All About Zygo Pushing: What It Is, How to Do It, and If It Works

PDF download Download Article
Get the facts on zygopulling and other looksmaxxing trends
PDF download Download Article

Looking to get supermodel cheekbones? According to the internet, the newest, hottest way to get zygomatic bones that could cut through paper is “zygo pushing.” But what is zygo pushing ? And how do you do it ? Does it actually work ? We’re here to fill you in, as well as show you other (and better) ways to get snatched cheekbones. We also spoke to influencer and content creator Harry (Sai Thein Htet) for more insight into zygo pushing/pulling and looksmaxxing.

Zygo Pushing Explained

Zygo pushing involves using your thumbs to apply upward pressure under your cheekbones, pushing back toward your ears. As part of the looksmaxxing trend, it’s said to sculpt your face and enhance your cheekbones. There’s no scientific evidence that it works, and experts say it may even have negative effects.

Section 1 of 5:

What is zygo pushing?

PDF download Download Article
  1. According to Harry (Sai Thein Htet), “Zygo pushing is another looksmaxxing technique which helps sharpen the jawline and develop the cheekbones (zygomatic bones).” [1] Zygo pushing, or zygopulling, involves using your thumbs to massage just under the cheekbones in an effort to make them more dramatic and pronounced.
    • Zygo pushing exercises are part of the looksmaxxing and orthotropics trends, where people attempt to change their facial structure through facial massaging and regular exercises. [2]
    • Where did it come from? It’s hard to say where the practice of zygo pushing began, but Google Trends shows the term first appearing in May 2022. Like other looksmaxxing trends, it was likely coined by looksmaxxing influencers. [3]

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Harry (Sai Thein Htet) is an influencer and educational content creator based in Myanmar.

    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

How do you do zygo pushing?

PDF download Download Article
  1. According to the “pros,” to do zygomatic pushing, first find the underside of your cheekbones with your thumbs. Then, use your thumbs to apply gentle upward pressure while “pushing” back toward your ears. Once you get back toward your ears, hold the pressure for 30 seconds, release, then repeat twice more. [4]
    • “Internal zygo pushing” involves doing the same action but on the inside of your mouth, which, in theory, is more effective at widening the face and pushing the cheekbones out.
    • Harry (Sai Thein Htet) says, “There are actually two ways to do it. One external and one internal. The first one is to take the thumbs and put them in the very edge of the palate in between the cheeks and the teeth behind the cheekbones. You essentially have to massage outwards and upwards. It is somewhat painful to do the internal method.” [5]
    • Harry (Sai Thein Htet) continues, “The second [technique] is the external one. Apply some sort of facial moisturizer [to] the face and use both thumbs to massage the face upwards and outwards below the cheekbones to tighten up the facial skin around the cheekbones.” [6]
    • That’s how you perform the exercise, but we don’t actually recommend you do it. It’s probably harmless if you do it once or twice a week, but regular practice may negatively alter your facial structure, requiring corrective surgery. [7]
Section 3 of 5:

What does zygo pushing do?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Specifically, it’s said to drain lymphatic fluid from your face, loosen facial fascia, and mold your zygomatic bones, or cheekbones. All of this combines to make your cheekbones higher and more dramatic…in theory. Some even say it can widen your face, improve your posture, and improve your overall health. [8] Those are some big claims, but are they true?
    • The whole idea comes from joint suture theory—an unproven theory that states that cranial bone growth happens at the “sutures” of your skull, and by applying pressure on those sutures, you can manipulate that growth. [9]
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Does zygo pushing work?

PDF download Download Article
  1. The world of looksmaxxing and orthotropics is full of bunk science and bad practices pushed by influencers. Almost none of the practices involved in looksmaxxing—like mewing , hunter eye exercises , and others—are proven to really work. In fact, research shows that doing them regularly might even have negative effects on your facial structure that may require corrective procedures like surgery or orthodontics. [10]
    • You’re unlikely to experience any negative side effects if you practice zygo pushing a handful of times. However, consistent practice over a long period of time may have negative effects.
    • Harry (Sai Thein Htet) says, “My opinion is that [zygo pushing] is not going to change the entire facial structure, but [it may] tighten facial muscles and [help you] lose facial fat for more dominant cheekbones.” [11]
Section 5 of 5:

Proven Ways to Get More Dramatic Cheekbones

PDF download Download Article
  1. Makeup artist Yuka Arora tells us that using bronzer can give you dramatic cheekbones with minimal effort. She says to “try out a bronzer that’s just a few shades darker than your skin tone,” then apply it to the hollows of your cheeks for a nice slimming effect. [12] Apply your bronzer with a fluffy makeup brush and use light, gentle strokes. Start with just a little bit, and build it up until you’re satisfied with the look.
  2. Research shows that diet and exercise are the best ways to drop fat and achieve the look you want, including in your face . Just keep in mind that you can’t pick and choose where on your body you burn fat from (AKA, you can’t target your face). Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like jogging, per day. Also focus on these dietary goals : [14]
    • Incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet, aiming for at least 3 servings of each per day.
    • Swap refined grains like white rice and white bread for whole grains.
    • Cut down on foods that have added sugar and fats, like sodas and sweets.
    • Avoid processed foods, and opt for fresh foods as much as possible.
    • Aim for a calorie deficit, which is when you burn more calories than you eat each day.
  3. Surgical procedures like cheek implants can more permanently change the shape of your face. Cheek implants average about $9,000 and are a fairly common and safe procedure, though any facial surgery comes with risks. [15] Other surgical options include:
    • Buccal fat removal: This procedure removes the fat from your cheeks for a more dramatic look in your cheekbones. It’s relatively safe and permanent. [16] Procedures like this often cost about $4,000.
    • Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are injections in the face that help add shape. They’re often temporary, but some fillers last longer than others. The price varies by filler type. [17]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      The Sexiest Body Parts, According to the Opposite Sex
      How to
      Fix Facial Asymmetry & Make Your Face Look More Balanced
      What Are "Dead Eyes," & Why Do Some People Have Them?
      Why Does My Side Profile Look Bad? (And How to Change It)
      How to
      Make Yourself More Attractive
      What is Mogging? Everything You Need to Know
      How to
      Look Like a Pornstar
      Towel Method for Jawline: Exercise Benefits, Risks, & Alternatives
      How to
      Be Attractive
      12 Features and Signs of Conventionally Attractive People
      How to
      Be an Attractive Woman
      What Are the Korean Beauty Standards for Men and Women?
      How to
      Make Boobs Bigger Naturally
      How to
      Look Naturally Pretty & Radiate Beauty from the Inside Out
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Harry (Sai Thein Htet). Influencer & Content Creator. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://ijdmsrjournal.com/issue_dcp/Orthotropics+Unveiled+Decoding+Truths+in+Dental+Growth.pdf
      3. ↑ https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=2020-07-06+2024-08-06&geo=US&q=zygopulling,zygo+pushing&hl=en
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7J877J92jc&t=99s
      5. ↑ Harry (Sai Thein Htet). Influencer & Content Creator. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Harry (Sai Thein Htet). Influencer & Content Creator. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://ijdmsrjournal.com/issue_dcp/Orthotropics+Unveiled+Decoding+Truths+in+Dental+Growth.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7J877J92jc&t=28s
      9. ↑ https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/abstract/1996/04000/studies_in_cranial_suture_biology__part_ii__role.1.aspx
      1. ↑ https://ijdmsrjournal.com/issue_dcp/Orthotropics+Unveiled+Decoding+Truths+in+Dental+Growth.pdf
      2. ↑ Harry (Sai Thein Htet). Influencer & Content Creator. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Yuka Arora. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Christin Birckhead. Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/art-20047752
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/cheek-implants
      7. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23396-buccal-fat-removal
      8. ↑ https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/face/asian-facial-skeletal-contouring.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 66 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement