“Ozempic face” is a non-medical term used to describe facial deflation and skin laxity that can appear after significant, rapid weight loss, especially following weight loss that occurs with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. It’s less about the medication itself and more about the speed and amount of weight loss, which can reduce facial fat and reveal age-related volume loss.
Medication-Based Weight Loss and Facial Changes: What To Know
“Ozempic face” is a colloquial term, not a formal medical diagnosis, and it generally refers to facial hollowing and laxity that can show up when weight loss happens quickly.
If you’re actively losing weight (or planning to), it can help to think about aesthetics as part of your overall plan—especially if you’re working toward a larger weight-loss goal. Lone Star Plastic Surgery offers physician-supervised weight loss (including semaglutide or tirzepatide options) with medical oversight and support.
What Causes Ozempic Face?
- Rapid weight loss and facial volume loss: Facial fat pads help support a youthful look. Faster, larger weight changes can make cheeks/temples look more hollow, and features look more “drawn.”
- Skin doesn’t “snap back” at the same pace: After volume decreases, skin may not tighten quickly (or fully), so laxity and wrinkles can become more noticeable—especially with larger changes.
- Where you lose fat first varies by person: Some people lose proportionally more volume in the midface/temples than others due to their baseline anatomy/genetics, which can make facial changes look more dramatic even with similar overall weight loss.
Please note that these symptoms are not unique to Ozempic and other medications; similar facial changes can happen after weight loss from diet and exercise, bariatric surgery, illness, or other weight-loss methods.
How To Treat Ozempic Face
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers can be employed to restore volume in specific facial areas affected by medication-induced fat loss, offering a non-surgical approach to address hollowed regions.
- FaceTite (Radiofrequency Skin Tightening): FaceTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency treatment designed to tighten skin and improve contour in areas like the lower face and neck. It can be a good option for patients with mild to moderate laxity who want more noticeable tightening than noninvasive treatments, but don’t need (or aren’t ready for) a surgical facelift.
- Facial Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting): Fat transfer can restore volume in areas that commonly look hollow after significant weight loss (such as the cheeks, temples, and around the mouth). Because it uses your own fat, it can be a good option for patients who want more durable volume restoration than temporary fillers.
- Facelift Surgery: For more pronounced changes in facial contours, facelift surgery remains a viable option. This procedure addresses sagging skin, muscle laxity, and fat displacement.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser treatments can improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production, which may improve fine lines and skin quality.
In general, volume loss is best addressed with fillers (or other volume restoration options), while skin laxity and texture may be improved with skin tightening/resurfacing or surgical lifting for more significant changes.
Considerations and Consultation
Prior to opting for any plastic surgery intervention, it is imperative for individuals experiencing unwanted aesthetic changes to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your private appointment with Sean Hill, MD, FACS, he will conduct a thorough examination of your medical history, current health status, and specific concerns to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your needs.
Risks and Recovery
Patients should be aware of potential risks associated with plastic surgery, such as infection, scarring, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, realistic expectations and adherence to postoperative care instructions are crucial for optimal results and recovery.
Medically Managed Weight Loss FAQ
Is Ozempic face permanent?
Not necessarily—for some people, facial changes soften as their weight stabilizes. If weight loss is rapid and/or significant, volume loss and laxity may persist and be best addressed with a treatment plan (volume restoration, skin tightening, and/or surgical options depending on the severity of symptoms).
When should I treat Ozempic face—during weight loss or after?
Many patients prefer to start with temporary, conservative treatments while they’re still losing weight, then consider more lasting options once their weight and facial volume have stabilized. A consult with Dr. Hill can help time your treatments appropriately.
Do dermal fillers actually help?
Yes, fillers can be helpful in treating Ozempic face when the main issue is hollowing and deflation in the cheeks, temples, and around the mouth. If laxity is the bigger concern, you may need a tightening approach (like FaceTite) or surgical lifting for more pronounced changes.
Should I stop my GLP-1 medication if I notice facial changes?
Don’t stop or change a prescription medication on your own. If facial changes are bothering you, discuss your options with your prescribing provider and consider aesthetic solutions with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Get Started
While Ozempic face presents a cosmetic challenge for some individuals, plastic surgery and med spa treatments offer viable solutions to address these changes. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures personalized recommendations and a comprehensive understanding of your available treatment options.
To meet with Dr. Hill, please request a consultation or call Lone Star Plastic Surgery at (214) 937-4879 today.
This blog post was originally published in March 2024 and has been updated.
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