Will your face go back to normal if it became larger due to self-induced vomiting?

Facial swelling caused by induced vomiting usually resolves over time. Facial massage or facial muscle exercises can help the face return to a slimmer appearance.

Induced vomiting refers to the act of triggering vomiting through physical stimulation or medication. It is a therapeutic method—for example, in cases of food poisoning, induced vomiting may be used as an emergency treatment to reduce intestinal absorption of toxins and aid in recovery. Frequent self-induced vomiting, however, can irritate the face, potentially leading to hypertrophy of facial muscles, enlargement of the salivary glands, and poor local circulation, resulting in facial swelling. This condition is not a disease and is generally reversible. Applying warm compresses and performing facial massage can improve blood circulation and help reduce salivary gland swelling. Additionally, facial muscle exercises may assist in slimming the face. Induced vomiting is a medical intervention; for instance, in food poisoning cases, it serves as an emergency measure that limits toxin absorption in the intestines and supports treatment.

Beyond its medical use, induced vomiting is sometimes misused as a weight-loss method, which poses serious health risks and should be avoided. Long-term induced vomiting can damage the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis and symptoms such as abdominal pain and nausea. In such cases, medications like omeprazole enteric-coated tablets or Yangwei Shu capsules may be used under a doctor’s supervision.