For a surgery that’s supposed to boost your confidence, the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) comes with a dirty little secret: many say it smells. Literally.
Doctors and patients have come to call it “the BBL smell”—an unpleasant, musty, sometimes rancid smell that can follow people around after the procedure. It’s not funny. According to Dr. Eric Anderson of Chicago-based Impressions Face + Body, “the smell of BBL is real” and can be caused by everything from trapped sweat to rotting adipose tissue.
Yes, rotten fat.
During a BBL, fat is liposuctioned from one area of the body and injected into the buttock. If too much fat builds up in a single spot—more than the blood vessels can support—it can die. This is called fat necrosis and it smells as good as it sounds. “When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process,” said Dr. Daily Mail. It’s a complication that can lead to infections, hospital stays and, in rare cases, sepsis.
What causes BBL smell?
There are also more mundane causes. After surgery, hygiene becomes a challenge. Some patients say the new shape of their butt makes it more difficult to wipe properly, leading to bacterial growth and—you guessed it—bad odor. A TikToker who dated a woman with BBL described the scent as “an assault on my nose.” Another woman said she turned hers upside down because it “smelled like garbage.”
Even when everything is treated correctly, patients can notice a lingering smell. “It’s usually related to the healing process,” said New York surgeon Dr. Douglas Steinbrech. Sweat and fluids trapped in tight compression garments can mix with bacteria and cling to the skin for weeks.
While some women embrace the risks and even take multiple BBLs—TikToker Scarlet Black said she’s spent $36,000 on plastic surgery so far — others are rethinking the price of beauty. Especially when that price includes the smell of sour gym clothes (or worse) that won’t wash out.
If you’re still thinking about it, maybe take a deep breath first. And I hope it doesn’t reek of regret.
HOW TO COVER YOUR BBL ODOR
Okay, we’re going to get real and awkward right now. If you’ve gone the route of getting a BBL, don’t worry. To cover up that musty, sour, or even rancid smell after your BBL, consider these items:
Medi Organic laundry detergent
This laundry detergent Your compression garments are made for washing compression garments. This way, you can keep your clothes clean and prevent odor from trapped sweat and bacteria.
Marena compression garment after surgery
This quality compression garment helps support healing and reduce fluid build-up. Having at least two helps you alternate and wash one while the other is clean.
Cardinal Health Simplicity Garment Lining
These disposable absorbent pads can be placed under clothing to absorb moisture, reduce skin-to-fabric contact and help keep things drier.
