Ozempic and similar injectable solutions have become popular prescription medications for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight loss. While their effectiveness for helping individuals shed excess pounds is well-documented, some patients report noticing changes in their facial appearance after significant weight loss—sometimes referred to as “Ozempic Face.”
“Ozempic Face” describes the facial volume loss and skin laxity that can occur as a result of rapid or substantial weight loss. When the body sheds fat, it doesn’t differentiate between areas, so the face can lose fat just as other parts of the body do. This can lead to a hollowed or “sunken” appearance, sagging skin, or more prominent wrinkles, particularly around the cheeks, temples, and jawline.
While Ozempic and other injectables that can help patients achieve weight loss do not directly cause these facial changes, the weight loss that often results may produce a reduction of the facial fat which gives the face its youthful appearance. Those who experience “Ozempic Face” may find they look older or more tired than they did before losing weight, even though they may be healthier overall.
Cosmetic Options to Address “Ozempic Face”
Fortunately, there are several cosmetic treatments that can help restore volume and rejuvenate the appearance of the face:
Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers, such as those in the JUVÉDERM® or Restylane® families, can restore lost volume to areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and around the temples. Dermal fillers can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, as well. Depending on the product used, results may last six months to two years.
Sculptra® Injections
Sculptra works by stimulating collagen production over time, improving skin structure and restoring lost volume gradually. It can be an excellent choice for addressing volume loss and achieving long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Fat Transfer / Facial Fat Grafting
Fat transfer (fat grafting) procedures use fat harvested via liposuction from another area of the body to replenish volume in the face. Facial fat grafting can provide a natural result by using the patient’s own tissue, and the effects are known to be particularly long-lasting for many patients.
Skin Tightening Treatments
Radiofrequency and microneedling treatments, such as Morpheus8, can tighten loose skin and stimulate collagen production. These minimally-invasive therapies can help improve the overall elasticity and firmness of the skin, reducing sagging effects caused by weight loss.
Facelift
For individuals seeking a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution to address the effects of “Ozempic Face,” a surgical facelift may be an ideal option. Facelift surgery is designed to tighten loose skin, reposition underlying tissues, and restore facial contours to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This procedure may be particularly beneficial for those with significant skin laxity or advanced signs of aging.
“Ozempic Face” can be a natural result of weight loss for some individuals, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. If you would like to schedule a consultation here at Dermlounge to discuss your options, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.