The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries in recent years — thanks to social media influencers, celebrity curves, and the ever-growing demand for an hourglass figure. But despite its popularity, the procedure comes with not only serious medical risks, but also a lesser-known, deeply unpleasant side effect: the dreaded “BBL smell.”
One of the most discussed aspects of this procedure is the infamous BBL Smell, which many patients report experiencing post-surgery.
The BBL involves transferring fat from other parts of the body — typically the abdomen, thighs, or back — and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their size and shape. While the results can be dramatic, the process is far from simple or safe. According to medical professionals, BBLs carry a high complication rate, and in rare cases, can even be fatal.
Experts emphasize that understanding the BBL Smell can help set realistic expectations prior to undergoing the surgery.
Ignoring the potential for the BBL Smell can lead to discomfort and embarrassment for patients.
One major reason for concern is fat necrosis — a condition where fat cells that lack sufficient blood supply die inside the body. “When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process called fat necrosis,” one expert explained. This decomposition can produce a foul odor, often described as “rotting,” and may lead to infections requiring antibiotics, hospitalization, or even sepsis — a life-threatening condition.
But the “BBL smell” isn’t always caused by internal tissue damage. A more straightforward — though equally unpleasant — issue is hygiene. After the surgery, patients often struggle with sitting, moving, or even properly cleaning themselves, especially in the days and weeks immediately following the procedure. South Shore Plastic Surgery cautions that if any stool or urine remains on the skin, it can create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to a strong, lingering odor.
The decision to undergo such procedures should include consideration of the potential for a persistent BBL Smell.
To combat this, experts recommend that post-BBL patients use gentle, fragrance-free wet wipes or a bidet to keep the area clean without irritating sensitive skin. Cevre Hospital recommends following strict hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infection and unpleasant odors.
Patients must be prepared to deal with the BBL Smell as part of their recovery journey.
Despite these complications, many people are still willing to take the risk. TikToker Scarlet Black revealed she has undergone two BBL procedures, the first of which failed due to significant fat loss. “A lot of the fat that’s re-injected into your buttocks actually dies — like 50% or sometimes more,” she said in a video. Her second surgery focused on lifting and adding more volume to achieve the look she wanted.
Black doesn’t seem fazed by the risks or the cost. In fact, she claims to have spent over $36,000 on plastic surgery in pursuit of her dream body — an amount that may seem excessive to some, but is a reality for many in the cosmetic surgery world.
Is It Worth It?
The rise of BBLs reflects the modern obsession with beauty standards — but it also highlights the consequences people may face chasing those ideals. From serious medical complications like fat necrosis and infections, to ongoing maintenance and hygiene challenges, the BBL is not a risk-free shortcut to beauty.
As more stories like Scarlet Black’s go viral, experts hope that potential patients will weigh the health risks, financial cost, and even the social embarrassment of side effects like the BBL smell before making a decision. For many, it’s a lesson in thinking beyond the aesthetics and focusing on long-term well-being.
Key Message
The Brazilian butt lift may promise a sculpted, curvier silhouette, but it comes with more than just surgical scars. Between fat death, infections, and hygiene struggles, even the perfect derrière may not be worth the stench — or the serious health risks. Patients must also consider long-term maintenance, post-surgery care challenges, and the emotional toll of complications that can follow this high-risk cosmetic procedure. What seems like a shortcut to beauty can quickly turn into a long road of recovery and regret.
Stay informed with UState Pulse and Stay cautious.