What is Ozempic Face?
“Ozempic Face” is a term used to describe the facial changes some individuals experience while using the medication Ozempic (semaglutide) for weight loss. As people lose a significant amount of weight, they might notice a gaunt or hollow appearance in their face, often leading to concerns about their overall look and facial aesthetics.
Although called “Ozempic face,” rapid weight loss can lead to excess loose skin all over the body, especially in areas such as the abdomen, arms, thighs. The skin’s elasticity might not fully retract after significant weight loss, leading to sagging and folds.
Causes of Ozempic Face
Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps to regulate appetite and food intake, leading to significant weight loss. However, rapid weight loss can result in the loss of facial fat, which primarily leads to the haggard, sagging facial appearance known as “Ozempic Face.” The two main factors contributing to this condition are:
- Rapid Weight Loss: Sudden and substantial weight reduction can cause the face to lose volume, making the skin appear saggy and hollow.
- Loss of Facial Fat: The face naturally contains fat that helps maintain a youthful and full appearance. When this fat is lost quickly, it can result in a more aged and gaunt look.
Managing and Treating Ozempic Face
If you are experiencing Ozempic Face, our San Diego plastic surgeons offer several treatments and strategies that can help restore facial volume and improve appearance:
- Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be expertly injected into the face to restore lost volume, providing a more youthful appearance. This treatment is suitable for mild and limited cases of facial volume loss.
- Fat Transfer: Fat grafting involves transferring fat from another part of your body to your face, helping to regain a natural fullness. Suitable for mild to moderate cases.
- Skin Tightening Treatments: Non-surgical treatments like Renuvion and Virtue RF Microneedling use radiofrequency energy to help tighten the skin and improve facial contours. These are suitable for mild cases of sagging skin on the face and body.
- Surgical Options: In cases of more moderate to severe excess skin, surgical options like facelifts or neck lifts are often the most effective treatments for reversing Ozempic Face. These procedures can remove a significant amount of excess and redundant skin, achieving a more lifted, toned and youthful appearance.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet and a good skincare routine can help improve skin health and your overall appearance.
Surgical Treatments at Restore SD Plastic Surgery
You may find that you are dealing with a significant amount of lose, sagging skin after massive weight loss. If that is the case, a surgical route might be the best option for you. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced surgical treatments to address both body contouring and facial rejuvenation needs, specifically designed to deal with excess loose skin:
- Body Contouring: This includes procedures like tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), brachioplasty (arm lift), and thigh lifts to remove and tighten excess skin, achieving a more toned and sculpted appearance.
- Facelifts and Neck Lifts: These procedures are designed to reduce the signs of aging and excess skin by lifting and tightening the skin on the face and neck, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
“I recently had surgery at Restore. I had several procedures performed. I contacted Restore for a consultation. The consultation is what convinced me to use Restore. I had several other consultations and none compared to Restore SD. There was no hard sales pitch or recommendation to have a procedure done that was more than what was needed. At Restore the office staff is friendly, patient and knowledgeable. The surgical staff was beyond wonderful. This wasn’t my first experience with plastic surgery and by far Restore has been the best. Dr. Gallus is amazing. She listens to your needs, makes sure you understand what she is able to do and address’ all of your concerns. I am six weeks post op and am looking forward to seeing the complete results at the end of six months. I highly recommend Restore SD.”
—Google Review for Dr. Gallus
Why Choose Restore SD Plastic Surgery for Treatment?
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, we understand the importance of feeling confident in your appearance. Our team, led by Dr. Katerina Gallus, offers a range of advanced treatments to address the effects of Ozempic Face and help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We provide:
- Personalized Care: Each treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and non-surgical aesthetic treatments.
- Comprehensive Approach: We offer a holistic approach to aesthetic care, ensuring you achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Dr. Chao’s elite facial plastic surgery training and remarkable attention to detail offers patients safe, natural-looking results. She will work closely with you to understand your goals and concerns to bring your aesthetic vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Face
Is Ozempic Face a myth?
No, “Ozempic Face” is not a myth; it refers to the facial volume loss and sagging skin that can occur with rapid, significant weight loss, which may happen while using Ozempic.
Is Ozempic Face preventable?
Preventing Ozempic Face involves managing the rate of weight loss. While you can’t entirely prevent the facial changes associated with weight loss, slowing down the weight loss process, maintaining proper hydration, and ensuring a protein-rich diet can help mitigate the effects. Discussing dosage adjustments with your weight loss injection provider can also be beneficial.
Can Ozempic Face be reversed?
Yes, Ozempic Face can be address and improved by a qualified facial plastic surgeon. For mild cases, dermal fillers and skin tightening treatments can be effective. However, for moderate to severe cases, surgical options like facelifts or neck lifts are often the most effective treatments to remove and tighten excess skin.
Are there any side effects of Ozempic?
Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Most side effects diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. It is important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
Ozempic works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and food intake. It increases feelings of fullness, reduces hunger, and slows gastric emptying, contributing to weight loss.
If you are experiencing Ozempic Face or are interested in body contouring or facial rejuvenation, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team at Restore SD Plastic Surgery is here to help you regain confidence and achieve the facial appearance and body contours you desire.
Call us today to learn more about how we can help you with Ozempic Face, body contouring, facelifts, and other aesthetic concerns.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Feb 5, 2025
