Bonesmashing: Myth, Science, and Reality -
Why People Think It Works
Anecdotal Evidence and Before/After Photos
In looksmaxxing communities, numerous reports circulate from people claiming to have achieved visible changes through targeted “smashing” of their cheekbones, chin, or brow ridge. These reports are often “supported” by before/after pictures that frequently show different lighting, angles, or natural development (especially in teenagers).
Wolff’s Law as Theoretical Foundation
Many proponents cite Wolff’s Law from the 19th century, which states that bone adapts to mechanical stress. The principle is fundamentally scientifically valid - bones become denser and stronger where they’re regularly loaded.
The Boxer Phenomenon
A frequently cited example is boxers who allegedly develop more prominent brow ridges over years. This is presented as “proof” that repeated trauma can alter bone structure.
The Actual Science
Wolff’s Law - Properly Understood
Yes, Wolff’s Law is real, but it works differently than many think:
∙ Mechanotransduction: Bones respond to mechanical loading through controlled, progressive overload - not acute trauma
∙ Osteoblasts vs. Osteoclasts: Controlled loading stimulates bone building (osteoblasts), while acute trauma primarily triggers inflammatory responses
∙ Timescale: Bone adaptation occurs over months to years of continuous, appropriate loading
What Actually Happens with Repeated Trauma
1. Periosteal Reaction: Repeated trauma can indeed lead to periosteal bone formation - however, usually in the form of irregular callus formations, not symmetrical growth
2. Microfractures: Targeted hitting causes microfractures that heal, but:
∙ The healing process is unpredictable
∙ Can lead to scar tissue and irregular bone formation
∙ Increased risk of asymmetries
3. Swelling vs. Bone Growth: Much of what’s perceived as “gains” is chronic inflammation and edema, not actual bone growth
The Boxer Example - Critically Examined
∙ “Boxer’s brow” is often the result of soft tissue damage, scar tissue, and chronic inflammation
∙ Genetic selection plays a role (individuals with more robust facial structures stay in the sport longer)
∙ The changes are usually not aesthetically advantageous
Does It Actually Work?
Short Answer: Technically it can lead to bone changes, but not in the desired way.
The Hard Reality:
What’s Theoretically Possible:
∙ Minimal increase in bone density in affected areas
∙ Periosteal reaction with chronic, repeated trauma
∙ Possibly slight thickening over very long periods (years)
The Massive Downsides:
1. Uncontrollable Results
∙ No way to guarantee symmetrical growth
∙ Risk of unsightly bone outgrowths
∙ Irregular callus formation
2. Significant Risks
∙ Nerve damage (especially in the infraorbital area)
∙ Chronic pain
∙ Permanent asymmetries
∙ Soft tissue damage
∙ Possible impairment of sinus function
∙ Arthritis in affected joints (TMJ with jaw smashing)
3. Time Factor
∙ Even if it worked: We’re talking about years of daily application
∙ During this time: natural facial development (in adolescents), weight changes, etc. make causality impossible to determine
Under What Conditions Could It Minimally Work:
Theoretically Optimal Conditions (still not recommended):
1. Age: During late puberty (16-20), when bone remodeling is still more active
2. Method: Controlled, even pressure over long periods (similar to orthodontic treatment) - NOT hitting
3. Intensity: Submaximal - just enough to stimulate mechanotransduction without microfractures
4. Consistency: Daily, for at least 1-2 years
5. Nutrition: Optimal calcium, vitamin D3, K2, and protein intake
6. Avoidance: No acute trauma, only progressive overload
BUT: Even under “optimal” conditions:
∙ Results would be minimal and unpredictable
∙ Risk-benefit ratio is extremely unfavorable
∙ Professional alternatives (implants, fillers, surgical interventions) are more predictable and safer
Conclusion
Bonesmashing is based on a kernel of scientific truth (Wolff’s Law) that’s been massively misunderstood and misapplied. The idea that you can achieve aesthetic improvements by deliberately hitting your face is:
∙ Scientifically questionable: Mechanisms don’t work as hoped
∙ Practically ineffective: Minimal, if any measurable results
∙ Medically risky: High probability of permanent damage
∙ Aesthetically counterproductive: Uneven, unpredictable results
Better Alternatives for Facial Aesthetics:
∙ Body fat reduction for defined facial features
∙ Proper mewing for jaw position (more evidence-based than bonesmashing)
∙ Beard/hairstyling for optical contouring
∙ If seriously interested: Consultation with maxillofacial surgeon for safe, predictable interventions
If you want to improve your facial structure, there are far safer and more effective ways than traumatizing your face.
Why People Think It Works
Anecdotal Evidence and Before/After Photos
In looksmaxxing communities, numerous reports circulate from people claiming to have achieved visible changes through targeted “smashing” of their cheekbones, chin, or brow ridge. These reports are often “supported” by before/after pictures that frequently show different lighting, angles, or natural development (especially in teenagers).
Wolff’s Law as Theoretical Foundation
Many proponents cite Wolff’s Law from the 19th century, which states that bone adapts to mechanical stress. The principle is fundamentally scientifically valid - bones become denser and stronger where they’re regularly loaded.
The Boxer Phenomenon
A frequently cited example is boxers who allegedly develop more prominent brow ridges over years. This is presented as “proof” that repeated trauma can alter bone structure.
The Actual Science
Wolff’s Law - Properly Understood
Yes, Wolff’s Law is real, but it works differently than many think:
∙ Mechanotransduction: Bones respond to mechanical loading through controlled, progressive overload - not acute trauma
∙ Osteoblasts vs. Osteoclasts: Controlled loading stimulates bone building (osteoblasts), while acute trauma primarily triggers inflammatory responses
∙ Timescale: Bone adaptation occurs over months to years of continuous, appropriate loading
What Actually Happens with Repeated Trauma
1. Periosteal Reaction: Repeated trauma can indeed lead to periosteal bone formation - however, usually in the form of irregular callus formations, not symmetrical growth
2. Microfractures: Targeted hitting causes microfractures that heal, but:
∙ The healing process is unpredictable
∙ Can lead to scar tissue and irregular bone formation
∙ Increased risk of asymmetries
3. Swelling vs. Bone Growth: Much of what’s perceived as “gains” is chronic inflammation and edema, not actual bone growth
The Boxer Example - Critically Examined
∙ “Boxer’s brow” is often the result of soft tissue damage, scar tissue, and chronic inflammation
∙ Genetic selection plays a role (individuals with more robust facial structures stay in the sport longer)
∙ The changes are usually not aesthetically advantageous
Does It Actually Work?
Short Answer: Technically it can lead to bone changes, but not in the desired way.
The Hard Reality:
What’s Theoretically Possible:
∙ Minimal increase in bone density in affected areas
∙ Periosteal reaction with chronic, repeated trauma
∙ Possibly slight thickening over very long periods (years)
The Massive Downsides:
1. Uncontrollable Results
∙ No way to guarantee symmetrical growth
∙ Risk of unsightly bone outgrowths
∙ Irregular callus formation
2. Significant Risks
∙ Nerve damage (especially in the infraorbital area)
∙ Chronic pain
∙ Permanent asymmetries
∙ Soft tissue damage
∙ Possible impairment of sinus function
∙ Arthritis in affected joints (TMJ with jaw smashing)
3. Time Factor
∙ Even if it worked: We’re talking about years of daily application
∙ During this time: natural facial development (in adolescents), weight changes, etc. make causality impossible to determine
Under What Conditions Could It Minimally Work:
Theoretically Optimal Conditions (still not recommended):
1. Age: During late puberty (16-20), when bone remodeling is still more active
2. Method: Controlled, even pressure over long periods (similar to orthodontic treatment) - NOT hitting
3. Intensity: Submaximal - just enough to stimulate mechanotransduction without microfractures
4. Consistency: Daily, for at least 1-2 years
5. Nutrition: Optimal calcium, vitamin D3, K2, and protein intake
6. Avoidance: No acute trauma, only progressive overload
BUT: Even under “optimal” conditions:
∙ Results would be minimal and unpredictable
∙ Risk-benefit ratio is extremely unfavorable
∙ Professional alternatives (implants, fillers, surgical interventions) are more predictable and safer
Conclusion
Bonesmashing is based on a kernel of scientific truth (Wolff’s Law) that’s been massively misunderstood and misapplied. The idea that you can achieve aesthetic improvements by deliberately hitting your face is:
∙ Scientifically questionable: Mechanisms don’t work as hoped
∙ Practically ineffective: Minimal, if any measurable results
∙ Medically risky: High probability of permanent damage
∙ Aesthetically counterproductive: Uneven, unpredictable results
Better Alternatives for Facial Aesthetics:
∙ Body fat reduction for defined facial features
∙ Proper mewing for jaw position (more evidence-based than bonesmashing)
∙ Beard/hairstyling for optical contouring
∙ If seriously interested: Consultation with maxillofacial surgeon for safe, predictable interventions
If you want to improve your facial structure, there are far safer and more effective ways than traumatizing your face.
