Doctors Warn of Unexpected ‘BBL Smell’ That Could Last for Weeks

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) — once the darling of celebrity trends thanks to stars like Kim Kardashian and Cardi B — is under scrutiny after reports of a surprising and unpleasant side effect that’s leaving patients embarrassed and, in some cases, alarmed.

Over the last decade, buttock enhancement surgeries have surged, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The procedure typically involves transferring fat from one area of the body to the buttocks to achieve a rounder, fuller shape. While many are drawn to the cosmetic payoff, doctors say recovery isn’t as glamorous as social media might suggest — and sometimes, it comes with a foul odor.

The Side of BBLs No One Talks About
Scroll through Instagram or TikTok, and you’ll find countless videos of BBL transformations — bright, polished, and filter-heavy. What you won’t see are the struggles of recovery: sponge baths instead of showers, difficulty moving, ongoing wound care, and in some cases, an odor that patients describe as “musty” or “rotten.”

According to Miami-based cosmetic clinic GetSnatched, the “BBL smell” is a common but often misunderstood part of healing. Because patients can’t sit normally, bathe easily, or reach certain areas due to swelling and discomfort, bacteria and sweat can build up under compression garments and bandages, creating an unpleasant scent.

When Odor Signals Something Serious
Plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Anderson of Chicago confirms the smell can be real — and sometimes dangerous. In severe cases, it may point to fat necrosis, where transplanted fat tissue dies due to insufficient blood supply. This process not only smells bad but can also trigger infections, require antibiotics, or lead to serious conditions like sepsis.

Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Roger Tsai adds that even without medical complications, patients may struggle with personal hygiene after surgery simply because their new proportions make it harder to reach certain areas. “It changes how you move and how you clean yourself,” he explained.

From TikTok to Real Life: First-Hand Accounts
On TikTok, one man recounted going on a date with a woman who had a recent BBL. While he admired her appearance, he described being hit by an “assault on my nose” when she began dancing, leading him to politely suggest she take a shower.

Another influencer shared that she eventually had her BBL reversed after dealing with a persistent “sit-down smell” that she says wasn’t due to hygiene but to unhealed incision sites. “If those wounds stay open and keep draining, it’ll stink up your clothes, your bed — everything,” she warned.

The Bottom Line
While BBLs remain popular, experts stress that patients need to be fully informed about all aspects of recovery — including the possibility of unpleasant odors that could linger for up to two months. Proper wound care, hygiene adjustments, and awareness of warning signs are essential for avoiding complications.

Would you still consider getting a BBL if it meant dealing with this hidden side effect?