Brazilian Butt Lift: How to Prepare

Before undergoing a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), your surgeon will want to evaluate your health status and lifestyle habits to make sure you're healthy enough for the procedure. In addition to completing some pre-operative labs and tests, making healthy choices before surgery can help improve your rate of recovery.

If you're nervous about undergoing a BBL, knowing what to expect on the day of surgery will ease your mind by giving you a chance to prepare. Here's what you can expect on the day of your operation.

Location

BBL is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, either under general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and/or local anesthesia. Once your surgery is complete, you may be asked to stay for a few hours in a waiting area before being released to your designated driver.

Because of the after-effects of the medication, you won't be able to drive yourself home. A friend or family member will need to pick you up after the procedure.

If you don't have any other adults who live with you, or if you are responsible for caring for children at home, be sure to make arrangements to have someone available to help out for the next few days as you recover.

What to Wear

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to take on and off on the day of your surgery. Your surgeon will likely give you specific instructions about what to wear. Generally, it's best to avoid:

• Deodorant
• Hair products
• Jewelry/piercings
• Makeup
• Perfume
• Sunscreen or lotions

You may also be advised to wash your body with antibacterial soap before heading into surgery to reduce your risk of infection.

Food and Drink

Typically, it's best not to eat or drink after midnight on the eve of your surgery. Because you'll be placed under anesthesia for the procedure, it isn't safe to have food or liquid in your stomach. An empty stomach helps prevent serious complications like nausea or aspiration (food or fluid in the lungs).

If you make a mistake and end up eating too close to the time of your scheduled BBL, don't hesitate to let your surgeon know. Safety must remain the number one priority, even if it means pushing back your procedure.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on when to stop eating depending on the details of your BBL. Generally, solid foods, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages should be avoided at least eight hours prior to surgery.

Your healthcare provider may allow or even encourage clear liquids for up to two hours before your procedure to help you stay hydrated. Clear liquids include water, plain tea, Gatorade/Powerade, apple juice, cranberry juice, gelatin, and some popsicles.

Medications

Medications and supplements that thin your blood may need to be avoided before your procedure to prevent excessive bleeding. These include:

• Aspirin
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Fish oil supplements
• Garlic supplements
• Ibuprofen
• Plavix (clopidogrel)
• Ximlagatran
• Vitamin E supplements

Birth control pills and estrogen patches or creams can also lead to surgical complications. Avoid over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements before your BBL to prevent potential issues.

What to Bring

Make sure you're on time for your surgery appointment and bring a form of identification and any required paperwork. Since you're not staying overnight, there's no need to pack a heavy bag.

You'll want to leave valuables at home, like computers, tablets, or jewelry. If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses instead.

Pack a charged cell phone and a soft cushion for the car ride home. Because you're not supposed to sit directly on your bottom for the first few weeks after BBL, ask your surgeon what type of cushion you should get to comfortably and safely ride home in the car.

Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes

Give your body a head start towards recovery by adopting healthy lifestyle habits as you prepare for cosmetic surgery. Getting into a good routine before you have work done will help you continue on the right path beyond your procedure.

Exercise

Living a physically active lifestyle will benefit you both before and after surgery. Prior to even considering a BBL, it's worthwhile to adopt a weight-training routine that includes squats, lunges, and deadlifts. These compound movements can help build up your backside naturally, potentially reducing your desire for surgical intervention.

Nutrition

If you choose to move forward with a BBL, make sure your body has the proper nutrient stores required for a speedy recovery. Balanced eating habits that include all of the essential food groups will provide key vitamins, minerals, and protein to support wound healing.

Specific nutrients to focus on include:

• Protein: Eggs, meat, beans, nuts, and dairy
• Vitamin C: Fruits and vegetables, like strawberries and spinach
• Zinc: Whole grains, seafood, and meat

For those with diabetes, getting blood sugar levels under control is crucial while preparing for surgery. High blood sugars impair wound healing and lead to a greater risk of infection. Stay vigilant about tracking your blood sugar and work with your healthcare provider to achieve tight glycemic control.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes or using nicotine products reduces the rate of recovery after surgery. While it's best to quit as soon as possible, make every effort to stop smoking at least four weeks before your procedure. If you slip up and fall back into bad habits, it's never too late to quit again.

Abstaining from cigarettes even for 24 hours before surgery improves your body's ability to retain oxygen levels under anesthesia better than if you continue to smoke up until the last minute. Smoking puts you at a higher risk of blood clots, pneumonia, and infections.

A Word From Verywell

Even though BBL is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, it's still a serious medical operation. Following your surgeon's recommendations prior to surgery will give you the best chances of a successful and speedy recovery.

The choices you make before a BBL can have a big impact on how well your body handles the procedure and how long it takes before you start to feel like yourself again afterward. Take the surgery as an impetus to adopt positive lifestyle changes that will benefit you throughout the journey.