Disgusting ‘BBL smell’ side effect might make people reconsider getting popular surgery
The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, has become one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries globally, made famous by celebrities and influencers who desire fuller, curvier figures.
This procedure involves liposuction to remove fat from one part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs and reinjecting it into the buttocks to enhance shape and volume.
While the results can be dramatic, experts have long warned that the surgery comes with serious risks, including infection, complications during healing, and even death.
Risks and complications
Now, a particularly unpleasant and little-known side effect is making some people reconsider the procedure: a persistent and often offensive odour emanating from the buttocks area, dubbed the “BBL smell”.
A musty or sour smell is not uncommon among BBL patients, especially after sweating or sitting for extended periods. While some degree of odour may be expected due to the nature of the surgery, more severe cases are often linked to complications or poor hygiene.
One major culprit is fat necrosis, a condition where fat cells die after being transferred to the buttocks. If too much fat is injected and the blood supply can’t sustain it, the tissue begins to die, releasing a foul odour as it breaks down.
This not only smells bad but can also lead to infections requiring antibiotics, hospital stays, or even life-threatening sepsis.
Another factor contributing to the problem is cleanliness. Post-operative pain and swelling can make it difficult for BBL patients to properly clean themselves.
Residual stool or urine left on the skin can create a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant and lingering smell. Surgeons often advise using gentle, fragrance-free wipes or a bidet to maintain hygiene after using the toilet.
Despite these risks, some patient are willing to go to great lengths for the look they want. One woman, Scarlet Black, revealed in a TikTok video that she’s undergone two BBL surgeries because the first one “died”.
“A lot of the fat that’s re-injected into your buttocks actually dies—like 50% or sometimes more,” she said. Undeterred, she’s reportedly spent over R660,000 on plastic surgeries to achieve her desired body.
Although the appeal of a more sculpted silhouette is tempting, potential patients should be aware that the BBL is far from a simple beauty fix.
Between the risks of fat necrosis, infection, and the unpleasant possibility of a smelly behind, it’s a decision that should be made with serious consideration and thorough research.
