What Is a BBL, and Why Is It So Popular?
BBL smell has emerged as an unexpected side effect of the wildly popular Brazilian Butt Lift, a trend boosted by Khloe Kardashian and other influencers. “The procedure involves removing fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs through liposuction, then injecting it into the buttocks to create a rounder, fuller look.”
Plastic surgeons have long cautioned that this operation poses significant health risks, including as infection, fat embolism, and even death, despite its attractive appeal.
Introducing the BBL Smell: A Stinky Secret
One of the least discussed but increasingly reported side effects of BBL surgery is the “BBL smell”—an unpleasant odor that emanates from the buttocks post-surgery. While not all patients experience this issue, those who do describe the scent as musty, sour, or foul, especially after sweating or sitting for long periods.
What Causes the BBL Smell?
Fat Necrosis
The most dangerous and smelly culprit is fat necrosis—a condition in which the transplanted fat cells die because of inadequate blood supply. As the dead fat breaks down, it produces a putrid smell and can lead to serious infections requiring hospitalization or antibiotics.
Hygiene Difficulties
If you have edema, mobility issues, and post-operative pain, cleaning the area completely may be difficult. Germs that feed on residual urine or feces on the skin amplify the odor.
How to Lower the Risk
- Whether you have had or wish to experience a BBL odor, here are several strategies to reduce the likelihood of one:
- Be really clean: Use a bidet or odorless wipes after every restroom visit.
- To avoid over-injection, be sure your surgeon doesn’t inject more fat than your blood supply can support.
- Observe post-operative care: During your recuperation, avoid prolonged sitting and keep the area neat.
Experience of a Real Patient: “I Had to Do It Twice”
In a Tik Tok video, social media star Scarlet Black disclosed that she had two BBL procedures, claiming that the first one “died” due to fat loss. She claims to have spent over R660,000 on surgeries to achieve her body goals.
“A lot of the fat that’s re-injected actually dies—like 50% or sometimes more,” she explained.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go
While the BBL may offer dramatic aesthetic transformations, it is not a quick beauty fix. The risks of fat necrosis, infections, and the BBL smell should be factored into any decision to undergo this surgery.
Consult thoroughly, research completely, and prioritize safety over aesthetics.
Source: Cape Argus
