The use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro® has transformed weight-loss, delivering life changing results and health benefits for those who have struggled with obesity. However, a new health concern has now emerged – Ozempic face.
This article looks at the impact of Ozempic face on facial aesthetics and the most effective treatments available today for the treatment of Ozempic face. These include post-weight-loss fillers and advanced skin laxity solutions such as Endolift, Sofwave, Julaine and Juvelook.
Ozempic face describes lost facial volume and skin laxity that can occur after rapid weight loss due to medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs were originally developed for the management of Type 2 diabetes and work by suppressing appetite and so result in significant fat loss. The body will lose fat from the body and the face and is not selective regarding where fat is lost. Facial fat pads at the cheeks, temples and jawline are usually the first to deplete. This can result in:
- Hollow cheeks (often known as Ozempic cheeks)
- Sunken temples
- Deep nasolabial and marionette lines
- Jowls
- Saggy crepy skin
- Gaunt and prematurely aged appearance
These changes can also affect young people.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic cause rapid weight loss due to:
- Appetite suppression
- Delayed emptying from the stomach
- Improved sensitivity to insulin
As a person loses weight, fat is lost from the superficial and deep compartments of the face. These fat compartments provide structural support and a youthful appearance. When the fat compartments shrink, the overlying skin loses its firmness, resulting in a deflated appearance and skin laxity.
Increasing age results in loss of collagen and elastin and weight loss further exacerbates the loss of collagen resulting in more skin laxity and sagging.
Fortunately, there are a wide range of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments to help restore facial volume and improve collagen and elastin production which results in improvement of skin quality. Here are the most effective options:
Dermal Fillers – Post-weight loss fillers
Dermal fillers are the cornerstone to Ozempic face treatments. They provide immediate volume restoration, contouring and lifting. Hyaluronic acid fillers (Revanesse, Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero) are ideal for restoring lost volumes in the cheeks, temples, under eye hollows and jawline.
Endolift – Laser assisted skin tightening
Endolift is an advanced minimally invasive laser treatment that target saggy skin. It can also be used to target stubborn pockets of fat if required. It uses a 1470 nm laser delivered using a micro-optical fibre inserted beneath the skin to stimulate the production of collagen. It is an ideal treatment for the cheeks, jawline, under eye area and the neck.
Sofwave – Ultrasound skin rejuvenation
Sofwave is an FDA approved device that uses synchronous ultrasound parallel beam technology to stimulate collagen production in the mid layers of the dermis. This treatment is completely non-invasive with minimal discomfort and is suitable for all skin types. It targets mild to moderate skin laxity, lines and wrinkles.
Julaine and Juvelook – Skin regeneration treatment
Julaine and Juvelook are regenerative treatments that that stimulates collagen and elastin production resulting in dermal regeneration. They stimulate the production of healthy collagen and hence, there is improvement in skin thickness and elasticity, skin tone, crepiness, lines and wrinkles and hydration.
For the best and natural looking results, consider combination treatment. Timing of these treatments is very important. Early intervention during the weight loss journey can help prevent severe volume loss. Treatments are also done after weight loss stabilization.
In addition to aesthetic treatments consider:
- Optimise protein intake (0.8-1.2 g/kg of body weight) to preserve muscle mass
- Use medical grade skincare with ingredients such as retinoids, peptides and vitamin C
- Stay hydrated to maintain skin elasticity
While GLP-1 medications offer transformative weight loss and health benefits, they can lead to unintended facial changes. With the right combination of Ozempic-face or weight loss face treatments including post-weight-loss fillers and skin laxity solutions such as Endolift, Sofwave, Julaine and Juvelook can help to regain a youthful and refreshed appearance.
If you are experiencing Ozempic face or weight-loss face or are planning a weight-loss journey, book a consultation at Health & Aesthetics to explore your personalized treatment plan.
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