The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a popular cosmetic treatment, and thousands of videos showing people changing their bodies have been posted on social media. But beyond the glitz and glam, there is a brutal truth: some people smell bad after the surgery. This side effect has worried doctors, who say that the aftermath of the treatment might be messy and hard to handle ¹.
Experts say that the scent is usually produced by a mix of things, such as not cleaning properly, bacteria growing, and the body’s natural healing process. Patients may have trouble cleaning themselves thoroughly after a BBL because of oedema, pain, or limited movement. This can cause bacteria to grow up and bad smells. Dr. Eric Anderson, a plastic surgeon, says that “the BBL smell is real” and that it is caused by major problems after surgery, like tissue death and bad hygiene.
Fat necrosis is a possible problem.
Fat necrosis is a possible complication of BBLs. It happens when the blood supply to the fatty tissue in the buttocks is not enough, causing it to die. This can make you smell bad and may need antibiotics or perhaps a hospital stay. Dr. Anderson says that when there is more fat in a region than the blood can carry, the fat will die in a stinky way called fat necrosis ¹.
Why Good Hygiene Is Important
Dr. Roger Tsai, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, says that patients with a BBL may have trouble wiping and cleansing the region, especially after going to the toilet. He says, “Wiping down there will be a lot harder because there’s more to get to.” This shows how important it is to keep wounds clean and practise good hygiene after surgery.
Experiences in the Real World
Some patients have gone on social media to talk about how bad the smell is after BBLs. One TikToker talked about going on a date with a woman who had the surgery done and said that the stench “attacked my nose.” Another influencer said she had the treatment redone since the smell wouldn’t go away. She said, “BBL stinks, do you hear me?” 1.
In the end, BBLs can make you look better, but you should think about the possible adverse effects and do what you can to lessen them. Patients can lower their risk of problems and make their recovery go more smoothly by putting hygiene and wound care first.
