight prior to a BBL. There is no scientific evidence to support this unless you have little to no body fat, a rarely seen issue. A skilled surgeon can create a beautiful and natural shape by balancing the curves of the buttocks, hips, and waist regardless of your exact weight beforehand, provided you have enough available fat cells, as most patients do.
Viral videos are great for raising awareness, and for patients to share their experiences with others, but they may also spread misinformation. Personal experiences vary, and it’s crucial to consult with a BBL specialist who can provide accurate, personalized information.
Seattle cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel and his expert medical team prioritize patient education and communication so you feel empowered about your procedure and fully equipped to recover comfortably. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sobel, call our office at 425-453-9060. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!