Is The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge Trend Dangerous? How To Get Fuller Lips Safely

Kylie Jenner, the youngest of the Kardashian family, caused a stir on social media last year when her Twitter and Instagram photos showed the teen with significantly fuller lips. Though the 17 year-old denied that she had undergone any type of surgical augmentation, teenage girls around the world began seeking out ways to copy Jenner’s fuller pout without going under the knife or needle.

Thus, the #KylieJennerChallenge was born.

This past weekend, the “Kylie Jenner Challenge” began trending on Twitter. The challenge asked participants to place a glass or plastic cup around their lips and then suck on it for approximately five minutes. Blood then rushes to the area, which causes noticeable swelling. However, the results could be somewhat unexpected, which is evident in the photos below.

Is the shortcut to fuller lips dangerous?

"Yes!" Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board certified dermatological surgeon, told Seventeen magazine Monday. "The new trend in trying to DIY lip plumping is quite concerning. 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."

There are other ways to obtain fuller lips like Jenner’s. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm are the most common injectables used on the lips. The average cost varies depending on location, but seems to hover between $600-$800 per syringe. Doctors require that patients are 18 or older, unless their parents consent to the procedure.

A product called CandyLipz also promises to grant users with fuller lips, though the product can bruise the user, much like sucking on a glass or plastic cup.

There are also a number of lip glosses that promise to increase lip size due to their ingredients. Smashbox O-Plump Intuitive Lip Plumper costs $25 and promises to enhance pouts, while Buxom’s Full-On Lip polish uses vitamins A and E to increase lip size.