The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures due to its impressive ability to create a more contoured and balanced body shape. During the procedure, excess fat is removed through liposuction (often referred to as Lipo 360), then purified and strategically injected into the buttocks to enhance volume, roundness, and definition.
However, surgery is just the beginning. To achieve long-lasting and optimal results, your post-op care, including diet, lifestyle, and recovery habits, is just as important as the procedure itself. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to properly “feed the fat” after a BBL to help you maintain and maximize your new shape.
Understanding the Concept of “Feeding the Fat” After a BBL
Feeding the fat after a BBL refers to supporting the survival and integration of the transferred fat cells. After the procedure, your body needs time to establish a blood supply to these newly grafted cells so they can become a permanent part of your buttocks.
The first 3 to 6 months following surgery are especially critical. During this period, the fat cells are settling in and adapting to their new environment. A well-balanced, calorie-appropriate diet plays a key role in this process by helping the fat cells bond with the surrounding tissue and receive adequate nutrients and oxygen.
It’s important to note that “feeding the fat” doesn’t mean overeating. Instead, it means fueling your body with the right nutrients and sufficient calories to support healing and fat cell survival. Your surgeon will also provide specific aftercare instructions—including guidance on diet, lifestyle, and recovery—to help you get the best, most lasting results.
How to Effectively “Feed Fat” After a BBL?
Here is a guideline that helps you to get the most ot results from Brazilian buttock lift.
Healthy High-Fat Foods
After surgery, it's essential to fuel your body with healthy, nutrient-rich foods to support the survival of the transferred fat cells. Including high-fat foods like fish, nuts, eggs, avocado, cheese, and yogurt in your diet not only provides energy but also helps your body absorb the essential vitamins and minerals needed for proper fat cell integration and healing.
Maintaining a Healthy Calorie Intake
After a BBL, your body requires extra energy to help the newly transferred fat cells survive and integrate properly. Consuming at least 2,000 calories per day is often recommended, though your exact needs may vary based on your body type, activity level, and your surgeon’s guidance.
While you might worry that eating more could lead to weight gain, it’s important to remember that your metabolism is often elevated during the recovery phase. Your body is working hard to heal, and those additional calories are being used to support tissue repair and fat cell survival.
To support a healthy recovery, aim for a balanced diet that's moderate in carbohydrates, rich in protein, and includes healthy fats. This combination helps maintain lean muscle, supports healing, and reduces the risk of storing excess fat in unwanted areas. Minor weight fluctuations during recovery are normal and generally won't affect your final results.
Foods to Avoid After a BBL
Stay away from fried foods, sugary treats, white bread, processed meats, and alcohol. These can cause inflammation and slow down healing, which may affect your results. Stick to clean, whole foods for the best outcome.
Consider Vitamin Supplements
While a balanced diet is key to great results, your surgeon may recommend multivitamins to support healing and boost recovery. These can help fill any nutritional gaps and ensure your body gets what it needs during the recovery phase.
Hydration
Staying hydrated after your BBL is essential. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and anesthesia from your system while also supporting nutrient absorption and overall recovery.
What Not to do After Brazillian Butt Lift?
Avoid Sitting on the Buttocks
Sitting directly on your buttocks places too much pressure on the newly transferred fat, which can lead to uneven appearance or fat cell death. Instead, use a BBL pillow when sitting—it helps redistribute pressure to your thighs and keeps stress off the buttocks during the healing process.
Avoid Sleeping on Your Back
After a BBL, it's important to avoid sleeping on your back for at least 8 weeks, or as recommended by your surgeon. Lying on your back can put pressure on the newly transferred fat, disrupting its survival and potentially leading to fat necrosis. Sleeping on your stomach or side helps protect your results during recovery.
Related: How to Sleep After a BBL Brazilian Butt Lift
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Both smoking and alcohol can reduce oxygen flow to the newly transferred fat cells, which may negatively affect your BBL results. That’s why surgeons typically recommend avoiding smoking and alcohol for at least 6 weeks before and after the procedure.
Refrain from Intense Exercise
After a BBL, avoid heavy exercise and lifting weights. These activities can strain your body and interfere with the integration of the fat cells. Stick to light activities as recommended by your surgeon until you’ve fully recovered.
How Long Does it Take for Fat to Settle after BBL?
It usually takes 3 to 6 months for the newly transferred fat cells to fully integrate and establish a stable blood flow. During this period, patients may experience swelling and bruising, which typically resolves over time as the body heals.
Related: When Does BBL Fat Stop Dying?
How Much Fat Survives after a BBL?
After a BBL, not all of the transferred fat cells survive. On average, 60% to 80% of the fat remains, while approximately 20% to 30% is naturally reabsorbed by the body during recovery. The exact retention rate can vary based on individual healing, lifestyle, and diet.
To account for this expected loss, many surgeons intentionally transfer slightly more fat than needed, helping patients achieve their desired final results as the body heals and stabilizes.
Conclusion
A Brazilian Butt Lift can deliver beautifully enhanced, natural-looking results—but maintaining those results requires proper aftercare, patience, and a healthy lifestyle. From avoiding pressure on the buttocks to following a nutrient-rich diet and staying hydrated, every step plays a role in supporting fat survival and shaping your final outcome. By following your surgeon’s instructions and giving your body the care it needs, you’ll set yourself up for long-lasting, satisfying results.