Weight loss can bring positive changes to your body, but it can also lead to unintended effects on your face, especially with rapid fat loss. This phenomenon, often referred to as “Ozempic face,” is becoming more common as GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide (Ozempic) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) grow in popularity for weight loss.
What is Ozempic Face?
When you lose weight quickly, you don’t just shed pounds from your waistline—your face loses volume too. This loss of subcutaneous fat (the fat just beneath your skin) can lead to a hollow, gaunt appearance, making the face look older or saggy. This is especially true for individuals over 40, where skin elasticity begins to decrease naturally.
While Ozempic face isn’t a direct side effect of the medication itself, it’s a byproduct of the rapid weight loss that occurs when using medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
How Can Ozempic Face Be Prevented?
This is where working with a plastic surgeon can make a big difference. The key to preventing or treating Ozempic face is to maintain or restore the facial volume that’s lost during weight loss. Over the years, I’ve helped many patients navigate this challenge by offering a variety of non-surgical treatments, including:
- Dermal Fillers: Injectables like hyaluronic acid-based fillers can add volume back to the face, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring fullness to the cheeks, under-eye area, and jawline.
- Fat Grafting: This procedure involves transferring fat from other parts of your body to your face to naturally restore volume.
- Skin Tightening: Treatments like CO2 laser treatments radiofrequency therapy or can stimulate collagen production, improving skin elasticity and preventing sagging.
Why It’s Important to Work with a Plastic Surgeon
Each patient’s weight loss journey is unique, and preventing Ozempic face requires a personalized approach. By working closely with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you can maintain a youthful, vibrant appearance while achieving your weight loss goals. With over 30 years of experience, I can help guide you through this process and develop a plan tailored to your needs.
The Right Time to Act
If you’ve begun to notice signs of Ozempic face or are starting a weight loss program with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, it’s best to take preventative steps early. Combining your weight loss journey with cosmetic treatments can ensure you’re not only losing weight but also looking and feeling your best.
