‘Watch me get addicted to lip filler’ TikTok trend is raising concerns with beauty experts

TikTokers are documenting their lip augmentation journey in a “watch me get addicted to lip filler” trend, raising concerns with experts in the cosmetics industry.

In the trend, TikTok users post a series of photos in which they reveal what their lips look like at each increment of filler — from 0 ml up through their current level of filler.

“The trend of getting addicted to lip fillers on TikTok raises concerns about the possible mental addiction to cosmetic procedures,” Liana Sahakyan, a registered nurse and co-founder of Lauréate Aesthetics, tells In The Know by Yahoo.

In one such TikTok, influencer @abbeyyraffle gained over 11 million views when she uploaded her one-year journey of so-called lip filler addiction.

“Before yall say shit i like the look of fake lips so gtfo,” @abbeyyraffle captioned the video. Over 5,000 viewers commented on the video, most of whom praised her looks at each stage — or credited her with inspiring them to get lip fillers of their own.

“The way i hate needles yet you made me want some so bad😩” wrote @lexaataylorr.

“It actually suits you at every size, each one i was thinking they look great,” commented @el.aye.d.

According to Sahakyan, some patients may inadvertently fall into a cycle of filler addiction as they pursue the perfect lip look.

“While lip fillers can provide temporary enhancement and boost confidence, some individuals may become psychologically dependent on them as a means to improve their self-esteem or cope with underlying insecurities,” Sahakyan explains.

“This can lead to a cycle of seeking more and more fillers, often in pursuit of an unattainable, unhealthy and unrealistic standard of beauty.”

A 2022 study performed by market research company Grand View Research discovered that the global lip augmentation market size was estimated at $6.4 billion — and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030.

Another TikTok user, Nicole Kay White (@nicolekay2), shared her own “watch me get addicted to lip filler” video, which she captioned “The best thing Iv ever done though!!”

With lip filler costing between $500 and $1,500 per injection, lip augmentation can be an expensive addiction to develop.

However, the cost of injections can vary depending on the type of filler used and the state in which the injections are performed. Metropolitan Skin Clinic, located in Edina, Minn., breaks down its prices as:

  • Juvéderm hyaluronic acid fillers: between $400 and $700 per syringe.

  • Bellafill collagen fillers: up to $1,000 for one syringe.

  • Restylane silk hyaluronic acid filler: between $400 and $700 per syringe.

According to Cleveland Clinic, lip fillers are not permanent. Depending on the patient’s metabolism, injections generally wear away after 12 to 18 months. “You may need routine touch-up treatments to maintain your desired volume,” it states.

Another TikToker who shared her lip filler addiction journey, Tatiana María (@tatianamarria), was met with some critical feedback from viewers.

“This is when an injector needs to start saying ‘I really don’t think you need more,'” wrote @supgeemun.

“This is really sad because you literally had perfect lips,” commented @halalbbeautie.

According to Sahakyan, it’s up to cosmetic experts to inform patients of the risks and possible mental side effects of pursuing lip filler.

“Professionals in the field emphasize the importance of understanding one’s motivations for seeking cosmetic treatments and being mindful of the potential risks and consequences,” she tells In The Know.

As for the warning signs of possible mental addiction, Sahakyan cautions patients — and cosmetic experts — to look out for the following red flags:

  • Constantly being dissatisfied with one’s appearance despite repeated procedures.

  • Feeling anxious or depressed when the effects of the fillers wear off.

  • Disregarding professional advice or overruling the practitioner’s recommendations.

“The best advice is to prioritize self-love and acceptance, using cosmetic procedures as a tool for enhancing natural beauty rather than relying on them solely for validation,” Sahakyan advises.

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