BBL Recovery in London: Timeline, Tips & Lymphatic Drainage
Recovering after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)? This comprehensive guide explains your week-by-week timeline, how to protect results, and why medical lymphatic drainage can speed healing and reduce swelling.
Recovery Timeline (Week by Week)
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Why Lymphatic Drainage Matters
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Garments, Sitting & Sleeping
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Nutrition & Hydration
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Frequently Asked
How soon can I start lymphatic drainage?
Many surgeons clear patients within 3–7 days. Always follow your own surgeon’s advice.
How many sessions do I need?
Commonly 2–3 per week for 2–3 weeks, then taper.
Is it painful?
No — manual lymphatic drainage uses very gentle, rhythmic techniques.
Ready to accelerate your recovery?
Start your tailored post-surgical plan at Santi London.
Post-Surgical Care & Wellness
How to Reduce Swelling After 360 Lipo: Complete Recovery Guide
Swelling after 360 liposuction is completely normal — but with the right aftercare, you can reduce discomfort, speed recovery, and achieve smoother, more even results. Here’s your step-by-step guide.
Why Swelling Happens After 360 Lipo
Liposuction disrupts both fat tissue and lymphatic channels. Fluid naturally accumulates as part of the body’s healing process. This is why many patients experience puffiness, firmness, and even temporary unevenness.
Step 1: Wear Your Compression Garment
Compression garments reduce fluid build-up and support skin re-attachment. Most surgeons recommend wearing them 24/7 for at least 4–6 weeks. Avoid rolling them down or leaving gaps — this can create ridges or uneven compression.
Step 2: Gentle Movement
Early mobilisation (gentle walking) encourages lymphatic flow and helps prevent blood clots. Aim for short walks several times per day starting as soon as your surgeon clears you.
Step 3: Book Medical Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a specialised massage that helps redirect trapped fluid and reduce swelling faster.
Step 4: Diet & Hydration
- Drink at least 2–3L water per day
- Limit sodium intake to minimise water retention
- Focus on lean proteins and vitamin C to support healing
Step 5: Watch for Red Flags
Excessive pain, redness, fever, or foul drainage should be reported to your surgeon immediately.
The Complete 360 Lipo Recovery Guide: What to Expect, Do’s and Don’ts, and How to Heal Faster
360° liposuction is one of the most transformative body contouring procedures available. It reshapes the entire midsection — front, sides, and back — in a single treatment, creating a more balanced and athletic silhouette. But what happens after the surgery is just as important as the procedure itself.
Your recovery determines how smooth your results will look, how quickly swelling subsides, and how comfortable the process is. This guide covers everything you need to know about 360 lipo recovery — timelines, pain management, garments, lymphatic massage, and more — with tips to help you get the best possible outcome.
Understanding the 360 Lipo Recovery Process
Liposuction removes fat cells through tiny incisions using a cannula. The body then reacts with inflammation, swelling, and fluid accumulation as part of its healing response. This is completely normal. Most patients are surprised by:
Swelling peaking at 48–72 hours post-surgery
Bruising that may appear dark purple before fading to yellow/green
Drainage of fluid from incisions for the first 24–48 hours
Tightness or numbness around the treated areas for several weeks
Healing is not linear — there are good days and days where swelling temporarily increases. Knowing this upfront helps you stay patient and focused.
Recovery Timeline
| Stage | What to Expect | Tips for Best Results |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling, drainage, soreness, compression garment feels snug | Stay hydrated, gentle walking to promote circulation, take pain medication as directed |
| Week 1 | Bruising becomes visible, swelling still pronounced | Begin manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) if cleared by your surgeon |
| Weeks 2–3 | Swelling starts to reduce, shape becomes more visible | Continue wearing compression 22 hours/day, light activity encouraged |
| Weeks 4–6 | Skin tightens, residual lumps/fibrosis may form | Maintain lymphatic massage, consider gentle stretching or approved exercise |
| Months 3–6 | Final contour becomes visible | Most swelling resolved, occasional morning puffiness normal |
Pain Management and Comfort
Most patients describe 360 lipo recovery as soreness or tenderness, not sharp pain. Here’s how to stay comfortable:
Compression Garments: Wear exactly as directed — usually 22 hours/day for the first 4–6 weeks. They control swelling and help skin adhere smoothly.
Cold Compresses: Use in short intervals in the first 48 hours (never directly on skin).
Medications: Follow your surgeon’s pain protocol; avoid NSAIDs unless approved (they can increase bruising).
Sleep Position: Sleeping slightly elevated can help with swelling and comfort.
The Role of Lymphatic Massage
Post-surgical swelling is largely lymphatic fluid. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) encourages this fluid to move, reducing swelling, speeding recovery, and preventing hard, lumpy areas of fibrosis.
At Santi London, we offer specialised Medical Lymphatic Massage designed for post-lipo recovery. Our therapists are trained in post-operative protocols and liaise with surgeons when needed to tailor timing and technique.