When Can I Sleep on My Back After a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Posted January 20, 2026 in Brazilian Butt Lift

A Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is an effective body contouring procedure that removes fat from one area of the body to create shapelier curves on the backside. While this procedure offers long-lasting results with almost no visible scarring, it does require patients to follow careful post-surgical instructions, including specific sleep positions.

In this blog, we’ll talk about how to sleep after a BBL, why sleep position is so important, and tips for ensuring restful sleep to support your recovery process. 

4 Min Read:

Why Is Post BBL Care So Important? 

A Brazilian Buttock Lift extracts fat from areas such as the hips or thighs via liposuction. This procedure involves tiny incisions and a narrow tube, called a cannula, to loosen and suction fat cells from the body. The extracted fat is purified and loaded into syringes for injection into strategic areas of the buttocks to add shape and fullness. 

Some of the injected fat will be reabsorbed by the body, which is why Drs. Careaga and Ramos place more fat into the buttocks than patients need to achieve their desired results. To minimize the amount of fat reabsorbed, patients are also instructed to avoid applying pressure to the buttocks while the fat is stabilizing. 

One of your BBL post-op instructions will include recommendations for sleeping positions during recovery. You should avoid sleeping on your back for at least one week after your procedure. This instruction isn’t always easy for patients accustomed to sleeping in that position, but careful adherence makes the difference between a stellar result and a disappointing one. 

Sleep Positions Post Brazilian Butt Lift

If sleeping on your back is out, what are your alternatives? Side sleepers will be disappointed to learn that this position can also compromise your BBL results, particularly if fat was injected into the hip area. The best way to sleep after a BBL is on your stomach, which places no pressure on your backside and gives fat cells ample time to settle into their new position. Drs. Careaga and Ramos advise patients on the ideal sleep position based on their specific procedure.

If sleeping on your stomach doesn’t feel natural to you, it might be helpful to use a few pillows to support your position and make you more comfortable. Placing your arms alongside your body also helps prevent you from rolling over while you sleep. You can also put pillows between you and your partner to protect your buttocks and liposuction areas from contact during the night. 

BBL Recovery Tips to Help You Sleep Better 

Restful sleep is imperative to your recovery, but sleeping in a new position can be a challenge. To help you get the rest you need while sticking to your post-operative instructions, consider these tips: 

• Manage Post-operative Pain: Use pain medication as prescribed by your surgeon to minimize discomfort at night.
• Develop a Nighttime Routine: Set consistent bedtimes and routines that signal to your body when it’s time to sleep. 
• Get Comfortable for Sleep: Create a comfortable environment in a cool, dark room with minimal noise and distractions.
• Establish a Relaxing Ritual: Drink a calming beverage, such as chamomile tea, before turning in to help your body relax. 
• Don’t Overload Your Stomach: Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before bed that could make stomach sleeping uncomfortable.
• Say Goodnight to Your Phone: Put devices away at least an hour before bedtime, since their blue light affects your body’s ability to produce melatonin. 

While a new sleep position may be a challenging adjustment, it will likely get easier after a few nights. If you continue to have difficulty sleeping, contact our office for further instructions. 

Ready to Learn More About a BBL in Miami? 

A BBL in Miami is one of our most popular body contouring options. Our highly qualified team, led by double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Careaga, specializes in contouring procedures for the breasts and body, including BBLs.

To learn more about this procedure, call our office at (305) 574-9262 or complete our online contact form.