GLP-1 medications have helped many people lose weight they struggled with for years. Along the way, some notice that their face looks thinner, older or more tired than they expected. That change has a nickname: “Ozempic face.”
Here’s what it is, why it happens, how to lower your chances of it, and what can help if you’re already seeing it.
What Is “Ozempic Face”?
“Ozempic face” isn’t a medical diagnosis. It’s a popular term for facial changes that can follow significant, rapid weight loss: a gaunt look, sunken cheeks, new wrinkles and looser skin on the face and neck. According to Cleveland Clinic, it isn’t a side effect of the medication itself. The name caught on through social media, but the same changes can follow weight loss from bariatric surgery or major lifestyle changes.
What Causes It?
Your face gets much of its fullness from pads of fat under the skin. When you lose weight quickly, those fat pads shrink along with the rest of your body. Your skin also has less time to adjust, and with less collagen and elastin support it can loosen and wrinkle. The result can look a lot like natural aging, just on a faster timeline.
Who Is More Likely to Notice It?
- People who lose a lot of weight in a short time
- Older adults, who often have less facial fat to begin with
- People whose skin was already showing early laxity or sun damage
Common Signs
- Hollow or sunken cheeks
- Sunken-looking eyes
- New or deeper wrinkles
- Sagging skin along the jaw and neck
- Thinner-looking lips
- More prominent cheekbones or jawline
Can You Prevent It?
You can’t fully control how your face changes as you lose weight, but a few habits help:
- Lose weight steadily. Cleveland Clinic’s experts suggest a gradual pace, about 1 to 2 pounds a week, alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
- Eat enough protein to help preserve muscle.
- Stay hydrated.
- Protect your skin. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and keep a consistent skincare routine.
- Work with a physician who adjusts your plan as you go, rather than pushing for the fastest possible results.
If you’re on a GLP-1 medication, or thinking about one, our physician-led GLP-1 weight management program includes monthly check-ins with Dr. Emilia Ruiz, MD, so your plan can be adjusted as you progress.
Treatment Options
Facial changes from weight loss don’t usually reverse on their own while you keep the weight off. They also don’t affect your health, so treatment is entirely your choice. Options generally fall into three groups: non-surgical skin treatments, injectable fillers and surgical procedures.
At Royal You Med Spa, we focus on non-surgical treatments that tighten skin and improve its texture and tone by building your own collagen:
- RF Microneedling (Matrix Pro) works deep in the skin to firm loose skin and build new collagen.
- Sublative resurfacing renews the upper layers of the skin to refine texture and fine lines.
- PicoWay Resolve is a gentle laser treatment that brightens uneven tone and softens fine lines.
We don’t offer fillers. These treatments don’t add volume the way fillers do, and at your consultation Dr. Ruiz will tell you honestly what results to expect. Learn more about our Ozempic face treatment in Madison.
When Should You Start?
Many people start skin treatments once they’re at or near their goal weight, so further weight loss doesn’t change their results. You don’t have to wait to come in, though. A consultation can help you plan the timing.
Talk With a Physician
If you’ve noticed changes in your face after weight loss, book a free consultation with Dr. Emilia Ruiz, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician. We’ll look at your skin, talk through your goals and build a plan that fits you. Se habla español.
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Ozempic® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Royal You Med Spa is not affiliated with Novo Nordisk.