Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 51 mins ago
Doctors warn against influencers’ “bone smashing” beauty trend
Influencers are promoting “bone smashing” in online videos, showing people hitting their faces with fists or hammers to try to reshape their cheekbones.
The trend is spreading through short videos, and some viewers say they have tried it at home.
There is no scientific evidence that the method reshapes facial bones, according to a plastic surgeon.
Repeated impacts can cause skin inflammation, broken blood vessels and lasting changes to the face.
The practice can also cause fractures and injuries to the eyes, teeth or jaw, experts warn.
People seeking facial changes should discuss options with a qualified professional, who can assess risks and suggest suitable treatments.
The “bone smashing” trend involves hitting the face with fists or hammers in an attempt to reshape the cheekbones.
Doctors warn that the practice has no scientific evidence and can cause injuries, fractures and lasting facial damage.
Short videos shared by influencers show how to perform the practice, and some commenters say they have tried it at home.
Plastic surgeon Mônica Renesto says repeated impacts can damage skin and cause inflammation, blood vessel rupture and premature skin ageing.
Physiotherapist Fabi Pinelli warns of risks including bruises, changes in sensation, dental problems and jaw joint problems.
- Who
- Influencers promote the practice online; medical specialists warn against it.
- What
- Bone smashing” involves hitting the face with fists or hammers to try to reshape the cheek area.
- When
- CNN Brasil published its report on 10 November 2026.
- Where
- The practice is shown in videos on social media and is repeated at home by some users, according to commenters.
- Why
- Influencers claim the impacts can remodel cheekbones and improve skin appearance, but specialists say there is no scientific evidence for the method.
Influencers promoting “bone smashing
Medical specialists warning against it
Purpose
Influencers promoting “bone smashing
They suggest that hitting the cheek area can remodel the bone structure and improve skin appearance.
Medical specialists warning against it
They say facial remodelling does not happen through direct blunt trauma to the facial or skull bones.
Evidence and risk
Influencers promoting “bone smashing
Their short videos provide instructions, but the article says the method has no scientific proof or professional support.
Medical specialists warning against it
They warn the practice can cause injuries, fractures and potentially irreversible damage.
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- Published
- 10 November 2026
- Practice
- Bone smashing” means hitting the face with fists or hammers
- Target area
- Cheekbones
- Reported risks
- Injuries, fractures, bruises and jaw joint problems
- Medical evidence
- Specialists say the method has no scientific proof
What people are saying
Facial remodelling does not happen through direct blunt trauma to the facial or skull bones.
This practice can cause irreversible deformities.
serious and irreversible