Ozempic face is a term that has received a lot of press recently as the semaglutide (compounded, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wagovy) class of medications have taken the United States by storm. It will likely be the most prescribed medication in the U.S. this year. Ozempic face is the effects of significant weight loss in a short period of time that leads to volume loss and skin laxity in the face.
Managing our weight has been a struggle for most of us (me included) for years. The weight loss properties of the semaglutide medications such as Ozempic have been profound as patients have lost 15–20% of their body weight over the course of a year. The weight loss from these medications has numerous health benefits such as decreasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
As a plastic surgeon it is not uncommon to see the effects of weight loss on our patients face and body. Many patients can have loose skin in their face, neck, and body after a significant amount of weight loss. We have seen this for years after bariatric surgery or when patients made significant lifestyle changes and were able to lose a significant amount of weight. The health benefits of being at an ideal weight greatly outweigh the resulting skin laxity or volume loss in the face. The Ozempic face has become a buzz word as we now see this rapid weight loss in a large number of patients, not just patients that have undergone bariatric surgery.
Let’s explore some of the changes possible with the Ozempic face, or really after any significant weight loss. First of all, patients tend to lose volume in their face. We often see patients that look incredible from the clavicle down after their weight loss but feel that their face appears a little hollow. The great news is that there are several great products available to treat the volume loss in the face. Hyluronic Acid fillers such as RHA, Voluma and Juvederm are great options to help restore volume and structure to the face after weight loss. These treatments can be performed in the office with topical numbing cream. Most patients return to work and daily activities the same day. Another great product that will continue to increase in popularity secondary to weight loss from semaglutide medications such as Ozempic, Wagovy and Mounjaro is Sculptra. Sculptra is unique in that it stimulates the body to create its own collagen. The product can be injected smoothly and evenly throughout the face, and over a period of six to eight weeks it stimulates the body to make its own natural collagen restoring volume to the face. The gradual creation of collagen gives patients a very natural and progressive volume rejuvenation to the face.
The second issue that we see in the Ozempic face or after significant weight loss is skin laxity. Unfortunately, as we age our skin is less resilient to shrink back after weight loss. Fortunately, there are several good options to help tighten the skin depending on the degree of skin laxity. Let’s start with the non-invasive options such as RF micro-needling, Elacor, Ultherapy and so forth. Radio-frequency micro-needling are great options for patients with mild skin laxity or patients trying to avoid a surgical procedure. These treatments can be done in the office with numbing cream or other modalities to make them as comfortable as possible. They are great for the busy business professional as patients can return to work the next day with minimal restrictions and downtime. These treatments can be used to treat the face and neck area to give the face a more youthful appearance.
Next are minimally invasive options such as Renuvion (J-Plasma) and MyEllevate. These have been huge advancements as they can make a significant difference with little downtime and minimal stealth incisions. Renuvion is a radio-frequency energy that is used to treat the neck area. The energy causes the skin in this area to contract and shrink which improve the neck and jawline. MyEllevate can be done in isolation or in combination with Renuvion depending on the specific needs of the patient. MyEllevate is an incredible option to treat Ozempic face as it can be used in our younger patients with isolated neck skin laxity. The suture suspension system releases the neck banding while lifting and neck skin and muscles to improve the overall contour of the neck.
The third option for significant volume loss and skin laxity is a face and neck lift. This can remove the excess skin and replace the volume loss with fat grafting. A facelift repositions the underlying structures, to support and lift the face to give it a very natural and youthful appearance.
Typically, Ozempic face or facial aging secondary to weight loss will need multiple modalities to help patients reach their aesthetic goals. The combination therapy will address both the skin laxity and volume loss. Call our team to discuss the options that fit your aesthetic goals.
