Recovery travel guide
BBL recovery, day by day
The grafted fat needs time to take hold, so the rules are about pressure: no sitting on your buttocks except on a BBL pillow, sleeping face down, wearing the garment around the clock, walking a little every day and waiting at least one to two weeks before flying.
When the limits lift
Within the 10 days this guide covers, according to the cited guidance:
- Sitting: still off-limits on day 10. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
- Sleeping position: still off-limits on day 10. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
- Walking: with care from day 1.
- Compression garment: with care from day 1.
- Exercise: still off-limits on day 10. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
- Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming: still off-limits on day 10. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
- Smoking: still off-limits on day 10. Ask your surgeon when it is safe.
- Flying home: with care from day 7.
Confirm with your surgeon. These are general activity limits from published aftercare guidance. Your clinic's written instructions always come first, and they may be stricter or looser for your procedure.
At a glance
- How long to stay
- 10 to 14 days, so your surgeon can check you before a long flight
- What the rules are about
- The grafted fat needs time to take hold, so the rules are about pressure: no sitting on your buttocks except on a BBL pillow, sleeping face down, wearing the garment around the clock, walking a little every day and waiting at least one to two weeks before flying.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1 to 2
Rest at the hotel in the compression garment, lying face down. Move your hands and feet, and from about day 2 get up for short walks.
- Days 3 to 7
Short walks several times a day. No sitting on your buttocks, except briefly on the toilet and to eat.
- Days 8 to 14
Many surgeons allow short sits on a BBL pillow from 10 to 14 days. Ask about flying.
- Weeks 3 to 8
Keep pressure off the buttocks, with short sits only, for about six to eight weeks. Exercise usually restarts at six to eight weeks.
Activity rules, day by day
Sun, water, exertion, heat, alcohol and flying, for each day of a typical stay. Every rule is sourced on the day pages.
| Rule | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitting | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today |
| Sleeping position | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today |
| Walking | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care |
| Compression garment | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care | With care |
| Exercise | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today |
| Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today |
| Smoking | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today |
| Flying home | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | Not today | With care | With care | With care | With care |
✕ Not today ! With care ✓ OK
Day by day
Day 1
You are back at the hotel in the compression garment. Lie face down, move your hands and feet often and let your companion handle everything. The picks below are for them.
All rules for day 1, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Rest, move your hands and feet often, and from about day 2 get up and walk short distances to help prevent blood clots.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Not yet. Surgeons usually want at least one to two weeks before you fly, longer for long-haul flights.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 2
From about now, get up and walk a few steps every hour or two to keep the blood moving. Lie face down in between. Today is still for your companion to explore.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 2, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Rest, move your hands and feet often, and from about day 2 get up and walk short distances to help prevent blood clots.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Not yet. Surgeons usually want at least one to two weeks before you fly, longer for long-haul flights.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 3
Short walks around the hotel or the nearest streets. Pick places where you can stand or stroll, never ones where you would sit for long.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 3, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Not yet. Surgeons usually want at least one to two weeks before you fly, longer for long-haul flights.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 4
A gentle half-hour on foot somewhere quiet is a good outing. Take a taxi only for short hops and lie across the back seat if your surgeon advised it.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 4, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Not yet. Surgeons usually want at least one to two weeks before you fly, longer for long-haul flights.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 5
Swelling and tightness are normal. Keep the garment on and keep standing or lying, not sitting.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 5, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Not yet. Surgeons usually want at least one to two weeks before you fly, longer for long-haul flights.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 6
Museums and covered markets suit this stage: you stand and walk slowly, and there is always somewhere to stop.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 6, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Not yet. Surgeons usually want at least one to two weeks before you fly, longer for long-haul flights.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 7
Around a week in, ask your surgeon about sitting on a BBL pillow, the garment and flying dates.
What changes today:
- Flying home: now with care
All rules for day 7, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Flying needs your surgeon's sign-off, often at least one to two weeks after surgery and longer for long-haul. Sit on a BBL pillow, take an aisle seat, stand and walk hourly and drink water.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 8
If your surgeon allows it, short sits on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs can start. Keep each sit short.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 8, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Flying needs your surgeon's sign-off, often at least one to two weeks after surgery and longer for long-haul. Sit on a BBL pillow, take an aisle seat, stand and walk hourly and drink water.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 9
Plan the journey home: BBL pillow, aisle seat, an hourly walk on board and a companion to lift the bags.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 9, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Flying needs your surgeon's sign-off, often at least one to two weeks after surgery and longer for long-haul. Sit on a BBL pillow, take an aisle seat, stand and walk hourly and drink water.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Day 10
Most patients are not cleared for a long-haul flight before about two weeks. Keep the pressure off your buttocks for weeks yet.
The rules are the same as yesterday.
All rules for day 10, with sources
Sitting
Avoid sitting on your buttocks. Many surgeons allow no sitting for the first 10 to 14 days except on the toilet and to eat; after that, sit only on a BBL pillow placed behind your thighs. The ASPS article cited here suggests keeping any sitting to about 10 minutes at a time for six weeks.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Sleeping position
Sleep on your stomach, or as your surgeon instructs, not on your back.
Walking
Walk a little several times a day, around your hotel or the nearby streets. Lie face down to rest.
Source: The Aesthetic Society · American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Compression garment
Wear the support garment around the clock, as your surgeon instructs.
Exercise
No exercise until your surgeon clears you, usually six to eight weeks after surgery.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons · The Aesthetic Society
Hammam, sauna, baths and swimming
The sources cited here do not give a date. Keep heat and water away from the liposuction incisions until your surgeon confirms they have healed.
Smoking
Do not smoke. Surgeons typically ask patients to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
Source: Acibadem International · The Aesthetic Society
Flying home
Flying needs your surgeon's sign-off, often at least one to two weeks after surgery and longer for long-haul. Sit on a BBL pillow, take an aisle seat, stand and walk hourly and drink water.
Source: Acibadem International · NHS
Recovering abroad? Pick your city
The city guides add what to see, what to skip and where to eat on each of these days.
BBL
Istanbul
10 days, day by day. The grafted fat needs time to take hold, so the rules are about pressure: no sitting on your buttocks except on a BBL pillow, sleeping face down, wearing the garment around the clock, walking a little every day and waiting at least one to two weeks before flying.
Open the guideBBL
Tijuana
10 days, day by day. The grafted fat needs time to take hold, so the rules are about pressure: no sitting on your buttocks except on a BBL pillow, sleeping face down, wearing the garment around the clock, walking a little every day and waiting at least one to two weeks before flying.
Open the guide
Questions
Can I use a donut pillow after a BBL?
It is generally discouraged. A BBL pillow works by putting your weight on your thighs while the buttocks stay free behind the cushion.
Can I sit on the toilet after a BBL?
Usually yes, briefly, from the start: it is the exception most surgeons build into the no-sitting rule.
Questions people ask
Sources
- Buttock enhancement recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Checked 2 November 2026.
- Six things you need to know about recovering from a Brazilian butt lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Checked 2 November 2026.
- Butt lift aftercare and recovery. The Aesthetic Society. Checked 2 November 2026.
- BBL pillow: how sitting works after a Brazilian butt lift, and for how long. Acibadem International (hospital patient guide). Checked 2 November 2026.
- BBL recovery time: honest milestones from surgery to final shape. Acibadem International (hospital patient guide). Checked 2 November 2026.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): long journeys. NHS (UK). Checked 2 November 2026.