The TikTok trend known as “Bone Smashing” is indeed gaining viral attention, where users hit their faces with blunt objects, such as hammers, bottles, and massagers, aiming to enhance their facial appearances. The term “Bone Smashing” refers to this practice, and videos labeled as “bone-smashing tutorial” have reportedly accumulated over 267.7 million views on TikTok, according to Forbes. The hashtag #bonesmashing has 287 million views on TikTok.
The trend is based on a misinterpretation of Wolff’s Law, formulated by German anatomist and surgeon Julius Wolff. The law states that bones can adapt to physical stress and remodel themselves, becoming stronger and denser when mechanical force or physical stress is applied. However, the law is typically applied to understanding the adaptive responses of skeletal bones to functional demands, such as weight-bearing exercises, and not to intentional blunt force trauma to the face.
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Despite the popularity of the trend, it is highly risky and controversial:
- Potential for Serious Injury: Striking the face can lead to fractures, bleeding, and lesions, which can become infected.
- Soft Tissue Damage: The practice can damage soft tissues, connective tissues, and critical structures like the eyes.
- Nerve Damage: Repetitive trauma may irritate or damage nerves.
- Lack of Symmetry: Achieving symmetrical outcomes requires precision, which is difficult to guarantee with this method.
- Lack of Scientific Support: There is limited research supporting the efficacy of this practice for safely altering facial bone structure.
Health experts and reports strongly warn against this trend, highlighting that it doesn’t just not work but is also dangerous. Engaging in such practices without professional medical advice can lead to unintended consequences and permanent damage. Always approach health and physical alteration trends on social media with skepticism and consult healthcare professionals before attempting any potentially harmful practices.
