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Last update: December 14, 2024

6 minute read

Ozempic Face

Discover how rapid weight loss from Ozempic can affect your appearance and learn effective strategies to prevent and manage facial changes.

By Stephanie Wright, RN, BSN

Edited by Dr. Dimitar Marinov, MD, RDN, PhD

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Have you heard of the term "Ozempic face"? If you're considering or currently using Ozempic for weight loss, you might be wondering how it could affect your appearance. Let's dive into what Ozempic face is and explore ways to prevent those unwanted facial changes.

Key takeaways

Rapid weight loss can lead to noticeable facial changes
Loss of body fat can include loss of facial fat in some people, which may cause sagging skin, wrinkles, and a hollowed appearance
Preventative treatments and skincare routines can help mitigate the effects

What Is Ozempic face?

"Ozempic face" is a term coined by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a cosmetic dermatologist, to describe facial changes resulting from rapid weight loss due to the medication semaglutide, commonly known as Ozempic. While Ozempic is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, it's also prescribed off-label for weight management.

In addition, there is a version of semaglutide called Wegovy which is specifically used for weight loss. Facial alterations often appear after losing 25-30 pounds, regardless of the use of Ozempic, and instead this depends based on individual factors.

Mechanism and effects

Ozempic works as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, helping regulate blood sugar levels, slow down digestion (temporarily) and most importantly - interact with the hunger regulating centers in the brain. This leads to reduced appetite and significant weight loss.

However, rapid weight loss can result in the loss of subcutaneous and buccal fat, which are crucial for maintaining facial volume and structure.

This fat loss can lead to:

Increased lines and wrinkles
Loose and sagging skin
A hollowed-out appearance
Sunken eyes
Changes in lip, chin, and cheek size
Sagging jowls

Who is at risk?

While anyone experiencing rapid weight loss can develop Ozempic face, certain factors increase susceptibility:

Age: Older individuals have reduced skin elasticity, making sagging more likely.
Genetics: If you have more fat in your face naturally, you may see more symptoms.
Natural aging: The decline in collagen levels with age exacerbates the effects.
Hormones: Low estrogen contributed to wrinkles and sagging skin.

VitaRx Tip

Stress can negatively affect your skin health! Managing stress through techniques like mindfulness can help keep your skin glowing.

The role of skin elasticity

Skin elasticity plays a significant role in how your face adapts to weight loss. Younger skin tends to bounce back more readily due to higher collagen and elastin levels.

Collagen is a protein that provides structure to the skin. Boosting collagen production can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of sagging. Including collagen-rich foods or supplements might be beneficial, although data is limited.

As we age, these levels decrease, leading to less resilient skin. Interested in how nutrition impacts your skin's elasticity? Learn more about top brain-boosting foods and vital supplements that can also benefit your skin health.

A lifetime of collagen

Did you know that your skin loses about 1% of its collagen each year after age 20? That's why maintaining collagen levels is crucial for youthful skin!

How to avoid Ozempic face

Wondering how to maintain your youthful glow while shedding pounds? Here are some strategies:

1. Slow and steady weight loss

Gradual weight loss gives your skin time to adjust, reducing the likelihood of sagging. Aim for a loss of 1-2 pounds per week to allow your skin to adapt.

2. Skin care routine

A dedicated skincare routine can work wonders. Consider the following:

Hydration: Use products with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture.
Retinoids: Incorporate retinoids to boost collagen production and improve skin texture.
Antioxidants: Apply serums rich in vitamins C and E to combat free radicals.
Sun protection: Always apply sunscreen to protect against UV damage.

3. Non-surgical treatments

If you're noticing signs of Ozempic face, non-surgical treatments can help:

Soft tissue fillers: Restore lost volume in the face once you reach your weight loss goal.
Energy-based skin tightening: Treatments like radiofrequency microneedling, Ulthera, or Sofwave stimulate collagen production and tighten skin.

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4. Surgical options

For significant sagging, surgical procedures like facelifts or neck lifts may be considered. These options should be discussed thoroughly with a qualified surgeon to understand the risks and benefits.

5. Stay hydrated and nourished

Adequate hydration and a balanced diet support skin health, promoting elasticity and resilience. Drinking plenty of water and consuming nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can nourish your skin from the inside out.

6. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise not only aids weight loss but also improves blood circulation, which nourishes the skin and promotes elasticity.

7. Consider supplements

Certain supplements may support skin health, although research is very scarce or of low quality:

Collagen peptides
Vitamin C
Biotin

Consult a professional

Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your needs. They can assess your skin condition and suggest appropriate treatments or preventative measures.

Dos and don'ts of proper skincare

Do’s

Do maintain a consistent skincare routine.
Do consider gradual weight loss strategies.
Do consult healthcare professionals before starting any treatments.
Do stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
Do include exercises to tone facial muscles.

Don’ts

Don't neglect your skin's needs during weight loss.
Don't rely solely on over-the-counter products for significant changes.
Don't ignore sudden or severe facial changes—seek professional advice.
Don't skip sun protection—UV damage can exacerbate skin aging.
Don't rush the weight loss process at the expense of your skin's health.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Ozempic face.

Final thoughts

"Ozempic face" highlights an often-overlooked aspect of rapid weight loss—the effect on our facial appearance. While shedding extra pounds has numerous health benefits, it's essential to be mindful of potential changes and take proactive steps to maintain skin health.

Remember, everyone's body responds differently. Consult with healthcare professionals before making decisions about your weight loss journey and skincare treatments. With the right approach, you can achieve your health goals while keeping your skin looking its best.

Dr. Dimitar Marinov, MD, RDN, PhD, says, "Individuals who are more susceptible to significant facial fat loss during weight reduction should consider pursuing a gradual weight loss strategy, whether or not they are using appetite-suppressing medications like Ozempic, to help minimize unwanted facial changes."

Sources and references

Author

Stephanie Wright

Stephanie brings over 13 years of diverse nursing experience to the table, having honed her expertise in critical care, mental health, and utilization management. Her journey as a registered nurse across these various healthcare sectors underscores her adaptability and deep commitment to patient care.

Fact checker

Dr. Dimitar Marinov

Dr. Marinov has years of experience in scientific research and preventive and clinical medicine. His publications in peer-reviewed journals are on nutritional status, physical activity, and musculoskeletal disorders among adolescents.

At VitaRx, we're not just passionate about our work — we take immense pride in it. Our dedicated team of writers diligently follows strict editorial standards, ensuring that every piece of content we publish is accurate, current, and highly valuable. We don't just strive for quality; we aim for excellence.

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