A new fashion fad almost turned lethal for Kaytlyn Waye when her intestines were ripped open after accidentally swallowing several magnetic accessories known as "Buckyballs".

The 12-year-old from Greta, near Newcastle, suffered life-threatening complications from swallowing the magnets she was wearing as jewellery, the Herald reports in Newcastle.

Kaytlyn Waye recovers in at John Hunter Hospital, with her mother Sandra Robinson. Credit:Peter Stoop

She is recovering in John Hunter Children's Hospital following surgery to repair her bowel, which perforated in four places when the powerful magnets connected internally and tore through her intestine.

Kaytlyn's mother, Sandra Robinson, wants to warn other parents and youngsters to be vigilant.