Treating “Ozempic Face” and Supporting Your Weight Loss Journey

When Sandra came into me last week, I knew something was wrong. I was used to her happy, friendly greeting, but instead, she looked worried and down. As she started to talk, I understood why she was feeling so upset.

Having spent much of my 20 years as a family physician caring for women in all stages of life, helping them on their weight loss journey is something that I am very familiar with. I think there has been a real oversimplification of how to lose weight in many areas of medicine in the past, boiling it down to a simple equation of “eat less, exercise more.” To compound this, the culture of blaming patients for their weight gain has left many feeling shame and guilt.

With the emerging culture of body positivity and some new medications on the market, many of my patients have had more success with their weight loss journey, which is fantastic for them. This is something I could talk lots about—I feel very passionate about all of us being able to embrace ourselves, accept ourselves, want the best for ourselves, and be supported in any journey we take to feel the best we can. For another time!

Today, I am going to keep on topic and explore what Sandra came to me about recently in my clinic. This wonderful patient of mine had started afresh her journey of weight loss and was having some good success with a medication called semaglutide, more commonly referred to as Ozempic. She was upset as she had come across some social media posts that had worried her, talking about ‘Ozempic face’. We had a good long conversation, and she left feeling much better and with a plan to address her fears. I thought I would share some insights with you in the hope that it may be helpful to you or to someone you know and love.

What is Semaglutide (Ozempic)?

Briefly, a few things about semaglutide. This medication helps the pancreas release insulin appropriately when blood glucose levels are high; it also promotes a feeling of fullness, in part by slowing stomach emptying. There is no doubt that for some of my patients, this has been life-changing where previous medication and diets had not worked. It is equally true that it has made little difference or had side effects in others of my patients. (For anyone who may be wondering if it might be suitable for you, the next best step would be a conversation with your doctor).

Understanding “Ozempic Face” and the Effects of Weight Loss on the Face

All forms of weight loss, including Ozempic, will cause the loss of fat in all areas of the body. It can take some time to see this in the body depending on the rate of weight loss. However, around the face, this can be visible early on and also quite noticeable for some patients.

We are all born with fat pads in our faces—think of those chubby cheeks in babies and young children! As we get older, these fat pads atrophy, which means they get smaller, and, as you might expect, they also drop in position with gravity. This is one of the reasons that our faces sag when we get older. So here comes the crux of the matter with weight loss: the weight that is lost from the face can cause extra sagging and laxity in the skin that was not there before. Without fat to hold up the cheeks, they become deflated and flattened. The sagging often becomes accentuated around the mouth and chin, causing an unhappy look at the corner of the lips and the formation of jowls.

The term “Ozempic Face” was coined as this rapid onset of weight loss and accelerated aging appearance in the face is being seen more and more as patients are successful with Ozempic. I must admit I dislike the term, which comes across to me as insulting. However, that does not negate the fact that there is a truth: that when most people lose a significant amount of weight or lose weight quickly, they can look older, more tired, and unhappy.

I feel this is a real pity as they have so much to celebrate, and often their outward appearance does not match their inner one! I can guarantee you, my patients who are successful in losing weight feel much more energy! They have been able to do something that will help to prevent and minimize many diseases and extend not only their lifespan but their healthspan (how long you live in good health). They are rightfully so proud of their commitment to themselves and their efforts to their wellbeing, and I celebrate each step with them. They are really happy about their weight loss but not about their old, tired-looking face.

The Role of Aesthetic Treatments in Supporting Your Weight Loss Journey

It is so important to me that I offer them the opportunity to feel fantastic about how their face looks. My passion for aesthetics is grounded in my passion for everyone to live as happy and healthy a life as possible, feeling that each of us can be who we want and feel great about it!

Aesthetics can play a wonderful role on a weight loss journey. I use a multi-faceted approach to achieve the very best results for my patients. Skincare is vital—I work with my patients to select a medical-grade skincare regimen for them that can renew their skin, reducing dry, tired-looking skin. Neuromodulators (a.k.a. botox) smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and give the face a refreshed, more youthful look.

How Dermal Fillers Can Help Address Facial Changes During Weight Loss

The most important and transformative step is often using dermal fillers. Fillers can be used along the path so that as the face loses fat, volume can be replaced carefully so that the face retains contour and definition. By using fillers, volume can be judiciously placed exactly where it is needed. There are also dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, that promote bio-stimulation and assist with skin tightening. Biostimulation is where your own body is stimulated to produce more collagen and elastin.

Final Thoughts: Ozempic Face and Embracing Your Weight Loss Journey to a Healthier You

Nourishing your skin as you lose weight is a wonderful way to celebrate your success and maintain the vitality of your appearance. If you are interested in exploring options that align with your weight loss journey and your aesthetic goals, please reach out to us today.