Bulimia face and cheeks: Why does bulimia cause face swelling?

Key Points

• Bulimia's swollen cheeks happen when frequent purging makes salivary glands swell.
• The face swelling often causes both physical pain and emotional distress.
• With proper treatment, bulimia face and bulimia cheeks can be reversed.
• Support from eating disorder specialists can help you overcome bulimia in the long term.

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where someone eats a large amount of food in a short time (binge eating) and then tries to get rid of the calories, often by vomiting. If you’ve heard of “bulimia face” or “bulimia cheeks,” you know this can lead to noticeable puffiness in the face. Sometimes, this is also called “chipmunk cheeks.”

So, why does this happen? In this blog, we’ll explain what causes facial swelling in bulimia, what you can do about it, and why finding support for recovery is so important.

What exactly are bulimia face and chipmunk cheeks?

When you have bulimia nervosa, repeated purging through self-induced vomiting can cause your face and cheeks to swell. This happens because your salivary glands - specifically the parotid glands near your ears - enlarge in response to frequent purging. Medical professionals call this condition sialadenosis.

Sialadenosis or swollen salivary glands may develop in more than half of individuals who purge through self-induced vomiting. That's a significant number, and it shows just how common these symptoms of bulimia nervosa really are.

Dealing with bulimia is hard enough for those struggling with the eating disorder. However, when a person’s appearance changes, it can make them feel more anxious, which might end up making their eating disorder behaviors worse. 

"Many of my clients feel distressed when they notice ’bulimia face and bulimia cheeks’ developing. They often tell me how these visible changes make them feel more self-conscious." shares Suzanna Thoe, Registered Dietitian, RD. "Swollen cheeks are a common sign of bulimia nervosa, and it’s usually found in those indulge in self-induced vomiting 1-3 times a day. While body image concerns can feel overwhelming, do not lose hope. With proper treatment and support, it is definitely possible to stop purging and begin to improve."

The health impact of bulimia cheeks

The facial and cheek swelling or ‘chipmunk cheeks’ from bulimia nervosa isn't just about looks - it can cause real physical discomfort and, for some people, pain.

Research shows that 54% of individuals with bulimia nervosa experience significant dental erosion, highlighting how common oral health complications are with this eating disorder.

These complications can include:

• Tooth enamel erosion
• Increased cavities
• Chronic dry mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Jaw pain and tenderness
• Mouth sores

Bulimia treatment options

Both bulimia face and ‘chipmunk’ cheeks are potentially reversible with proper treatment. The key is addressing both the immediate symptoms and the underlying eating disorder.

Bulimia treatment options involve a few different specialties working together harmoniously.

Medical support to manage immediate symptoms

According to Thoe, RD, “In the short term, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help manage the pain. Drinking a lot of water and sucking on sour candy can help stimulate saliva production, helping to reduce the swelling. Additionally, a heat pad may be applied to the swollen area.”

In some cases, medications like pilocarpine may be prescribed to help manage salivary gland swelling. However, this should always be done under careful medical supervision.

Surgery may be considered in severe conditions. 

While this may treat the issue of swollen cheeks in the short term, the condition will persist without addressing the purging behaviors linked to bulimia. Comprehensive bulimia treatment can offer real freedom from the cycle of food restriction, binge eating, and purging.

Nutritional counseling to develop healthy eating patterns

A registered dietitian plays a key role in managing bulimia face and “chipmunk cheeks.” Through a personalized nutrition plan, they can help you establish regular eating habits and develop healthy coping skills to reduce the urge to purge. They can also help you navigate binge eating cravings and stressful social situations to support your recovery.

Psychological support

Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has shown significant success in treating bulimia nervosa and addressing the underlying emotional challenges. For some people with bulimia, medication may also help.

"Recovery from bulimia nervosa isn't just about stopping behaviors," Thoe, RD, emphasizes. "It's about healing your relationship with food and, ultimately, yourself. With proper support, both the physical and emotional aspects of bulimia can improve."

Find help and support for bulimia

If you're struggling with bulimia, bulimia cheeks, or other symptoms of bulimia nervosa, remember that you're not alone. The first step to getting better is reaching out for professional help - whether that's talking to your healthcare provider, an eating disorder specialist, or a registered dietitian.

Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a brave step towards healing. With the right professional help, you can recover from bulimia nervosa.

FAQ’s about bulimia face and chipmunk cheeks

Does bulimia change the shape of your face?

Yes - frequent vomiting in bulimia can change facial appearance, most notably causing swollen "chipmunk cheeks." This is when the salivary glands enlarge, and there is facial puffiness from fluid retention. The good news is that most of these changes can improve with bulimia treatment and recovery.

Does everyone with bulimia nervosa get bulimia face and bulimia cheeks?

No, not everyone develops noticeable facial and cheek swelling. However, these are common symptoms of bulimia nervosa that may affect half of the individuals who regularly purge by making themselves throw up.

Do the signs of bulimia cheeks go away?

Yes, facial and cheek swelling from bulimia nervosa is reversible. However, if purging behaviors continue, the salivary glands will continue to experience swelling. Recovery from bulimia nervosa varies for each person, but with proper treatment, it is within reach.

Take the first step towards recovery. Find bulimia treatment near you, covered by insurance.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.