The following information is intended for only Dr. Barrett’s patients exclusively. If you have had surgery by another surgeon please follow up with that surgeon for particular details about your surgery.
Congratulations on completing your surgery! Please reference these instructions over the coming weeks as
you begin your recovery process.
GENERAL CARE
- A responsible adult must provide transportation for you after surgery (public transportation/Uber is not permissible).
- A responsible adult must stay with you after your surgery and overnight until the morning following the procedure. If you are having several procedures, you may need or prefer assistance for 1-2 days following your procedure.
- Avoid making major decisions or participating in activities that require judgment for 24 hours after surgery.
- Get plenty of rest and follow a balanced diet. Decreased activity and pain medication may promote constipation, so you may want to add more fresh fruit to your diet, and be sure to increase fluid intake.
- Take all medications as instructed post-operatively.
- Wash your face, hair and the body the day of surgery before coming to the office, with antibacterial soap.
- Do not drive until you are no longer taking any pain medications (narcotics).
- Do not drink any alcohol for 2 weeks after your procedure.
- Do not smoke as smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications.
RECOMMENDED POST-OP PRODUCTS
- Dr. Barrett’s Customized Post-Op Supply Kit
- Curated to ensure a seamless and stress-free recovery, we’ve taken the guesswork out of trying to find all your basic post-surgical needs
- HealFast Pre-Op supplements (Taken ahead of surgery)
- Optimizes nutritional status prior to surgery.
- Take 4 capsules twice daily starting 5-days before surgery.
- HealFast Post-Op supplements
- Replenishes key healing nutrients and ingredients to control pain and inflammation.
- Take 4 capsules twice daily, starting 5-days before surgery.
- WildHealth CBD Oil
- Benefits include pain relief, reducing inflammation, alleviating stress and eliminating insomnia.
- Start with ½-1 dropper underneath the tongue the night of surgery.
- Hold the oil under the tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing.
- Increase dose as needed. Do not exceed 4 full droppers a day.
- Arnica Recovery Complex
- Speed healing time up to 50% allowing for faster recovery from bruising, swelling and pain.
- Take 1 capsule twice daily after surgery.
- LivingFuel Omega Super Essentials
- Anti-inflammatory effects and reduce wound infections by 50%.
- Take 1 tablet per 25 lbs of body weight. For example, if you weigh 125 lbs then take 5 tablets.
- Magnesium
- Reduce stress levels, sleep faster and deeper, maintain normal heart rhythm and build strong bones.
- Take 2 capsules nightly.
- Masszymes
- Increase absorption of key amino acids and certain vitamins, improve digestion and gut health, and faster muscle recovery
- Take 3 capsules with every meal.
- Skinuva
- A clinically tested scar cream and team favorite, Skinuva contains highlight selective growth factors combined with a silicone cream matrix.
- Skinuva improves the appearance of scars nearly two-times better when compared to a traditional silicone cream
- Begin using 2-3 weeks post procedure, or after the incision site has begun to scab over. If you are unsure, please consult with the medical team during your pre-op appointments.
FOLLOW-UP CARE
- IMPORTANT: DO NOT SIT ON BUTTOCKS UNTIL TWO WEEKS AFTER SURGERY!
- A BBL pillow will be provided to you on the day of surgery to relieve pressure off the butt area and onto the thighs.
- Shower 24 hours after surgery. Leave the steri strips on and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Remove the scopolamine patch from behind your ear after surgery, as it may cause blurry vision when worn for too long.
- Surface sutures are removed in 7-14 days.
- Keep incisions clean and inspect daily for signs of infection.
- Continue to wear any compression garments for 2 weeks after surgery.
- Keep steri-strips on for 3 weeks or as directed by Dr. Barrett.
- After 3 weeks, start the Skinuva scar gel twice daily, massaging firmly into the incisions.
- Dr. Barrett will instruct you on flank massages at week 2.
- No baths, hot tubs or swimming for 6 weeks.
- Avoid exposing scars to the sun for at least 12 months. Always use a strong sunblock.
- Dr. Barrett recommends Venus Legacy treatments to help optimize your results.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Numbness, soreness, burning sensations, bleeding, pain and discomfort may occur.
- You will have bruising and swelling of the buttocks. This will subside in 6-8 weeks. Some swelling may persist for 6 months.
- Fluid drainage from access sites may occur. This is normal.
- Scars will be reddened for 6 months. After that, they will fade and soften.
- Do not expect to lose weight from the procedure. Fat transfer is a shaping procedure. A healthy diet and regular exercise helps to maintain your new figure.
- It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery; but generally, after about a week, you should begin to feel better.
ACTIVITIES
- Walk around the house on the day of surgery and thereafter.
- Move/pump your legs frequently while lying down.
- Most social and employment activities can likely resume in 2-3 weeks.
- Strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for 4 weeks.
- No hot tubs, pools, ocean or swimming for 6 weeks.
CALL THE OFFICE IF YOU DEVELOP ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Fever of 101 degrees F or greater.
- Pain not relieved with pain medication.
- Swelling, redness, bleeding, and/or foul drainage from the incision area.
- Persistent nausea and/or vomiting.
- Any other concerns.
- If you have not urinated after 6 hours of being home from surgery, please contact our office.
If you do need to seek a hospital, please go to your nearest emergency room or call 911.
Dr. Barrett maintains hospital privileges at the following hospitals:
- Providence St John’s Hospital in Santa Monica
- Good Samaritan Hospital in Downtown Los Angeles
- Southern California Hospital in Culver City