what is ozempic face

What Is an Ozempic Face or Wegovy Face?

You may have heard the terms “Ozempic face” or “Wegovy face” online or on social media and wondered, ”What is Ozempic face?” “What is Wegovy face? “What does that actually mean?” or “Is Ozempic face real?”

Yes. It is a real term that people use, but neither “Ozempic face” or “Wegovy face” is an official medical diagnosis. The term is used to describe changes to the way their face looks that can happen when someone loses a significant amount of weight on the prescription medication semaglutide. (The main ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy)

What Do Ozempic Face And Wegovy Face Look Like?

“Ozempic face” or “Wegovy face” usually means someone’s face looks thinner or more hollow than it did before they lost weight. Some of the things that become noticeable include:

  • Sunken cheeks or temples.
  • Looser skin around the jawline.
  • More visible wrinkles and lines.
  • A gaunt or tired-looking appearance.

These changes happen because as your body loses fat, you also lose fat from your face at the same time. This loss of fat can eliminate some or all of the volume that helps define your cheekbones and keeps your skin looking hydrated and plump. You can be left with loose hanging skin and more noticeable signs of aging.

Is Ozempic Face Caused By the Medication?

No. Ozempic face is not caused by the medication itself but by the loss of weight. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about this condition.

Many people say “Ozempic face” or “Wegovy face “happens because of rapid weight loss, but that is not necessarily true. In most cases, losing weight with semaglutide happens gradually over several months and is not super fast. It is more related to how much total weight someone loses, and not only how fast it comes off.

When you lose a significant amount of body fat, you also lose fat in your face. That fat gives your skin support, and if that fat is significantly reduced, the skin that is left behind may be looser or more hollow. This is especially true as we get older because our skin does not snap back as easily.

The same kinds of facial changes have been seen for years in people who lose a large amount of weight after bariatric surgery or major lifestyle changes. The medication itself does not make changes to your face, but it is the overall fat loss that can change how your face looks. These facial changes have been seen and reported for years after significant weight loss, and the only thing that is new is the name (“Ozempic face”) that social media users have come up with to describe them.

Why Does the Face Look Different After a Big Weight Loss?

There are a few biological reasons that can explain the changes that can occur to your face if you lose a significant amount of weight, which include:

Facial Structure

The fat pads in your cheeks and your temples help provide structure for your face, similar to scaffolding. When these areas lose fat, it reduces the level of support for the skin above and can create a sunken or gaunt appearance.

Lack of Skin Elasticity

The elasticity of your skin changes over the years and loses its ability to “bounce back.” Your skin’s elasticity depends on the following:

  • Your Age
  • Diet
  • Hydration
  • Collagen levels
  • Genetics
  • Sun exposure history

Fat Loss Is Uneven

Some people lose fat from their face earlier than their bodies, which can make the changes more noticeable.

Does Everyone Get Ozempic Face?

No. Not everyone who loses weight with GLP-1 medications will notice major changes to their facial structure. There are several things that can affect whether it can happen, including:

  • Age
  • Condition of your skin.
  • How much weight you lose.
  • Genetics
  • Starting body fat levels.
  • Muscle and protein intake during weight loss.

How to Avoid Ozempic Face

It is impossible to control everything, but there are ways to reduce the chances of experiencing noticeable volume loss in your face.

Lose Weight at A Gradual Pace

Slower weight loss gives your skin more time to adjust, which may help reduce the volume of loose skin you will be left with after a significant weight loss. Losing weight at a rate of between 1 and 3 pounds a week is what experts recommend.

Eat Enough Protein

Protein helps preserve your muscle mass and supports your skin’s structure while you are losing weight.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water keeps you properly hydrated and makes your skin look fuller, and helps its elasticity.

Protect Your Skin

Follow a healthy skincare routine using quality products and wear sunscreen every day. This can help keep your skin moisturized and healthy, reduce visible wrinkles, and protect your skin from sun damage.

Can You Fix Ozempic Face Naturally?

Sometimes. If your case is mild. The good news is that Ozempic face is purely a cosmetic issue and is not dangerous to your health.

Some of the natural strategies you can use to improve the quality of your skin and the appearance of your face include:

  • Eating a healthy diet with a concentration on protein.
  • Get plenty of exercise with a balance of cardio and strength training to preserve muscle tone and boost circulation.
  • Use medical-grade skin care and a consistent routine.
  • Stay hydrated.

Your skin can continue to adjust for several months after your weight stabilizes if you have good skin elasticity. If your case is moderate to severe, there are cosmetic and med spa treatments that can be more effective.

Cosmetic & Medical Treatments For Ozempic Face

For patients with more noticeable cosmetic imperfections, there are aesthetic treatments that can help restore balance and refresh their appearance.

Some of the most common options include:

  • Dermal fillers to restore lost facial volume. These can be used to plump up the cheeks and temples, under the eyes to fill in hollows, and along the jawline to add definition.
  • Skin tightening treatments like Morpheus8, which is a combination of radiofrequency and microneedling, can tighten and tone loose skin and resurface the skin, eliminate fine lines and wrinkles, and trigger new collagen production.
  • Biostimulators that boost collagen production.
  • Fat transfer or surgical options when more correction is needed.

Is Ozempic Face Permanent?

The answer can be different for each person and depends on the circumstances. The changes to your face that occurred were related to how much weight you lost. If you gain weight, you may regain some of the fullness in your face, but if you maintain your weight loss, you will most likely have to use cosmetic procedures to enhance your facial areas of concern.

Expert Supervised Medical Weight Loss

If you want to lose weight and are concerned about side effects like Ozempic face, the experts at MySlimMed can help. Patients work closely with our knowledgeable team led by Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and medical weight loss expert.

A medical weight loss program should always be created and supervised to balance your weight loss goals with your long-term goals for your appearance. Dr. Angelina Postoev focuses on helping you lose weight safely and keep it off, using personalized treatment plans designed to improve your health and your confidence level.

For patients suffering from obesity and the related conditions, the benefits of reaching a healthier weight outweigh any cosmetic concerns that may need to be corrected later.

If you are considering using a GLP-1 weight loss drug to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight or have concerns about side effects like Ozempic face, talking with a medical weight loss expert like Dr. Angelina can help you make the most informed decision that aligns with your goals. Set up your consultation today to learn more!

FAQs

Does Ozempic Face Eventually Go Away?

It depends. If the changes to the face are mild, the skin may gradually get a bit better once your weight stabilizes. Younger patients or people with good skin elasticity may notice some natural tightening after several months.

If a significant amount of facial fat was lost, the hollow or loose areas may require cosmetic enhancements to correct. The changes are not related to the medication and occurred as a result of the overall fat loss.

Can Ozempic Face Be Reversed?

Sometimes. If the changes to your skin and facial appearance are minimal, they may improve with time, proper nutrition, strength training, hydration, and a consistent skincare routine. If volume loss is more noticeable, cosmetic treatments such as dermal fillers or skin tightening procedures can help restore fullness and improve skin firmness.

Shopping Cart
Icon
close
Scroll to Top