The recent surge in popularity of medications like Ozempic, originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, has brought with it a growing phenomenon termed “Ozempic face.” As more people are using Ozempic for its weight loss benefits, many have noticed a side effect that affects their facial appearance. If you’ve come across this term and wondered what it means, or if you’re experiencing it first hand, here’s an in-depth look at what Ozempic face is and how you can address it.
Understanding Ozempic and Its Side Effects
Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a medication that helps manage blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing appetite, which has led to its off-label use for weight loss (a licensed version for weight loss is available as Wegovy). While the weight loss benefits of Ozempic are often praised, rapid or significant weight loss can result in some unintended effects, particularly on the face.
What is Ozempic Face?
Ozempic face refers to the facial changes that some individuals notice after losing weight on Ozempic. The rapid loss of fat, which is not only reduced from the body but also from the face, leads to a gaunt or aged appearance. The face may appear hollow, and the skin may sag due to the lack of subcutaneous fat that typically provides a plump, youthful look. This sudden change can sometimes make a person look older than they are, contributing to the term “Ozempic face.”
While losing weight is often a goal for many people, facial fat loss can be an unexpected and sometimes unwanted result. Fat in the face acts as a cushion, giving it volume and softness. When this fat diminishes rapidly, the skin may not have enough time to adjust, leading to sagging, fine lines, and a more tired appearance.
Why Does Ozempic Face Occur?
Weight loss, especially when it’s rapid, often leads to changes in the face due to the loss of fat in areas like the cheeks and around the eyes. The fat pads that give the face its volume and youthful contours diminish, and the skin, if not elastic enough, can start to sag. For some people, the loss of facial fat can be more noticeable than the changes in their body, leading to the distinctive hollow and aged look associated with Ozempic face.
Another factor is age. People in their 40s and beyond who lose significant weight on Ozempic may already have reduced skin elasticity due to natural ageing processes. When combined with weight loss, the loss of facial volume can be even more dramatic, as the skin may not “snap back” as easily as it would in younger individuals.
How to Treat Ozempic Face
If you are experiencing Ozempic face, there are several options available to restore some volume in your face, depending on the severity of the facial fat loss. Here are some of the most common options:
Dermal Fillers
Facial fillers can work wonders to restore lost volume. When injected, they can be used to give structure to the face. They can replace lost volume in the cheeks and lips, the hollows under the eyes, and the temples (not an area that most of us notice, but it becomes more hollow as we age). However, it’s important to have this treatment performed by a medical professional to minimise complications and ensure a natural look and avoid overfilling.
Biostimulators
When injected into the face, biostimulators act as a scaffold, providing a framework around which new collagen fibres can form. As the body’s fibroblasts (the cells responsible for collagen production) are stimulated, they begin to produce new collagen over several weeks to months. This gradual process leads to a natural-looking improvement in skin volume, elasticity, and texture. The results are not immediate, as it takes time for the body to produce new collagen, but they are long-lasting and can continue to improve over several months.
Skin Tightening Treatments
For those experiencing sagging skin due to Ozempic face, skin tightening procedures like Sofwave or radiofrequency treatments can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. These treatments are non-invasive and work by delivering energy to the deeper layers of the skin, encouraging it to firm up and tighten over time.
While these treatments won’t restore volume to the face, they can help the skin appear more youthful by reducing sagging and enhancing overall texture.
Preventing Ozempic Face
If you are starting Ozempic or a similar medication, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk of developing Ozempic face. Slower, more gradual weight loss can give your skin more time to adjust, reducing the likelihood of sagging. Additionally, maintaining a skincare routine that includes moisturising, sunscreen, and products that promote collagen production can help keep your skin elastic and healthy as you lose weight.
It’s also worth discussing your goals with your healthcare provider. They may be able to recommend strategies to prevent rapid fat loss or suggest treatments that can help preserve your facial volume during your weight loss journey.