Let us discuss Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs), a surgery that has taken the internet by storm. It sculpts your desired curves, but no surgery is perfect.
One thing that may take you off guard after your BBL is an unpleasant BBL odor.
Don't worry, it's rather frequent, and we're here to explain why it happens (and dispel some myths) and what you can do about it.
What is a BBL, and why there may be a smell after the procedure?
A Brazilian butt lift procedure involves removing fat from one place (such as your tummy or thighs) and injecting it into your buttocks to create a fuller, rounder contour.
Think of it as liposuction's cool cousin, with a focus on creating bootylicious curves.
During the surgery, small incisions are made. These incisions heal after the procedure, and there may be some drainage.
Now, the discharge itself should not have a significant odor. However, if it is not thoroughly cleaned, germs might grow, resulting in a less-than-fresh BBL smell.
Imagine forgetting to dump your workout bag! Not good!
What Causes the Smell?
Okay, let's investigate this terrible smell problem.
Explanation of Liposuction and Fat Grafting Process:
Remember how we stated that the BBL uses liposuction to eliminate fat?
Liposuction involves making tiny incisions and breaking down fat cells before suctioning them out.
Now, these little buggers hang onto fluids, which can be discharged after surgery.
While this fluid should not have a significant odor, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not treated properly.
Consider keeping a damp exercise towel in your locker. Not exactly conducive to fresh air!
Hygiene Neglect After Stool and Urine:
Let's face it: restroom breaks are a fact of life.
However, following BBL surgery, particularly during the early stages of healing, it is critical to use extra caution with hygiene after bowel movement and urine.
Why? Because leftover excrement or urine on the skin can promote bacterial growth and, you guessed it, odor formation.
Consider this: Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments. And guess what? Stool and urine can provide an ideal breeding environment, especially if they are not thoroughly cleansed.
This can cause your BBL to smell less than lovely.
Bacteria and Sweat:
Imagine your body as a buzzing metropolis. It is always working, including creating sweat.
After surgery, you may be less mobile, resulting in increased sweat around the treated area.
Sweat doesn't smell, but it does provide a breeding habitat for microorganisms.
If you don't maintain the region clean and dry, bacteria will have a party, and guess what? That party has an unpleasant odor.
Poor Post-Operative Care:
After your BBL, your body becomes a sanctuary!
Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery and to avoid unpleasant odors.
If you do not clean the incision areas regularly as directed by your doctor, bacteria might accumulate and cause the dreaded BBL stench.
Treatment Options
Let's be honest: even superheroes require assistance from time to time.
If you notice a BBL scent that is stronger than usual, lasts for an extended time, or is accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, or fever, it's time to call the cavalry (your doctor).
Here's what they might do:
Antibiotics:
If your doctor suspects an infection is causing the BBL smell, they may prescribe antibiotics.
These treatments will target the bacteria that is causing the illness and help to clear it up.
Surgical Intervention:
In rare situations, if the odor is caused by a fluid buildup or an abscess (a pus-filled pocket), your doctor may propose surgery to empty it.
This is a minimally invasive approach that is often performed in an outpatient setting.
Follow-Up Visits:
Remember the follow-up appointments your surgeon scheduled? Do not skip them!
These visits are critical for tracking your healing progress and treating any issues you may have, such as a lingering BBL odor.