Young men are seeking DIY filler for ‘looksmaxxing.’ Doctors hate it

Key Points:

• The looksmaxxing movement, popular among young men aiming to enhance their appearance, has led some to pursue dangerous and unproven methods such as "bonesmashing," "mewing," and self-administered drugs to reduce body fat.
• Plastic surgeons report a rise in complications from DIY filler injections, with many young men using unregulated substances like silicone, body oils, and liquid cement obtained from black or gray markets, resulting in infections, autoimmune diseases, and difficult-to-remove scar tissue.
• Experts warn that the overconfidence of these individuals, often fueled by anonymous online influencers rather than medical professionals, leads to risky self-treatment practices under the false belief they are invincible or knowledgeable.
• Despite the growing demand for male facial cosmetic procedures, with 95% of facial plastic surgeons treating male patients in 2025, many looksmaxxers avoid qualified medical care, increasing their risk of severe health complications.
• Plastic surgeons urge young men to avoid internet hype and seek professional advice, emphasizing that DIY aesthetic procedures can cause lasting damage and costly corrective surgeries without guaranteed improvement.