‘Ozempic Face’: How Weight Loss Impacts Skin and What Treatments Can Help
Ozempic, a medication designed for type 2 diabetes, has recently gained popularity on social media as a weight loss aid.
This sudden interest has caused shortages of the prescription drug and its obesity treatment counterpart, Wegovy.
However, using Ozempic for weight loss can sometimes cause a side effect popularly called “Ozempic face.”
This term, introduced by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a dermatologist from New York City, refers to facial changes linked to rapid weight loss, including signs of aging like a gaunt appearance and sagging skin.
Dr. David Shafer, a plastic surgeon also based in New York, suggests that the term “Ozempic face” might be more of a media creation for shock value.
He explains that this issue is not unique to Ozempic but occurs with any method of losing weight quickly.
“As we age or lose weight, the fat in our faces decreases, which causes the skin to loosen and sag,” he says. “This is a natural effect and not something exclusive to the medication.”
Understanding Skin Changes from Weight Loss with Ozempic
Dr. Michele Koo, a plastic surgeon from St. Louis, notes that significant weight loss—often 35 pounds or more within six months or less—can severely impact the skin and body’s nutrient stores.
This rapid change may disturb the body’s endocrine system and gastrointestinal balance.
“The skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity due to a rapid drop in essential fatty acids that maintain the skin’s barrier,” she says.
Collagen and elastin production are also affected, leading to dull, thin, and sallow skin. Fat loss in the cheeks, medically called malar and submalar areas, adds to the hollowed facial look.
Dr. Koo emphasizes that the skin changes result mainly from nutrient and vitamin depletion in a short time frame. “Fat is reabsorbed and wastes away, deepening the aged, sunken facial appearance.”
To illustrate, Dr. Shafer compares the face to a balloon: “When air is slowly let out, the balloon stays tight at first, but as more air leaves, the balloon becomes loose.
The skin reacts the same way, stretching and sagging when fat is lost.”
He further explains that skin elasticity decreases naturally with age. “With weight loss, the skin loses volume and its ability to snap back, which leads to sagging and wrinkles.”
Lips also lose volume as fat diminishes, causing them to appear thinner and more dehydrated.
Varied Perspectives on Facial Volume Loss
Dr. Nazanin Saedi, who heads the laser and aesthetics surgery center in Pennsylvania, says some people appreciate losing facial volume as it can make the face appear slimmer.
She mentions that buccal fat removal, a popular dermatology trend, involves removing baby fat from the cheeks to create a more angular face.
However, others dislike this volume loss because it can make them look older.
If you have successfully lost weight, you might be content with the changes in your skin, even if you notice sagging or stretch marks.
But for those unhappy with these effects, several treatment options exist, ranging from over-the-counter skincare products to advanced medical procedures.
Before and After: Ozempic Face
Many people notice visible differences in their facial structure after weight loss on Ozempic.
Before and after photos often show reduced fullness, increased sagging, and more pronounced wrinkles or hollow areas.
These images highlight how rapid weight loss can accelerate the appearance of facial aging.
Over-the-Counter Solutions for Post-Ozempic Skin
To help improve skin quality after weight loss, Dr. Shafer recommends following basic health habits:
Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
Avoid smoking, which accelerates skin aging
Use sunscreen to protect skin from harmful UV rays
However, Dr. Kathleen Suozzi, a dermatologist from Yale School of Medicine, explains that over-the-counter products cannot replace lost facial volume.
“Products can improve skin texture and hydration but cannot lift or refill areas where fat has been lost,” she states.
According to Dr. Saedi, retinoids are the most effective OTC treatment for improving aging skin’s texture. “Retinoids help reduce crepey skin and boost skin renewal.”
Shafer suggests a medical-grade skincare routine using ingredients like tretinoin, a derivative of retinol, for better results.
When to Consult a Specialist for ‘Ozempic Face’
If home care and topical products fail to address skin laxity and volume loss, it’s wise to seek advice from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
These professionals specialize in skin and body treatments and can offer both surgical and non-surgical options.
“If diet, exercise, and skincare don’t improve your concerns, it’s time to see a doctor,” advises Dr. Shafer.
In-Office Treatments to Improve Skin After Weight Loss
Several medical treatments can reverse or reduce the signs of facial aging caused by rapid weight loss. The best option depends on your specific skin needs and goals.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers like Juvéderm and Restylane are among the most effective and immediate treatments to restore volume.
Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvéderm Voluma XC for cheeks and Juvéderm Volux XC for the jawline, are FDA-approved and commonly used.
Although these fillers are not permanent, they provide natural-looking results when injected by an experienced provider.
Restylane Contour and Restylane Lift also help with midface volume and cheek augmentation, with effects lasting six months to two years.
Dr. Shafer recommends touch-ups after one year to maintain results. The average cost per syringe is approximately $684, but quality and safety should not be compromised for a lower price.
Other fillers include Radiesse, which contains calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres that add volume and stimulate collagen production, lasting about one to two years.
Sculptra, another filler, gradually boosts collagen over multiple sessions and lasts two to three years. These fillers tend to cost around $1,000 per syringe, with multiple sessions often required.
Laser and Energy-Based Treatments
Radiofrequency Microneedling (Genius)
This newer technology uses tiny needles to deliver radiofrequency energy beneath the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen and tightening the skin.
Treatments generally require one to three sessions and cost about $3,500 or more, depending on the area treated.
Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 lasers, known as a “workhorse” for skin tightening, have many FDA-approved uses. They treat superficial skin layers and can improve fine lines and pigmentation significantly.
Downtime is about two weeks, and costs start around $3,500. Combining this with other treatments can yield better results, but it cannot replace the tightening effect of surgery.
Microfocused Ultrasound (Ulthera or Sofwave)
Ultherapy and Sofwave use ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen deep under the skin. These treatments lift areas like the eyebrows, chin, neck, and décolleté.
Results develop over two to six months, with no downtime. Sessions usually cost $2,000 or more, and most patients need only one treatment, although some may benefit from follow-ups.
Other Advanced Skin Tightening Options
Renuvion
Approved by the FDA in 2022, Renuvion uses helium plasma energy to tighten skin, typically performed under local anesthesia via small incisions.
It can be done alongside liposuction for enhanced results. Recovery takes one to three weeks. The average price is about $6,000. A specialized handpiece also treats wrinkles in fair-skinned patients.
Fat Transfer
Dr. Koo explains that fat transfer involves harvesting fat from areas like hips or abdomen and reinjecting it into the face’s hollow areas.
Fat is injected gradually to improve survival and avoid unnatural results. Multiple sessions might be needed depending on treated areas. Prices range widely from $2,500 to $10,000.
Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery
For older patients or those with severe skin laxity, surgery might be the best option.
Facelifts tighten muscles, reposition fat, and remove excess skin, offering long-lasting and dramatic but natural improvements.
Surgery costs vary widely from $25,000 to over $100,000 based on procedure scope and location.
Summary: Considerations About Rapid Weight Loss and Skin
Rapid weight loss, while often desirable, can accelerate facial aging by reducing fat volume and causing skin sagging.
These effects are not exclusive to Ozempic but are typical with many weight loss methods. Some people appreciate a slimmer facial look, while others may want to restore volume for a more youthful appearance.
When exploring treatments, it is crucial to consult board-certified specialists for the best, safest outcomes.
Investing in experienced providers can make a significant difference in achieving natural and satisfying results.
Ultimately, patience and a personalized approach will help maintain healthy skin and confidence after weight loss.
