Rapid weight loss can lead to a gaunt or sunken facial appearance, a common side effect of weight loss medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro. Often referred to as “Ozempic face,” this effect occurs as facial fat diminishes and the skin loses its elasticity.
In this article, we’ll explain what Ozempic face is, what causes it, and how to fix it using cosmetic procedures like natural fat transfer.
Ozempic face is a common side effect for many individuals who experience rapid weight loss, whether through medications like Ozempic or by other means. When the body sheds fat quickly, the skin doesn’t always have enough time to adjust, leading to sagging skin and a gaunt facial appearance.
Skin is naturally elastic, meaning it can stretch and return to shape. This elasticity is largely due to the proteins collagen and elastin, which are found in the connective tissues of the skin’s middle layer, the dermis. However, as we age, hormonal changes reduce the body’s production of collagen and elastin. This loss, combined with a decrease in fat and muscle, can cause the skin to sag as it loses the underlying structure that supports it.
Rapid weight loss, especially from medications like Ozempic, increases the risk of losing facial volume and experiencing shape loss in other areas of the body, often leading to sagging skin. In the face, the loss of fat can create a sunken appearance, which is often worsened by the reduced elasticity that comes with aging.
For many individuals, Ozempic face can be more than just a cosmetic concern. No longer feeling happy about your reflection in the mirror can negatively impact self-esteem and emotional wellness. Seeing your prematurely aged, gaunt, or sunken face can lead to body image issues, even if the rest of your weight loss journey has been a success.
Ozempic face typically presents as sunken cheeks, hollowed temples, and a gaunt overall appearance. Skin may appear loose and saggy, particularly around the eyes and jawline, due to the rapid reduction in facial fat. This loss of volume can also deepen fine lines and wrinkles, making the individual look older than their actual age.
Dr. Andrew Kwak, a leading expert in cosmetic surgery, explains: “The best procedure to address ‘Ozempic Face’ is natural facial fat transfer.” The natural fat transfer procedure involves harvesting fat from other parts of your body—such as your abdomen or thighs—and transferring it to areas of the face that have lost volume.
“Fat is the best filler available,” says Dr. Kwak, “It is soft, natural, and chock full of stem cells, which makes it last 5-7 years on average and improves the quality of the skin in the process.”
With natural fat transfer, patients can expect to look younger, with many reporting that the treatment took off a decade’s worth of aging in their appearance. Natural fat transfer can treat several areas, including the temples, under-eye hollows, cheeks, and jawline.
The advantages of using your own fat over synthetic fillers are numerous:
Regarding the use of dermal fillers, Dr. Kwak notes that “People who have rapid weight loss from medications like Ozempic typically have gauntness in multiple locations, which makes the use of fillers impractical and too expensive in the long run.”
While natural fat transfer is one of the best options for treating Ozempic face, there are other treatments available for facial skin laxity. For those dealing with more severe skin laxity, the Lumen Center’s procedures like the Mini Facelift offer significant results without the need for a full facelift. If you’re more concerned with tightening the neck area, the Lumen Tight Neck Lift and MyEllevate Neck Lift can provide a lifted, youthful contour with less recovery time than traditional surgical methods.
The Lumen Center is a leading provider of facial fat transfer and other cosmetic treatments in the Philadelphia and tri-state area. Dr. Kwak and his experienced team ensures optimal results, allowing you to regain a youthful, contoured appearance.
We offer a complimentary consultation to help you determine the best treatment plan for your needs. At Lumen, we believe that when you look your best on the outside, it can transform how you feel on the inside. With a wide range of minimally invasive procedures and a long list of glowing patient testimonials, we’re confident that we can help you achieve stunning results.
Preventing Ozempic face is possible with a holistic approach. Tempering the dosage of weight loss medications and layering in cosmetic procedures at the appropriate time in the weight loss journey can minimize the impact on your face. The Lumen Center can work with you to ensure that cosmetic procedures are incorporated at the right time to prevent accelerated aging. Timing is crucial; if you wait too long, the effects of Ozempic face may be too severe, making it harder to restore skin quality.
While loose skin may tighten slightly over time, most people won’t see significant improvements without professional help. For substantial and long-lasting results, procedures like dermal fillers or fat transfer are necessary.
Yes, rapid weight loss (especially with Ozempic or other weight loss drugs) can lead to sagging skin in other parts of the body, such as the buttocks and breasts. These effects are commonly referred to as “Ozempic butt” and “Ozempic breasts.” In addition to facial fat transfer, Lumen also offers body contouring procedures to address these concerns. Our Natural Buttocks Enhancement and Natural Breast Enhancement treatments can restore lost volume and improve body contour after significant weight loss.
Sandra brings over 15 years of healthcare expertise to her role as a marketing writer, where she specializes in turning medical information into easy-to-understand content. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking with her family and reading.
