Devil lips: a strange trend born on social media
For several months, surprising images have circulated on Instagram: wavy-edged lips called "devil lips". Presented as a new aesthetic trend, they quickly attracted online curiosity. Their sinuous, almost geometric shapes are often compared to octopus tentacles, earning the nickname "octopus lips". Several sources suggest the phenomenon began in Russia before spreading on social media across Europe and the United States.
But what are users really seeing? Most images appear to be simple edits made with retouching software or photographic filters. Some influencers have admitted altering photographs to create the illusion. Others, however, imply genuine hyaluronic acid injections produced the wavy shape. This particular development concerns health professionals.
Spectacular images, but rarely real
Doctors agree that simple hyaluronic acid injections cannot technically produce such results. Lip contours cannot form regular waves without profoundly altering skin tissue structure. Most online photographs are therefore retouched or artistic make-up. British journalist Ellen Scott reproduced the visual effect using only editing software and cosmetic tricks. Her result matched supposedly "authentic" images.
Yet some photographs show visibly injected lips with irregularities and localised swelling. These genuine cases reflect attempts to imitate the trend without assessing risks. Every perioral injection requires perfect anatomical knowledge: numerous delicate vessels make injection errors potentially serious.
Real health risks
Deliberately irregular lip shaping is not trivial. Poorly performed or repeated injections can damage small vessels, causing haematomas, localised necrosis or infections. Risk is greater outside medical settings, sometimes with unqualified people using products of dubious origin. Some injected gels are non-absorbable, persisting for years and potentially causing irreversible deformities.
Doctors emphasise that no recognised injection technique aims to alter lip contours unnaturally. Aesthetic medicine instead restores facial balance, volume or harmonious proportions while respecting natural morphology. "Devil lips" completely depart from this principle by seeking artificial results.
The imitation effect on social media
Social media now decisively spreads aesthetic fashions. Virality quickly transforms an isolated image into a collective phenomenon. Repeated exposure to retouched visuals creates significant aesthetic pressure, particularly among younger people. This influence can lead to what psychiatrists call "social media dysmorphia", where people no longer perceive appearance objectively and wish to resemble filtered images.
Recent studies show that intensive use of retouching apps or facial filters increases requests for aesthetic consultations. Patients seek conformity to an artificial version of themselves rather than enhancement. This partly explains wavy lips, serpentine eyebrows and other fleeting trends popularised by influencers seeking originality.
Doctors' position
Doctors are unanimous: such requests have no medical or aesthetic justification. One cosmetic surgeon expressed this clearly after a patient asked about the trend. He considers devil lips a deviation driven by wanting to stand out online rather than a serious aesthetic approach. He notes that "giving lips an unnatural shape exposes you to unnecessary complications and a result you may well tire of".
All doctors share this view: conventional injections cannot achieve wavy contours, and any attempt departs from medical practice. Only skilful make-up or digital editing can produce the visual effect. Manipulating lip tissues into unrealistic shapes compromises patient safety for fashion.
The need for vigilance
Trends such as devil lips highlight the importance of rigorous supervision of aesthetic procedures. Before any injection, medical examination is essential to assess anatomy and treatment feasibility. Product selection, precise knowledge of injection points and medical experience ensure safety and result quality. Conversely, following social media fashions creates significant aesthetic and medical risks.
Patients must understand that aesthetic medicine aims to support skin ageing with moderation and judgement rather than create eccentric or artificial shapes. Medical beauty rests on proportion, symmetry and coherence, not deformation.
Conclusion: aesthetic medicine between illusion and misuse
"Devil lips" are primarily an illusion born of image culture. Behind spectacular appearances often lie digital edits or skilful make-up. Attempting to reproduce these changes carries serious risks and no medical legitimacy. This trend reminds us that social media can dangerously influence body perception and divert aesthetic medicine from its primary purpose: restoring, preserving and enhancing while respecting patient nature and safety.
