When we feel young on the inside, we want an outward appearance to match. But the popular diabetes and weight loss drug Ozempic®, can lead to “Ozempic face” – unwanted aging effects like hollow cheeks, sagging skin, and tired-looking eyes. This injectable curbs appetite to help drop pounds. Yet, the result for some may be an older-looking reflection staring back in the mirror.
If you’ve noticed more facial wrinkles, thin lips, or jowl sagging since starting Ozempic, there is no need to worry! Dr. Yadro Ducic, MD, a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, offers advanced techniques to restore facial volume loss tied to weight reduction medications.
What Causes Ozempic Face?
Ozempic, along with other GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy® and Mounjaro®, leads to weight loss by curbing appetite. But when the pounds drop fast, you lose fat everywhere, including the face. This deflation is medically termed facial lipoatrophy. Telltale signs are:
- Sunken eyes or dark circles under eyes
- Loss of plumpness in cheeks
- Sagging skin or jowling along jawline
- More visible wrinkles and folds
Most noticeable are the cheeks, which can take on a gaunt, almost skeletal look as facial fat diminishes, causing hollowness. The eyes often appear deep-set and tired. Jowls may form as cheek fat disappears. You may also spot more lines and creases. Rapid weight loss can tack years onto your looks as we lose facial volume, leading to sagging skin and an aging appearance. The key is restoring the facial fullness for a refreshed, rejuvenated look.
Treatment Options for Ozempic Face
There are non-surgical and surgical options to plump up facial volume.
Non-surgical Treatments for Facial Volume Loss
Non-surgical options like dermal fillers involve no incisions. They require little downtime and can be done right in the office.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers like, FDA-approved JUVÉDERM®, lift and amplify the cheeks for a heart-shaped youthful contour.
- Results visible immediately
- Last 6 months to 2 years
- No surgery or anesthesia needed
- Return visits to maintain results
Botox for Wrinkles
BOTOX® may not directly target volume loss. However, it can enhance other treatments by relaxing and smoothing out expression lines and giving a refreshed and welcoming look.
Botox injections relax facial muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles:
- Softens crow’s feet and frown lines
- Improves forehead wrinkles
- Takes just minutes to administer
- Easily maintained long-term
Surgical Treatments for Facial Volume Loss
For substantial fat loss in the face, you may need a surgical procedure to fully restore facial volume and structure. Popular surgical options include:
Facial Fat Grafting
This surgical procedure involves harvesting fat via liposuction from the abdomen, flanks or thighs. The fat gets purified and injected into the face to naturally replenish lost volume. Benefits include:
- 80% of transferred fat stays long-term
- Enhances skin texture too
- Takes 30-60 minutes
- Requires sedation or anesthesia
Facial Implants
Facial implants are made from soft, biocompatible synthetic materials surgically placed under the skin to augment facial contours:
- Improves facial symmetry
- Creates greater harmony
- Results look natural
- Takes about an hour
- Swelling subsides within days
Facelift
A facelift eliminates sagging skin, lifts underlying muscle, and repositions tissue into a fuller position. Facelifts provide dramatic rejuvenation by:
- tightening loose, crepey skin
- smoothing wrinkles and lines
- restoring sculpted cheek contours
During a facelift, Dr. Ducic can contour the deeper muscular layers in a customized way so that the lift results appear very natural rather than tight or artificial looking. This customized muscular contouring is key for achieving a rejuvenated yet natural enhancement.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery fixes aging eyes. It’s great for excess skin around the eyes that gives you the appearance of droopy lids or under-eye bags, making you look older and tired. Paired with facelifts, it greatly enhances youthfulness and facial balance.
Recovery After Ozempic Face Treatment
Recovery time varies depending on whether you choose non-surgical injections or surgical procedures to address facial changes from Ozempic.
- Non-surgical fillers may cause short-term swelling, redness, or bruising, with full results appearing within 2 weeks.
- Surgical procedures involve 1-2 weeks for incisions to heal and continue to resolve over one month. Most normal activity can resume after 2 weeks, with exercise after 4-6 weeks.
Learn More About Ozempic Face
If you’ve noticed the unwanted facial aging effects of Ozempic face, there’s no need to worry. Dr. Yadro Ducic, MD, a Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, is uniquely qualified to help you restore your youthful appearance caused by rapid weight loss. Regain your confidence today!
Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about surgical and non-surgical options to refresh your looks.
