The aftercare of Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) has grow to be a trending matter on social media, as individuals focus on the odor of the enhancement, coining the time period ‘BBL Scent.’ “The best way a BBL works is fats is harvested, or eliminated, from one other a part of the physique and injected into the tissues of the buttocks to attain the specified final result,” mentioned Dr. Kelly Bolden, plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “The foul odor could be attributed to a number of elements, however probably the most vital is fats necrosis, which principally interprets to lifeless or rotting fats.”
After all, the surgical procedure is just not new, however the enhancement surgical procedure has gained reputation because of the accessibility and affect of the digital age. In line with knowledge from the Worldwide Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgical procedure (ISAPS), in 2021 alone, almost 400,000 individuals throughout the globe underwent the process, marking an approximate 20% rise within the process’s reputation since 2017, showcasing a rising societal desire for curvier physique shapes.
All through the speedy discussions on medical procedures, there’s been an increase in conversations round what precisely a BBL Scent is and the way this impacts the well being of the common particular person. To be clear, regardless of the web portraying the BBL odor as inevitable, that’s truly not the case. In line with plastic surgeon Dr. Nneamaka “Amaka” Nwubah, it’s important to seek the advice of your plastic surgeon if you happen to expertise any signs.
“One of many points in cosmetic surgery of this point in time is that many sufferers don’t have any follow-up, and nobody to achieve out to once they have questions or issues,” she instructed EBONY. “They’re stranded and left to determine issues out on their very own.”

With many sufferers usually attempting to take care of their procedures at house with out follow-ups, the principle situation inflicting the odor is improper cleansing and upkeep. Relying on the hardness and measurement of the butt, it may be difficult to scrub and use hygienic strategies to achieve the realm.
“You will need to be certain that the realm is cleaned throughout showers, and that showers happen at the least 48 hours after surgical procedure,” Nwubah mentioned. “One other situation that may trigger the odor when it happens is that if there may be drainage from the lipo (which, of be aware, it’s common to empty after lipo) and this isn’t adequately cleaned.”
Though the timeline is crammed with fixed chatter in regards to the negatives surrounding the odor of a BBL, it’s one thing that may be addressed and dealt with with care when consulting with knowledgeable, quite than on social media.
“A crucial step is choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with a strong understanding of the anatomy and approach to make sure that the danger of fats necrosis is minimized,” Bolden mentioned. “Not saying that plastic surgeons don’t have sufferers that develop fats necrosis, however the administration when it happens can also be necessary. Do your analysis beforehand as a way to forestall pointless post-op issues.”
Whereas the “BBL Scent” has grow to be a viral punchline, the fact behind it’s way more preventable. With the continued rise in beauty surgical procedure fueled by on-line developments, sufferers should prioritize security over aesthetics. Correct aftercare, hygiene and common follow-ups can considerably cut back the danger of issues, comparable to fats necrosis and ugly odors. It’s at all times finest to hunt skilled steerage, as a result of on the subject of your physique, information ought to at all times outweigh the feed.