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There's actually a gross 'BBL smell' side effect that no one talks about

Home> Life

Published 12:59 4 Sep 2025 GMT+1

There's actually a gross 'BBL smell' side effect that no one talks about

Brazilian Butt Lifts have been associated with one particularly nasty side effect

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

In the last decade, BBLs are said to have sky-rocketed in popularity, with more and more women across the world striving to achieve their dream curvaceous body through surgery.

In recent years, however, doctors have picked up on a rise in cases of a particularly nasty side effect to the controversial procedure - a phenomenon known as 'BBL smell'.

For those out of the loop with the term, BBL stands for Brazilian Butt Lift, and describes a procedure that sees fat transferred to the derriere from other parts of the body - most commonly, the tummy or thighs - in a bid to create the perfect hourglass physique.

Not being available on the NHS, the surgery is notoriously pricey, and can see women coughing up as many as five-figures to add curves wherever they want them.

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The procedure has sky-rocketed in popularity recently (Getty Stock Image)
The procedure has sky-rocketed in popularity recently (Getty Stock Image)

On top of the hefty cost, however, doctors and surgeons have long issued warnings over the fact we're still learning of the potential side effects - one of which rap star Cardi B inadvertently shed light on recently.

Earlier this year, the musician found herself at the centre of a vicious rumour that her new BBL had begun omitting a suspicious odour.

And whilst the unnerving speculation was never confirmed by 32-year-old, doctors later confirmed that 'BBL smell' is a very real thing.

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Such was also the experience of one woman from the UK, who told press in April 2024 that her surgery had landed her in hospital and fearing for her life, after her BBL became septic.

As well as enduring the agony of treatment, Laura Bassnett, 29, from Derby noticed a horrific smell coming from the area.

Laura was thankfully able to make a full recovery from her infection, after which a doctor gave The Mail an insight into what exactly causes the disturbing stench from below.

"The BBL smell is real," Dr Eric Anderson from Impressions Face + Body told the publication.

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The surgery has been linked to a particularly bad smell (Getty Stock Image)
The surgery has been linked to a particularly bad smell (Getty Stock Image)

Though he added that bad hygiene - sweating, not washing properly, etc - is sometimes the culprit of the smell, in most cases, it is caused by a person being 'overfilled with fat during the procedure'.

In these cases, fat necrosis occurs, which sees fat tissues die, producing the horrific scent.

"When there is more fat in an area than the blood supply allows, the fat will die through a smelly process called fat necrosis, which can lead to infections that need antibiotics, hospitalisations, and even sepsis," the medic explained.

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Touching on the hygiene aspect of the warning, a representative for South Shore Plastic Surgery, issued some stern advice.

"Maintaining optimal hygiene after a BBL can be challenging, especially when using the restroom," the clinic previously explained.

"Residual stool or urine on the skin can lead to bacterial growth and odour development if not cleaned thoroughly. Be extra diligent about cleansing after bowel movements and urination to prevent unwanted smells."

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Health, True Life, Real Life, Beauty

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

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@rhiannaBjourno

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