why the kylie jenner lip-plumping challenge is so dangerous
Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the notorious Kardashian siblings, created a stir in April when she debuted a plumper-than-usual pout. While the reality TV star claims she achieved the look with lip liner, critics believe that she had injectable fillers (controversial because Kylie is only 17 years old and not eligible for treatment with injectable fillers). Her young fans have taken it upon themselves to replicate the results using a far more dangerous method.
USA Today initially reported on the disturbing trend of putting lips into a small glass (such as a shot glass) to create an airlock on the skin, and sucking for as long as five minutes. This causes the lips to briefly swell, making them look plumper. Thousands of teenage followers took up the challenge, posting their results to Twitter and other social media channels using the hashtag “#kyliejennerchallenge.”
If this seems like innocent teenage mischief, think again. Plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other medical professionals have been very vocal about the dangers of the Kylie Jenner challenge. When the American Society of Plastic Surgeons President Dr. Scot Glasberg spoke to FoxNews.com about the trend, he compared it to “punching yourself in the face or running your face into the wall.”
“You’re creating an injury to your lips, that’s why they swell,” Dr. Glasberg said.
A quick scroll through pictures and videos tagged with the #kyliejennerchallenge shows the substantial swelling and bruising.
The act of sucking on a glass may cause injuries that are more serious. Some teens suck so hard that the glass breaks and punctures the skin on the lips and around the mouth. In the worst cases, this can require stitches to repair and cause scarring.
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a dermatologic surgeon, told Seventeen, “Not only can significant pain, swelling and bruising result from these suction techniques, but there is potential risk for scarring and permanent disfigurement with repeated attempts.”
“The whole thing is just pretty silly and irresponsible,” said Dr. Glasberg. Dr. Erwin Bulan, our Northern New Jersey plastic surgeon, agrees.
A SAFER WAY TO PLUMP THE LIPS
Dr. Bulan has helped hundreds of patients enjoy plumper, sexier-looking lips using safe treatment options. Note that he does not treat teenagers, and follows the age limits for treatment set forth by the FDA.
Juvederm is a cosmetic injectable commonly used to fill in wrinkles and lines around the nose and mouth. Made from hyaluronic acid, the gel filler can also be used to augment the size or accentuate the shape of your lips.
Juvederm treatment is very well tolerated. Although it may cause mild side effects, the symptoms are only temporary.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIP PLUMPING TREATMENT
If you are unhappy with the lack of shape or small size of your lips, consider safe lip-enhancing treatment with board certified plastic surgeon Erwin Bulan. To schedule an informational consultation with Dr. Bulan, please call our practice at (973) 467-9744 today.
