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Ozempic Face: Causes and Treatments

Pharmacy2U Team | minute read
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Ozempic and Wegovy (both containing semaglutide) are medications that have become significant players in weight management globally. However, Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss treatments in the UK and is only prescribed for diabetes.

These injectable medications have proven to be effective in producing significant weight loss results, but can also influence visible changes in your facial appearance as a result. 

While Ozempic itself isn't directly responsible for these changes, the rapid weight loss it triggers can lead to a loss of facial fat, resulting in a gaunt or hollowed appearance. Although the term ‘Ozempic face’ is used, any GLP-1 drug that causes rapid weight loss can create this side effect. This guide delves into the causes and treatments of Ozempic face, along with strategies for prevention.

In this Article:

01: What is Ozempic face?02: How to prevent Ozempic face03: How to fix Ozempic face04: Choose a tailored approach

What is Ozempic face?

In our faces, we have fat pads beneath the skin that shape facial features and give fullness. When we lose weight, especially at a rapid pace, our bodies burn fat stores for energy. This includes the fat pads in our faces. As these pads shrink, the skin loses its underlying support, leading to the features of Ozempic face: 

  • Sunken eyes: The fat pads around the eyes shrink, creating a hollowed appearance.

  • Sagging skin and jowls: Loss of facial fat can lead to loose, sagging skin, particularly noticeable around the jawline and cheeks.

  • Wrinkles: Rapid weight loss can exacerbate wrinkles or lead to the formation of new ones as the skin loses elasticity.

  • A hollowed-out appearance to the face: Overall facial volume reduction creates a sunken or gaunt look.

  • More prominent cheekbones and jawline: As facial fat diminishes, the underlying bone structure becomes more noticeable.

How to prevent Ozempic face

Because Ozempic Face is caused by rapid weight loss, slowing down the rate of this loss, by either increasing your calorie intake, reducing the dosage of your weight loss medication, or changing to a different medication can help.

Some additional steps you could look to take to boost skin elasticity and minimise the facial effects of Ozempic. Some tips include:

  • Maintain a healthy diet: Ensure your diet contains all essential nutrients so your body can support skin health and elasticity.

  • Keep hydrated: Drinking enough water can make your skin less prone to wrinkles and sagging.

  • Prioritise skincare: Regardless of weight loss, a good skincare routine can help to maintain healthy skin. Cleansing, moisturising, and applying sun cream are all great ways to care for your skin.

How to fix Ozempic face

While preventing Ozempic face is ideal, sometimes these changes can still occur. If you're already experiencing the visible effects of rapid weight loss on your face, there are some options you can take to make your skin look more plump. Most of the ways to improve Ozempic face include skin treatments, plastic surgery, or cosmetic treatments. Some examples include:

  • Facial Fillers: This is a common approach for restoring lost facial volume. Fillers are injectable substances that come in various types, some popular fillers for Ozempic face include:

  • Hyaluronic acid fillers: These fillers are temporary, typically lasting 6-18 months, but are known for their natural-looking results. They add volume to areas like cheeks, where you may have visibly lost weight.

  • Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers: These fillers offer longer-lasting results (up to 2 years) and are ideal for deeper wrinkles and folds.

  • Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra): This is a collagen stimulator, meaning it promotes your body's natural production of collagen over time. While results may not be immediately noticeable, they can be quite long-lasting (up to 2 years).

  • Botox: While not directly addressing volume loss, Botox injections can be helpful if you have wrinkles or fine lines on your forehead or around the eyes. Botox relaxes specific facial muscles, smoothing out wrinkles and creating a more youthful appearance.

  • Upgrading your skincare routine: Your skin could benefit from higher concentrations of active ingredients in skincare products. For tailored advice, consult a dermatologist.

  • Cosmetic procedures: In some cases, more advanced cosmetic procedures might be considered for addressing Ozempic face, like a fat transfer or a facelift. 

Before undergoing any procedures or starting new medical-grade skincare products, consult your doctor or dermatologist. This is crucial to ensure the chosen approach is safe and appropriate for you, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Choose a tailored approach

Addressing Ozempic face is a journey, not a one-time fix. By consulting with a qualified healthcare professional and taking a multi-faceted approach, you can become more confident in your appearance. At Pharmacy2U, we offer aftercare for all of our patients, including those who use weight loss treatments like Wegovy. Read more about how our Online Doctor service works here.