Ozempic is an injectable medication noted for its ability to create rapid weight loss. The drug has become highly sought by those who struggle to lose weight through traditional methods. It has some unexpected side effects, including facial and skin concerns.
What does Ozempic do to your face? Often referred to as “Ozempic face” or “Semaglutide face” the significant weight loss in a short period of time can change the look of the face. These Ozempic face side effects have become a common conversation between patients and cosmetic dermatologists as they seek out the most appropriate solution.
Our goal is to educate you on Ozempic’s side effects, specifically those affecting the skin and face, and provide you with steps on how to avoid Ozempic face as well as how to treat the concern.
What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?
Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to manage type 2 diabetes and to support weight loss. Like similar weight loss medications, Ozempic promotes weight loss by suppressing the appetite and slowing the digestion process. This often leads to significant changes in weight, with some studies indicating that people, on average, saw a 14.9% weight loss over a period of 68 weeks.
Rapid weight loss like this can affect skin and facial appearances, often resulting in a hollowed-out appearance with significantly higher levels of wrinkles and sagging skin. Some refer to Ozempic face as a gaunt appearance.
What Is “Ozempic Face”? Understanding Facial Changes from Rapid Weight Loss
While significant weight loss is often desirable, many do not know why they have a significant change in the way their face looks. For those taking Ozempic, a hollow face may not be a long-term problem with treatment options. Consider the reasoning behind it.
Why Does Ozempic Cause Facial Changes?
Why does Ozempic age your face? The reason behind this is the fast rate of fat loss that occurs when using this medication. Studies have noted substantial facial volume and fat depletion, which leads to changes in skin elasticity, causing loose skin and wrinkles to form due to the loss of facial fat.
Any change in skin elasticity, often due to limited collagen production, can create loose skin and wrinkles. This includes the rapid loss of fat due to weight loss drugs, lack of hydration, natural aging, and collagen levels defined by genetics. These changes are partly due to the body’s inability to replenish collagen as quickly as fat is lost, resulting in these Ozempic face effects.
Common Facial Changes from Ozempic Weight Loss
When people lose weight rapidly, meaning body fat volume loss is substantial within a short period of time, it is likely they will have symptoms such as:
- Sunken cheeks
- Hollow under-eyes
- Increased wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Dryness as human skin hydration becomes limited
While each person’s experience may be slightly different, all stem from the same basic principle of a significant drop in fat volume. As the body burns excessive stored fat throughout the body, including in the face, this leads to volume loss, creating a sunken-in look under the eyes and cheeks.
This is compounded by a drop in nutrients and hydration that also occurs when losing weight quickly.
Will the Effects Reverse If I Stop Taking Ozempic?
Your facial appearance after you stop taking Ozempic may change. If you regain weight, that may restore some of the facial volume, meaning some of the most noticeable facial changes, such as sunken cheeks and eyes, will likely improve. However, this process does not get rid of excess skin.
When a person’s fat volume is higher, the skin is naturally stretched out. Like a balloon, the skin stretches to accommodate what is under it. When you rapidly lose weight, as with air being released, the balloon shrinks in size, creating that sunken look. However, the elasticity of the skin has now changed. It does not go back to its natural state just from the weight loss. Instead, wrinkles and sagging skin could remain even if some of the weight comes back.
Is Ozempic face permanent? Skin’s elasticity return depends on factors such as age, genetics, and hydration habits. If facial volume does not restore to the level desired after you stop using Ozempic, there are cosmetic interventions that may help, including the use of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, bio-stimulants such as Radiesse or Sculptra, and more invasive procedures, such as autologous fat grafting (fat transfer) and removal of excess skin. A neck lift may help those who have a sagging face from Ozempic as well.
Other Skin-Related Side Effects of Ozempic
If you are taking the weight loss drug and Ozempic face occurs, be sure to speak to your doctor about any other side effects you have. Note that some side effects are severe and include drops in blood sugar levels that could lead to too low blood sugar. Consider the following Semaglutide Ozempic face and skin changes you could see.
Injection Site Reactions
Some people may experience redness, irritation, and swelling at the injection site. If this is your first time taking Ozempic or other weight loss medications, report any painful or adverse symptoms to your doctor right away.
Follow all directions for injection site use, including properly cleaning the area prior to injecting, aligning the injection point evenly with the skin at the manufacturer’s recommended angle, and then holding it in place long enough. Some people benefit from rotating injection sites to minimize skin discomfort.
Skin Elasticity & Texture Changes
With the weight loss drug Ozempic, face changes are rather common, and they occur as a result of changes in collagen, the component of your facial skin that creates the plump, younger look many people desire in their facial appearance. Consider basic interventions such as consistent hydration, topical skincare (retinol, vitamin C), and dermatologist-recommended collagen boosters to minimize these symptoms.
How to Prevent and Treat Ozempic Face & Skin Concerns
It may be possible to avoid Ozempic face with more gradual weight loss and a slower drop in body mass index. However, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations. Consider these strategies to help you.
Lifestyle Tips for Supporting Skin Health During Weight Loss
- Stay Hydrated: Water supports elasticity and plumpness, and human skin hydration is the single most important mitigation option available to you.
- Adequate Protein Intake: Getting enough protein helps preserve muscle and skin structure.
- Gradual Weight Loss: This prevents extreme sagging and facial fat loss.
- Daily Skincare Routine: Use retinol, vitamin C, and hydrating serums as topical treatments.
Non-surgical Treatments for Ozempic Face (Offered at ICLS)
If you want to learn how to prevent Ozempic face from lasting, consider these treatments available to you at ICLS.
- Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid): Enhance facial harmony by restoring volume to the cheeks, under-eyes, and jawline. HA fillers help create a balanced, refreshed appearance with natural-looking results that can last between 6 to 18 months.
- Skin Tightening Treatments (Ultherapy, RF Microneedling): These devices stimulate collagen production, creating firmer skin over time, leading to significant facial changes. Our team will work with you to choose the best option for your Semaglutide facial aging and skin elasticity changes.
- Biostimulators for Collagen Production (Sculptra, Radiesse): These treatments support gradual collagen production, improving skin laxity, texture, and overall quality while enhancing natural volume over time. Depending on your skin’s elasticity, multiple sessions may be recommended, with results lasting six months or longer.
- Hydration & Skin Rejuvenation (Profhilo, PRP): These therapies infuse moisture and regenerative factors into the skin, improving elasticity, smoother texture, and overall glow.
When to See a Dermatologist or Cosmetic Expert
If you are using Ozempic or other weight loss drugs, and you have facial volume loss or changes such as sunken eyes and cheeks, contact our team for a consultation. ICLS can help restore confidence after Ozempic-related facial changes.
If you are not happy with the way your skin looks, set up some time for a consultation. We’ll offer insight into what we can do to support your skin’s collagen production and overall health while taking these prescription drugs or after you stop.
FAQ Section
What causes “Ozempic face”?
Ozempic face is a rapid weight loss that leads to a loss of facial fat, making the skin appear hollow or sagging.
Does everyone experience Ozempic face?
Not necessarily—age, genetics, hydration, and weight loss speed play a role.
Can I prevent skin sagging while using Ozempic?
Gradual weight loss, hydration, and skincare can help maintain skin firmness.
Are fillers the only way to restore volume after Ozempic face?
No, biostimulators, microneedling, and skin-tightening treatments can also help.
Does stopping Ozempic reverse facial changes?
Some volume may return if weight is regained, but loose skin may persist.
How long do fillers last for Ozempic face?
Results typically last 6-18 months, depending on the product used.
What’s the best treatment for sagging skin after Ozempic?
RF microneedling, Ultherapy, and collagen-stimulating injectables are effective.