Quick Summary
Wear your BBL compression garment (faja) 24 hours daily for the first 6 weeks, then reduce to 12 hours daily for weeks 7-12, totaling approximately 3 months of consistent use.
According to plastic surgery guidelines, proper compression therapy reduces swelling, supports fat graft survival rates of 60-80%, and helps maintain your newly contoured shape during the critical healing period.
This guide covers the complete wearing timeline, garment stages, proper fit guidelines, care instructions, and tips for maximizing your BBL results.
Why Trust This Guide
This guide synthesizes recommendations from board-certified plastic surgeons, including guidelines from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and peer-reviewed research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Carely Clinic’s medical team has compiled these evidence-based practices to help international patients understand post-operative compression therapy and achieve optimal outcomes from their Brazilian Butt Lift procedures.
Why Compression Garments Are Essential After BBL
BBL compression garments reduce swelling by 40-60%, support fat graft survival rates of 60-80%, and help your skin retract properly over liposuction donor sites, according to post-operative care studies.
Unlike standard shapewear, medical-grade BBL compression garments (fajas) are specifically designed to provide therapeutic compression to liposuction areas while avoiding pressure on newly transferred fat cells in the buttocks. This dual-function design is critical for protecting your investment in the procedure.
The compression serves multiple purposes during recovery. First, it restricts fluid accumulation (edema) in the treated areas, reducing swelling and bruising significantly. Second, improved compression enhances blood circulation, which is essential for delivering nutrients to healing tissues and supporting fat cell integration.
Additionally, compression garments assist with skin retraction. After liposuction removes fat from donor sites like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, the skin needs support to shrink and conform to your new contours. Without proper compression, loose skin and contour irregularities may develop.
Expert Insight
“Compression garments are required for three main reasons: restricting edema formation, decreasing bruising, and assisting loose skin in retracting at liposuction sites.”
— Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons, RealSelf Medical Expert Panel
How Long to Wear Your BBL Compression Garment
Most surgeons recommend wearing your BBL compression garment for approximately 3 months total, with 24-hour daily wear for the first 6 weeks, then gradually reducing to 12 hours daily for weeks 7-12.
The initial 6-week period is the most critical phase of your recovery. During this time, transferred fat cells are establishing their blood supply in their new location. Consistent compression during this window supports optimal fat survival and helps your body heal properly.
After the first 6 weeks, you’ll typically begin tapering your wear time. At the 8-week mark, many surgeons recommend removing the garment for 8-12 hours daily to assess swelling and comfort levels. If you experience difficulty reapplying the faja after removal or notice increased swelling, this may indicate you need to continue more consistent wear.
By the 3-month mark, most patients can discontinue faja use entirely. This gradual reduction allows your body to readjust to normal muscle function while still receiving necessary support during the healing process. Some surgeons recommend discontinuing compression after 3 months to prevent long-term dependency and allow tissues to function normally.
Individual recovery timelines vary based on several factors including the amount of fat transferred, your body’s healing response, and your surgeon’s specific protocols. Always follow your surgeon’s personalized recommendations over general guidelines.
BBL Faja Stages Explained
BBL compression garments come in three stages—Stage 1 for immediate post-op with gentle compression, Stage 2 for weeks 2-6 with medium compression, and Stage 3 for weeks 6-12 with higher compression for final contouring.
Understanding these stages helps you select the right garment at the right time:
Stage 1 Faja (Weeks 0-2)
Stage 1 fajas provide gentle, low compression and are worn immediately after surgery. These garments are made of soft, stretchy materials like lycra that accommodate initial swelling. The Stage 1 faja you wake up in after surgery will feel loose—this is intentional, not a sizing error.
During this stage, you’ll also use lipo foams (rectangular foam pieces placed between the garment and liposuction areas) and an abdominal board to provide uniform compression and flatten the tummy area. The Stage 1 faja works alongside these accessories to manage initial swelling without putting excessive pressure on healing tissues.
Stage 2 Faja (Weeks 2-6)
Stage 2 fajas provide medium to high compression using firmer materials like powernet fabric. You’ll transition to Stage 2 around weeks 2-4 when initial swelling has decreased significantly. This stage is crucial for shaping and contouring as your body heals.
The Stage 2 faja is typically the same size as your Stage 1 garment but offers substantially firmer compression. You’ll wear this garment without lipo foams or abdominal boards—the garment alone provides necessary support. Many patients continue wearing Stage 2 compression for up to 6 months for optimal results.
Stage 3 Faja (Weeks 6-12+)
Stage 3 fajas offer the highest level of compression and support, similar to a corset. Some include rods around the waist area for additional structure. These garments promote ongoing healing and contouring during the final recovery phase.
By Stage 3, you can typically reduce wear time to 12 hours daily. Many patients transition Stage 3 fajas into daily shapewear even after the recovery period ends, as they continue to provide support and enhance the appearance of results.
Complete Wearing Timeline
Week 1: Maximum Compression Phase
During the first week, wear your Stage 1 faja 24 hours daily, removing only for showering (typically after 48-72 hours post-surgery). Sleep in your garment with pillows positioned to keep you on your stomach or side. Avoid sitting on your buttocks entirely—this is critical for fat cell survival.
Your first garment is fitted in the operating room while you’re still under anesthesia. It’s normal to feel the garment is loose; this accommodates significant initial swelling. You may notice drainage from incision sites for the first 24-72 hours—this is normal.
Weeks 2-4: Early Recovery Transition
Around week 2, you’ll transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 compression. The firmer garment should feel snug but not painful. Continue 24-hour wear, removing only for hygiene.
At week 2, you may begin using a BBL pillow for necessary sitting (brief periods only). Continue sleeping on your stomach or side. Walking regularly promotes circulation and healing.
Weeks 4-6: Continued Full-Time Wear
Maintain 23-24 hour daily wear of your Stage 2 faja. By this point, significant swelling has reduced, and your garment may feel looser. If compression feels inadequate, consider having the garment tailored or adding lipo foam underneath.
You may notice your body changing shape as swelling decreases. This is the period when fat cells are establishing their permanent blood supply. Consistent compression remains essential.
Weeks 6-8: Beginning to Taper
At the 6-week mark, you can begin gradual reduction. Start by removing the garment for 8-12 hours daily while monitoring your body’s response. Watch for increased swelling—if it occurs, return to more consistent wear.
You may transition to Stage 3 compression during this phase. Continue avoiding prolonged sitting without a BBL pillow.
Weeks 8-12: Final Recovery Phase
Reduce faja wear to approximately 12 hours daily. Most patients wear their garment during daytime hours or overnight, depending on personal preference and surgeon recommendations.
By week 12, most swelling has resolved, and you can see a good indication of your final results. Many surgeons recommend discontinuing compression after 3 months to allow normal muscle function to return.
Month 3-6: Long-Term Maintenance (Optional)
Some patients continue wearing compression garments for up to 6 months for additional support and contouring. While not medically necessary for most patients, extended wear doesn’t harm results and some find it provides ongoing comfort.
Proper Fit Guidelines
Your BBL compression garment should fit snugly but not so tight that it restricts breathing, causes pain, or leaves deep marks on your skin—excessive tightness can damage transferred fat cells and restrict blood circulation.
Signs of Proper Fit
A well-fitting faja should feel secure and supportive without causing discomfort. You should be able to breathe normally and perform basic movements. The garment should lay flat against your skin without rolling, folding, or bunching.
The compression level should feel firm in liposuction areas (abdomen, back, flanks, thighs) while avoiding excessive pressure on the buttocks. Many BBL-specific garments feature open or minimally compressive buttock areas specifically designed to protect fat grafts.
Signs Your Garment Is Too Tight
Watch for these warning signs of excessive compression:
- Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in treated areas
- Visible skin indentations that don’t resolve within hours
- Blisters, wounds, or severe skin irritation
- Inability to sleep comfortably
- Skin discoloration suggesting restricted blood flow
If you experience any of these symptoms, loosen or remove your garment immediately and contact your surgeon. Improper compression can damage fat cells, cause nerve problems, and create permanent contour irregularities.
Signs Your Garment Is Too Loose
A garment that’s too loose won’t provide adequate therapeutic benefit:
- Garment shifts, rolls, or bunches during movement
- No feeling of gentle compression on treated areas
- Visible gaps between skin and garment
- Increased swelling compared to when garment fit properly
As swelling decreases, your garment will naturally become looser. Having the garment tailored by a seamstress or switching to a smaller size ensures continuous appropriate compression throughout recovery.
Sizing Recommendations
Most surgeons recommend purchasing at least two compression garments so you can rotate between them during washing. As your body changes through recovery, you may need to purchase additional garments in smaller sizes.
Medical-grade compression garments from reputable brands like Marena, Fajas Colombianas, or your surgeon’s recommended supplier provide more consistent compression than standard shapewear. Avoid substituting regular Spanx-style shapewear during early recovery—these don’t provide appropriate medical-grade compression.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Garment
Skipping compression garment wear can lead to increased swelling, prolonged recovery, higher risk of complications like fibrosis or fat necrosis, and potentially compromised aesthetic results.
Increased Swelling and Bruising
Without compression to restrict fluid accumulation, swelling lasts significantly longer. Extended swelling delays your ability to see results and increases discomfort during recovery.
Risk of Fibrosis
Fibrosis—the formation of hard, fibrous tissue under the skin—is more common when compression is inadequate. This can create lumps, bumps, and uneven texture that may require additional treatment or massage to resolve.
Fat Necrosis
Poor circulation to transferred fat cells can cause necrosis (cell death). Dead fat cells become hard, calcified lumps that cause pain and contour irregularities. Severe cases may require revision surgery to remove necrotic tissue.
Compromised Fat Survival
Transferred fat cells need optimal conditions to establish blood supply and survive long-term. Inadequate compression contributes to suboptimal conditions, potentially reducing the 60-80% survival rate that leads to your final results.
Skin Irregularities
Compression helps skin retract smoothly over liposuction areas. Without this support, you risk developing loose, wrinkled, or uneven skin at donor sites.
Extended Recovery Time
Overall, patients who follow compression protocols closely tend to heal faster, experience less discomfort, and achieve better aesthetic outcomes than those who skip garment wear.
Garment Care Instructions
Proper garment care maintains compression effectiveness and prevents skin irritation—hand wash every 1-2 days with mild detergent, air dry flat, and never use bleach, fabric softener, or machine dryers.
Washing Instructions
- Hand wash only—machine washing can distort shape and reduce compression
- Use lukewarm water—neither hot nor cold
- Add mild detergent—avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or stain removers
- Soak 10-15 minutes—gently massage fabric to release buildup
- Rinse thoroughly—use cold water for final rinse
- Press out water gently—never wring or twist the garment
- Air dry flat—lay on a clean towel away from direct sunlight
Washing Frequency
Wash your faja every 1-2 days, or more frequently if you sweat heavily. Regular washing prevents bacterial buildup that could cause skin irritation or infection at healing incision sites.
Why You Need Two Garments
Having at least two compression garments allows you to maintain continuous wear while one is being washed and dried. Drying takes 4-5 hours, so without a backup, you’d need to go without compression during this time.
Replacing Your Garment
Replace your compression garment if:
- Elastic loses its stretch and compression feels inadequate
- Fabric becomes damaged, thin, or worn
- Multiple alterations have been made and garment no longer fits properly
- You’ve moved to a new stage requiring different compression level
Most patients purchase 2-3 garments throughout their recovery journey to maintain appropriate compression as their body changes.
How This Applies in Turkey
International plastic surgery guidelines apply equally at Turkey’s JCI-accredited facilities, which follow identical clinical protocols and safety standards as American and European institutions for post-operative compression therapy.
The key differences for international patients are cost and convenience. BBL surgery in Turkey costs €4,000-€7,000 all-inclusive compared to $15,000-$25,000 in the USA and £10,000-£15,000 in the UK—representing 60-75% savings while maintaining equivalent medical standards.
At Carely Clinic in Istanbul, BBL procedures are performed by board-certified surgeons at JCI-accredited partner hospitals. Comprehensive packages typically include your initial compression garments, post-operative follow-up appointments, and guidance on garment transition protocols.
International patients should plan to stay in Turkey for at least 7-10 days following surgery to complete initial healing under medical supervision. Before traveling home, you’ll receive detailed instructions for continuing compression therapy and managing your recovery independently.
Learn more about Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery at Carely Clinic.
BBL Compression Garment Timeline Summary
| Recovery Phase | Timeframe | Garment Stage | Daily Wear | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immediate Post-Op | Week 1 | Stage 1 | 24 hours | Use with lipo foams and abdominal board; sleep on stomach/side |
| Early Recovery | Weeks 2-4 | Stage 2 | 24 hours | Transition to firmer compression; may use BBL pillow briefly |
| Mid Recovery | Weeks 4-6 | Stage 2 | 23-24 hours | May need garment alteration as swelling decreases |
| Late Recovery | Weeks 6-8 | Stage 2-3 | 12-18 hours | Begin gradual reduction; monitor for increased swelling |
| Final Recovery | Weeks 8-12 | Stage 3 | 8-12 hours | Continue reduction; most swelling resolved |
| Maintenance (Optional) | Months 3-6 | Stage 3/Daily Shapewear | As desired | Optional continued wear for additional support |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours a day should I wear my BBL faja?
Wear your compression garment 24 hours daily for the first 6 weeks, removing only for showering and washing. After 6 weeks, gradually reduce to 12 hours daily, then discontinue around the 3-month mark as directed by your surgeon.
Can I take off my compression garment to sleep?
No, you should sleep in your compression garment throughout the first 6 weeks. Overnight wear is essential because swelling often increases during sleep when you’re lying down. Sleep on your stomach or side to avoid pressure on your buttocks.
What if my compression garment feels too tight?
Remove or loosen the garment immediately if you experience pain, numbness, difficulty breathing, or skin blistering. A properly fitting garment should feel snug but not painful. Contact your surgeon if you’re unsure whether your fit is appropriate.
How often should I wash my BBL faja?
Wash your compression garment every 1-2 days using mild detergent and lukewarm water. Hand washing preserves compression effectiveness better than machine washing. Air dry flat and never use a machine dryer.
When can I switch from Stage 1 to Stage 2 faja?
Most surgeons recommend transitioning to Stage 2 compression around weeks 2-4 when initial swelling has significantly decreased. Your surgeon will advise the appropriate timing based on your individual healing progress.
Can I wear regular Spanx instead of a medical-grade faja?
During early recovery (first 6-8 weeks), medical-grade compression garments are essential. Regular shapewear doesn’t provide appropriate therapeutic compression. After the critical healing period, some surgeons allow transitioning to quality shapewear for ongoing support.
Will wearing my faja affect the fat transferred to my buttocks?
BBL-specific fajas are designed with minimal compression in the buttock area to protect transferred fat cells. Ensure you’re wearing a garment designed for BBL recovery, not standard post-liposuction compression that may compress the buttocks inappropriately.
What happens if I stop wearing my compression garment too early?
Discontinuing compression prematurely can increase swelling, prolong recovery, raise risk of fibrosis and fat necrosis, and potentially compromise your final results. Follow your surgeon’s timeline recommendations closely.
How do I know if my compression garment is the right size?
A proper fit feels snug but allows normal breathing and movement. The garment should lay flat without rolling or bunching. Warning signs of wrong sizing include pain, numbness, visible indentations that don’t resolve, or gaps between skin and garment.
Should I bring compression garments when traveling home after BBL in Turkey?
Yes, pack at least two compression garments for your return journey. Wearing your garment during flights is essential, as air travel can increase swelling. Request an aisle seat and walk periodically during long flights to promote circulation.
Conclusion
Proper compression garment wear is one of the most important factors in achieving optimal BBL results—expect to wear your faja 24 hours daily for 6 weeks, then gradually reduce to 12 hours daily through month 3.
Key takeaways for BBL compression success include:
- Weeks 1-6: Stage 1-2 compression, 24-hour wear except showering
- Weeks 6-12: Gradual reduction to 12 hours daily
- Month 3+: Discontinue or continue optional maintenance wear
- Always: Follow your surgeon’s specific protocols over general guidelines
Your investment in a BBL procedure deserves the follow-through of proper post-operative care. Consistent compression garment wear supports fat cell survival rates of 60-80%, reduces complications, and helps you achieve the contoured results you’re seeking.
Medical Disclaimer: Individual requirements and outcomes vary based on surgical technique, anatomy, and healing response. This guide provides general information based on international plastic surgery guidelines. Consult your qualified plastic surgeon for personalized post-operative care recommendations.
Ready to learn more about BBL surgery at a JCI-accredited facility in Turkey? Contact Carely Clinic for a personalized consultation and detailed information about compression therapy and recovery protocols.
Medical Review: Dr. Aliraz Jahangirov