by Dr. Funderburk
How We Avoid the “BBL Smell”
When performed with precision, the BBL can be a powerful tool for reshaping the body—but it also comes with nuanced challenges that rarely make it to the highlight reel on Instagram. One of the most surprising? The smell.
Yes, let’s talk about it.
The Hidden Side of the BBL
As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan specializing in modern body contouring, I’ve performed hundreds of BBLs. I’ve been fortunate that my skillset has enabled me to avoid the problem of the unpleasant-smelling BBL. But I do occasionally see patients who had their BBL done elsewhere who ask me, “Is it normal that
I smell… different?”
The answer is yes—and here’s why.
1. Fat Necrosis Is Real
The BBL involves transferring living fat cells into the buttocks. But not all fat survives. When fat doesn’t take, it can die off—a process called fat necrosis. These dead cells break down and release oil, which can leak into nearby tissue or out through tiny incisions. The result? An unpleasant, sometimes sour smell.
2. Post-Op Garments Create a Microclimate
Compression garments are essential for recovery, but they trap heat and moisture—especially in areas with fresh incisions. That creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can intensify odor if not carefully managed.
3. Fluid Buildup and Infection
Sometimes, fluid (called a seroma) can collect under the skin. If it becomes infected—or even just sits for too long—it can lead to odor. These are signs your body is asking for help, not something to be ignored or embarrassed about.
How I Prevent This in My Practice
At Neinstein Plastic Surgery, we treat body contouring as both an art and a science. That means understanding how to get gorgeous, lasting results—and how to avoid the complications that come with pushing anatomy too far.
1. The Tasteful, Athletic BBL
We don’t do exaggerated. We do elegant. Our BBLs are designed to restore proportion, not inflate it. By placing only the precise amount of fat into safe, well-vascularized tissue planes, we reduce the risk of fat death and the smells that can come with it.
2. Micro-Droplet Technique with Vibrating Cannulas
Instead of injecting fat in large boluses, we use quickly vibrating small cannulas to deliver fine particles of fat—thousands of micro-droplets that integrate seamlessly into the body. This technique reduces pressure in the tissue, improves fat survival, and creates a more natural, athletic result.
3. Meticulous Layering and Clean Technique
The fat is placed with surgical precision—not just anywhere it will fit. We layer it strategically within the subcutaneous tissue. We are careful to place the fat within the natural fat plane above the muscle and below the skin. Everything is sterile. Everything is controlled.
4. Recovery Is Everything
Our aftercare protocols are strict but thoughtful: frequent garment changes, good hygiene, lymphatic massage, and close follow-up with our team. We stay ahead of issues so patients never feel left alone or confused during recovery.
I would advise patients who notice a strong, worsening odor, especially if it is accompanied by pain or discharge—get seen quickly. That odor and pain may indicate infection, seroma, or fat necrosis, all of which need expert care.
Smell might seem like a small concern, but it speaks volumes about how the surgery was done, how the body is healing, and how attentive the post-op care really is.
My goal is always the same: safe, sophisticated, natural-looking results that let my patients move through the world confidently—not wondering what’s going on underneath their garments.
