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GLP-1 medications are widely used for weight loss and can present both unexpected benefits and some unpleasant side effects. You’ve probably heard of “Ozempic face” by now; a result of the medication’s rapid weight loss effect. While sagging skin is common with any fluctuations in weight, Ozempic face refers to a specific issues that often need targeted treatment to fix, but facelifts and other surgical procedures aren’t right for everyone. Fortunately, there are several options for those seeking a non-invasive treatment. Below, two experts break down which non-surgical procedures work best and how to use them specifically for “Ozempic face.”
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What is Ozempic Face?
“Ozempic face” is a term used to describe facial changes that occur in individuals who experience rapid or significant weight loss as a result of taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist such as Ozempic or another semaglutide medication,” says Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD. She explains that the facial changes are characterized by the loss of subcutaneous fat, which normally provides youthful volume, contour and support to the face. As a result, New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, says that the overall facial appearance begins to look sunken and hollow, specifically in the cheeks and temples. Skin laxity naturally occurs over time. However, the rapid volume loss caused by GLP-1 medications results in more prominent-looking effects. Fine lines, wrinkles and folds often become more noticeable, causing the face to look prematurely aged.
Nonsurgical Treatments to Try
Injectables
According to Dr. Peredo, injectables are one of the most effective treatments for restoring lost volume and improving facial contours. “Hyaluronic acid fillers are a common choice that offers immediate volumizing results by targeting specific areas like the cheeks, temples or nasolabial folds,” she says. Dr. Alster adds that Juvederm and Restylane are frequently used to replace subcutaneous fat, but can also help support the skin and improve other issues, such as laxity and wrinkles.
Biostimulatory fillers are just as popular for dealing with Ozempic face. Options such as Sculptra and Radiesse are ideal because they help naturally stimulate collagen production and can have a long-lasting effect. “Where hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate volume correction, biostimulatory injectables work by stimulating over time, allowing for gradual, natural improvement in facial volume and skin laxity,” says Dr. Alster.
While neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin can’t replace fat loss or collagen, they can still be used to treat Ozempic face. They work by relaxing, targeting specific muscles, which soften lines and wrinkles. But they can play an even more important role, depending on which muscles are targeted. Dr. Alster explains that when used in the depressor muscles in the upper and lower face, it releases the downward pull on the face, giving a more lifted appearance.
Skin-Tightening Devices
“Skin-tightening devices such as Ultherapy and Sofwave or Thermage and Density are very effective tools in improving and preventing Ozempic face,” says Dr. Alster. Instead of filling in hollow areas, they use either ultrasound or radiofrequency-based technology to stimulate new collagen and elastin production deep within the skin’s connective tissue layers.
Both experts agree that while radiofrequency devices can be helpful, they are beneficial as ultrasound. “Ultherapy goes as deep as 4.5 millimeters to the collagen-rich layer overlying our musculature, which is the same layer targeted in surgical facelifts,” says Dr. Alster. In that vein, it provides more enhanced tightening and even helps with lifting over time. In terms of lasers, Dr. Peredo recommends Avava, which is known to show significant results for Ozempic-related fat loss.
Skin Boosters
Yes, skin boosters are technically an injectable, but they function much differently than fillers. “The gel-like substances are designed to improve hydration, glow and fine-tune texture issues, but won’t replace volume or help correct sagging from GLP-1 medications,” says Dr. Peredo. In short, they’re a quick pick-me-up for your skin’s appearance. This has made them popular for mature patients, where thin and crepey skin is the main concern.
Facial Yoga
If you’re wondering what exactly facial yoga is, you’re not alone. Not a procedure nor a facial, the term refers to a series of specific repetitive movements across the face. “The idea is similar to body exercise. By strengthening certain muscle groups, you may subtly enhance tone and support in the overlying skin,” says Dr. Alster. But can it remedy the effects Ozempic face? According to the experts, the practice can slightly increase fullness. However, the results are much more modest than any of the other methods listed above. “When it comes to ‘Ozempic face,’ facial yoga can play a limited, complementary role rather than a standalone solution,” says Dr. Alster.
Instead of relying on just one treatment, the doctors assure that a comprehensive approach is ideal. “No single treatment can address all the structural and textural changes that occur with rapid weight loss,” says Dr. Alster. For the best results, she recommends implementing a strategy before weight loss starts to preserve facial balance rather than correcting it later.
