TikTok is a goldmine of beauty and skincare tips—but not all that glitters is gold. Every week brings a new “miracle” aesthetic hack promising to lift, smooth, sculpt, or tighten… all from the comfort of your bathroom mirror. But here’s the real question: are these viral beauty tricks actually safe—or even effective?
At Denver Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics, we stay up to date on both cutting-edge science and the latest trends. So let’s break down what’s buzzing on TikTok—and what you should know before trying it on your own face or body.
1. At-Home “Filler Pens”
The Trend: DIY hyaluronic acid pens that claim to plump lips or cheeks without needles.
The Truth: These unregulated devices are not only ineffective—they can be dangerous. Without proper technique and sterile conditions, you risk bruising, infection, scarring, or even tissue damage.
Our Take: Injectable fillers should only be administered by trained professionals. Period. We use FDA-approved products, customized to your facial structure and aesthetic goals, with safety as our top priority.
2. DIY Face Lifting with Tape or String
The Trend: Taping your face (especially overnight) to mimic a facelift or sculpt cheekbones.
The Truth: While it might give a temporary illusion of lift for photos, face taping doesn’t create lasting results and can actually irritate or damage the skin barrier over time.
Our Take: For safe and effective lifting, treatments like Morpheus8 offer real, lasting results—and don’t require duct tape.
3. Microneedling with Derma Rollers at Home
The Trend: Using handheld rollers to stimulate collagen and improve texture at home.
The Truth: While microneedling is a proven treatment, at-home rollers often don’t penetrate deep enough to create meaningful results—and improper use can lead to infection or scarring.
Our Take: Professional microneedling (especially when paired with radiofrequency like Morpheus8) is performed in a controlled, sterile setting with medical-grade tools for safe, dramatic skin renewal.
4. Toothpaste for Acne or Pore Shrinking
The Trend: Applying toothpaste on breakouts or oily areas to dry them out overnight.
The Truth: Toothpaste contains ingredients not meant for facial skin and can cause irritation, dryness, or even chemical burns—especially if used repeatedly.
Our Take: For acne or texture concerns, we offer medical-grade skincare and treatments like HydraFacial, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing tailored to your skin type and needs.
5. “Slugging” with Petroleum Jelly
The Trend: Coating your face in petroleum jelly overnight to lock in moisture.
The Truth: This one actually has some merit—for the right skin types. Slugging can help seal in hydration, but if you’re acne-prone or using active ingredients (like retinol), it can trap bacteria and lead to breakouts.
Our Take: We’re fans of barrier repair—but let’s do it smartly. Book a skin consultation and we’ll help you build a moisture-rich routine that won’t clog your pores.
6. Using Ice Cubes to Contour or De-Puff
The Trend: Rubbing ice on the face to tighten pores, reduce swelling, and “sculpt” cheekbones.
The Truth: Icing can temporarily reduce puffiness and inflammation, but it doesn’t actually contour or create permanent change. Also, overuse can damage delicate capillaries.
Our Take: Want lasting contour and definition? Explore treatments like Sculptra or injectable contouring for safe, sculpted results that stick.
Bottom Line: Just Because It’s Trending Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe
TikTok is great for discovering new ideas—but when it comes to your face and body, trust the professionals. Aesthetic medicine is rooted in science, not shortcuts. And while some trends may be harmless fun, others can cause real damage if used improperly.
If you’re curious about a trend or considering trying something you saw online, let’s talk about it. We’re always happy to separate fact from fiction and guide you toward safe, effective solutions that work for you.
Considering a treatment? Curious about something you saw on TikTok?
Schedule a consultation at Denver Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics.
We’ll help you achieve real results—with expert care and no guesswork.
