The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, is growing in popularity in the cosmetic world, but there’s a stinky consequence that comes along with the risky procedure. Doctors are calling this dirty little secret “BBL Smell,” a foul odor that can occur when trapped sweat collects in the area as a result of patients sitting too long during the healing process.

But there’s another unfortunate complication that can affect patients, leading to a rank outcome—fat necrosis. During a BBL, fat is removed from one part of the body through liposuction and then injected into the buttocks. But if too much fat is placed in one area—more than the surrounding blood vessels can nourish—it can die off. This is known as fat necrosis, and yes, it smells just as unpleasant as it sounds.

“When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process,” Chicago-based plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Anderson told Daily Mail on July 5.

South Shore Plastic Surgery describes the BBL Smell as a “musty or slightly sour” smell and if it becomes overpowering, it might be a sign of an infection, especially if the foul odor pairs with unpleasant symptoms like redness, swelling or fever, the New Jersey based clinic notes. 

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As if that wasn’t stinky enough, post-surgery, many patients have trouble wiping their derrieres after the procedure, so if stool or urine collects around the area, bacteria can grow quickly, causing that foul BBL smell to run rampant.

How do you get rid of BBL Smell?

Fortunately, there are effective ways to minimize this uncomfortable side effect. Çevre Hospital advises individuals who have undergone a BBL to use gentle, fragrance-free wet wipes or a bidet for thorough cleansing after using the bathroom. These options are much kinder to healing skin and essential for maintaining hygiene.

Avoid using products with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or rough textures, as these can irritate the incision sites and hinder healing. After cleansing, gently pat the area completely dry using a clean, soft towel. Keeping the area dry is crucial, as lingering moisture can promote bacterial growth.

Lastly, don’t forget to change your underwear or any clothing that touches the incision areas frequently. This helps reduce the risk of infection and keeps you feeling fresh throughout your recovery.

As previously reported, while the BBL can achieve significant aesthetic improvements and body contouring, it is associated with considerable risks. The procedure can lead to complications such as infections and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Shockingly, in 2017, the risk of death from pulmonary fat embolism (PFE) was identified, making the BBL the highest mortality rate among aesthetic surgical procedures. PFE occurs when fat enters the bloodstream and travels to the lungs or other vital organs. South Florida notably has the highest BBL mortality rate in the nation. 

So, are you still willing to go under the knife for a BBL with risks like fat necrosis and BBL Smell in mind? Tell us in the comments section. 

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