As the main health and wellness consultant at FindItHealth, I’m going to discuss the safety of lip cupping. 

Lip cupping pulls blood onto the surface of the lips using a small suction device to give them a plumped-up appearance. 

In order to enhance attractiveness and plump the lips, lip cupping is quickly gaining popularity in the beauty industry. We advise speaking with a medical professional or cosmetology professional before adding lip cupping to your beauty routine. Before beginning any lip cupping treatment, please read this article to understand the benefits and risks.  

Is Lip Cupping Safe?

Even though it can momentarily make lips appear larger, cupping this sensitive area can result in bruising, swelling, redness, and even damage to the tissues that support the lips.

After extended or repeated usage of the lip cupping devices may result in serious side effects like scarring or numbness on the lips.

It is also very important to understand that cupping for lip plumping is not a long-term option for getting larger lips. Lip cupping has short-term effects that only persist for a few hours or a day. 

Lip Suction Cup Side Effects

Several lip cupping side effects are listed below:

• Hickey marks – Lip cupping bruises resemble hickey markings, which are noticeable bruises that some people may mistake for signs of a disease like herpes. Erythema is the term for hickeys that result from lip cupping which is mild to intense marks. In a clinical trial, these hickey marks disappear in 4.4 days.
• Movement of lip implants – Avoid using lip plumper suction devices or lip cupping at all costs if you have lip implants. The lip implants could move or migrate as a result of using these devices.
• Skin sensitivities – If you have really sensitive skin, bleed quickly, or have a blood disease, stay away from lip cupping. A potential risk of lip cupping are wounds and markings that are difficult to heal.

Examples Of Lip Cupping Injuries

Some examples of lip-cupping injuries include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Burst blood vessels
• Blistering
• Infection

It’s important to note that while some people may find lip cupping to be a beneficial practice, it can also be dangerous and should be done with caution or avoided altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the long-term effects of lip cupping?

Some of the possible long-term effects of lip cupping and suction cup lip plumpers include:

• Risk for scarring – Overuse of a suction cup on the lips can cause scarring, which may be permanent and affect the appearance of the lips.
• Changes in lip texture – Lip cupping can cause the skin on the lips to become thin and lose elasticity, leading to a rough or uneven texture.
• Discoloration – Prolonged suction cupping can cause darkening or discoloration of the lips, which may be difficult to reverse.
• Nerve damage – Suction cupping can damage the nerves in the lips, leading to numbness or tingling. This can be a long-term effect if the nerves are not able to fully heal.
• Allergic reactions – Some people may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in suction cups, which can lead to long-term skin irritation or sensitivity.

What does lip cupping do?

People undergo lip cupping because they believe it has the following benefits:

• Plumping and shaping – Lip cupping is believed to cause outward pressure that stimulates blood flow to the lips and increase circulation, which can temporarily plump the lips and give them a fuller, more defined appearance.
• Exfoliation – The suction from lip cupping can help to remove dead skin cells and exfoliate the lips, leaving them feeling smooth and soft.
• Pain relief – Some people use lip cupping as a form of pain relief, particularly for conditions like cold sores or chapped lips.
• Relaxation – The gentle suction of lip cupping can be relaxing and help relieve tension in the lips and surrounding muscles.

Lip cupping is a controversial practice and there is limited scientific evidence to support its benefits. It’s important to note that these benefits are largely based on anecdotal evidence and there is limited scientific research to support them. 

How long do suctioned lips last?

The results of lip cupping are instant and temporary. It takes just a few minutes to enhance the lips and as mentioned the effects can last for a few hours to an entire day.

A notable benefit of lip cupping is that you get to see what your lips would look like if you had lip injections.

After daily applications lasting two minutes over the course of a continuous 60-day treatment, lip size in a clinical trial can rise by as much as 36% from the baseline lip size.

Are lip cupping devices safe?

Devices for cupping your lips are often safe if you’re healthy. But as was stated, we advise you to seek advice from a dermatologic surgeon or aesthetic professional. To guarantee safety, experts advice consumers to keep the following in mind while selecting a lip cupping tool:

• Material – Look for a device made from high-quality, non-toxic materials that are safe for use on the skin.
• Size and shape – Consider the size and shape of the cup. A smaller cup may be more effective at targeting specific areas of the lips, while a larger cup may provide more overall suction.
• Suction strength – Consider the level of suction provided by the device. You may want to start with a lower suction level and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable with the device.
• Ease of use – Look for a device that is easy to use and clean. Some lip cupping devices may have multiple cups or attachments for different lip shapes and sizes.
• Brand reputation – Consider the reputation of the brand and read reviews from other users to get an idea of the effectiveness and safety of the product.
• Price – Lip cupping devices can range in price, so consider your budget when choosing a product. Keep in mind that more expensive products may not necessarily be more effective than lower-priced options.

Conclusion

Lip cupping is one of the many methods people use to temporarily plump their lips. Some people may opt for lip cupping because it is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and relatively quick method to achieve a temporary plumping effect. Lip cupping can be done at home, and some people find it to be a convenient way to achieve fuller-looking lips without the expense and downtime associated with more invasive procedures like lip fillers or injections. But bear in mind the dangers we’ve already outlined before including lip cupping in your beauty routine. Seek the advice of a healthcare provider first.