The BBL smell: What to know about the awful smell after cosmetic surgery

Beyond the glamour and costs are aspect of the recovery process. Recent social media trends highlight cases of not-so-smooth recovery’ and the ‘BBL smell’.

TikTok, X and Instagram overflowing with memes, jokes and trending hashtags on the phenomenon. 

But for patients in recovery, the ‘BBL smell’ is an awkward and uncomfortable part of the process.

The phrase BBL smell was coined to describe the unpleasant, often musty or sour odour that some patients encounter during the recovery of a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery. The unpleasant smell could result from fluid drainage, sweat accumulation, bacterial growth, and the body's natural tissue healing process.

Post-surgical odour is not unusual during recovery, especially after liposuction. The body undergoes swelling, discomfort and tissue repair.

According to Dr Kennedy Omondi, a Nairobi-based wound science & tissue viability specialist, poor hygiene, surgical malpractice, accumulated fluids at the surgical site, poor fat assimilation (grafted fat not surviving) and failure to follow post-operation instructions can contribute to the BBL smell.

“The liposuction site, in particular, can be more vulnerable to infection, especially if not properly cleaned or if moisture is trapped under compression garments,” says Dr. Omondi.

He notes that a smell after BBL isn’t uncommon but 2 in every 10 patients might experience noticeable changes in body odour. It should never be dismissed as “just part of the process.”

“In human anatomy, fat tissues don’t have a strong blood network, and if they fail to attach properly, they can die — leading to fat necrosis (dead fat) which can cause an odour,” he said. 

However, Omondi stresses that a clean surgical wound should never produce an odour. He notes that temporary BBL smell can resolve within two weeks, provided there were no surgical complication. 

“If you notice a foul or persistent smell; especially when accompanied by redness, bleeding, vomiting, skin darkening or pus — that’s a warning sign of infection and should be addressed immediately,” he explains.

Based on Dr. Omondi, the golden rule to avoid ‘BBL smell’ is to ‘keep it clean, dry and simple’. Patients should avoid moisture buildup by changing clothes regularly, showering regularly with care, and skip oily or perfumed products that can trap bacteria.

The patient should also take prescribed antibiotics and attend regular check-ups. Lifestyle matters in the recovery. “Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol and nicotine intake all contribute to faster recovery,” he advises.

The BBL smell is more than a trend, it’s a reminder that behind every cosmetic trend lies a real recovery process that demands care, caution, and commitment.