It’s Not A Joke, The BBL Smell Is Real. And It’s Horrible
The “BBL smell” refers to an odor some patients experience after a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a cosmetic surgery involving fat transfer to the buttocks. Based on recent articles and social media discussions, the phenomenon is real but not universal, and its severity varies. Here’s a breakdown of the evidence and factors involved:
Causes of the Odor: The smell is often linked to the healing process. During a BBL, small incisions are made for liposuction and fat injection, which can release fluids like serous fluid (a mix of lymph and blood). If not cleaned properly, these fluids can foster bacterial growth, leading to a musty or sour odor. Sweat trapped in compression garments or under the skin, especially in warm areas like the buttocks, can also contribute. More concerningly, fat necrosis—when injected fat dies due to insufficient blood supply—can produce a foul smell, sometimes described as “rotting flesh.” Poor hygiene, particularly difficulty cleaning around a larger backside, exacerbates the issue.
Prevalence and Normalcy: A mild odor is considered common and usually harmless during the first few weeks of recovery, as the body expels fluids and heals. Surgeons note that with proper hygiene—regular cleaning, using fragrance-free wipes or bidets, and washing compression garments—the smell typically resolves. However, persistent or strong odors, especially with symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever, may indicate complications like infection or fat necrosis, requiring medical attention.
Anecdotal Reports: Social media, particularly TikTok, has amplified awareness of the BBL smell. A viral video by @donpsoundsoff described a date’s BBL odor as “an assault on my nose,” sparking widespread discussion. Another TikToker, @kaymontana24, claimed her BBL caused a persistent smell that led to health issues, a breakup, and eventual reversal of the procedure. These stories, while compelling, are anecdotal and may reflect extreme cases or improper aftercare rather than the norm.
Expert Opinions: Surgeons like Dr. Eric Anderson and Dr. Douglas Steinbrech confirm the smell’s existence, attributing it to healing fluids, bacterial growth, or fat necrosis. They emphasize that proper surgical technique and post-operative care significantly reduce the risk. However, the procedure’s high complication rate—BBLs have the highest mortality rate among cosmetic surgeries, with 1 in 20,000 procedures fatal—underscores the importance of choosing qualified surgeons and adhering to aftercare protocols.
Exaggeration and Stigma: Some sources suggest the smell’s notoriety is exaggerated by viral social media posts, which may overemphasize rare or mismanaged cases. The stigma around BBLs, fueled by cultural debates about body modification, can amplify negative perceptions. For instance, comments on X and Reddit often blame poor hygiene rather than surgical complications, which may unfairly generalize the issue.
Critical Considerations: The smell is not inherent to all BBLs; it’s often a manageable side effect of healing or a sign of complications like infection or necrosis. Patients with good hygiene and proper surgical care are less likely to experience it. The procedure’s risks, including odor, are higher in poorly regulated settings, like some clinics in South Florida, where rushed or unprofessional surgeries increase complications.In summary, the BBL smell is real for some patients, particularly in the early recovery phase or in cases of complications, but it’s not a guaranteed outcome. Proper hygiene, surgeon expertise, and diligent aftercare can minimize or eliminate it. Social media may overstate its prevalence, but the underlying risks of BBLs, including infections and fat necrosis, are well-documented. If considering a BBL, thorough research and consultation with a board-certified surgeon are critical to avoid adverse outcomes
