Ozempic Face: Managing Skin Sag
October 14, 2024
A novel term recently coined by the media is “ozempic face.” It refers to a noticeable effect of using semaglutide, a medication commonly prescribed under the brand name Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes. Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, this revolutionary drug led the way for new obesity treatment options after researchers discovered that substantial weight loss was an unexpected but potentially positive side effect in early clinical trials.
Originally approved by the FDA in 2017 as a type 2 diabetes treatment, four years later the FDA approved a higher dosage of semaglutide as a weight loss medication for treating obesity or overweight conditions in individuals with weight-related health issues like cardiovascular disease. This active ingredient mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which plays a crucial role in controlling appetite by making individuals feel fuller faster and for longer durations.
As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide works by sending signals to your brain, indicating satiety, and at the same time, it slows down digestion by prolonging the time food remains in the stomach, similar to the effects of bariatric surgery but in a non-invasive way. It has been proven to significantly lower HgbA1c levels and reduce diabetes-related complications, while also promoting weight loss by altering the brain's perception of food cravings and hunger cues.
So what does Ozempic Face look like?
“Losing a substantial amount of weight can lead to sagging and aged facial skin,” says Michael Steppie M.D. and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “The loss of facial fat, which contributes to aesthetics and elasticity, can result in rather sudden dermatologic change. It can alter the skin’s cushioning effects that reduce chubby cheeks in some patients, but may cause a hollow facial appearance in others due to the loss of volume.”
Although this revolutionary weight loss medication is only used with a doctor’s guidance, semaglutide helps you shed pounds more quickly than following a traditional diet plan. When people experience rapid weight loss, their skin does not always shrink at the same rate. For some, this is particularly visible in their face and neck. The sudden loss of fat cells reduces the appearance of fullness, which results in a gaunt appearance with an overall loss of facial smoothness.
The Dark Side of Rapid Weight Loss
“Facial fat serves a protective and aesthetic function,” says Dr. Steppie. “Any sudden loss of volume can cause changes because the fat that stretches and cushions the skin is no longer in place. For those using these novel medications, drinking enough water helps keep skin plump. Plus, correct protein intake can boost collagen production and reduce fatigue while you are consuming less food.”
Some of the men and women taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist for blood sugar control or to lose unintended fat gain have complained about the following dermatological symptoms:
- Hollow Face – Facial weight loss can lead to a hollowed-out appearance. The skin of the face also loses its ability to retract after rapid weight loss due to reduced levels of elastin and collagen, both of which are essential for structural integrity.
- Lost Fullness – Weight loss can cause skin to become loose and sag. As a peptide-based drug, these enzymes in the body break down the peptide into amino acids that slow gastric emptying of food from the stomach to the intestinal tract to naturally reduce food consumption.
- Aging Signs – Substantial weight loss can cause lines and wrinkles to become more apparent. Loose skin on the face can sag along the jawline, creating jowls. However, for some the reduction of fat in areas like the cheeks can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
- Lipolysis – GLP-1 receptor agonists release fatty acids from stored fat deposits to boost the effectiveness of metabolic systems, which is similar to the effects of intermediate fasting. Semaglutide increases fat burning through a process called beta-oxidation of the fatty acid sidechain.
- Sunken Eyes – Rapid loss of subcutaneous fat from facial areas can produce sunken eyes that look like deep-set or tired eyes. Depending upon your age, the amount of weight you lost or your natural facial makeup, this may be a negative aesthetic side effect of taking a GLP-1 drug like semaglutide.
Not everyone who takes semaglutide experiences the same side effects. It is possible to decrease the risk of significant changes to your face and skin by avoiding trying to lose weight too quickly. A doctor may recommend a reduction in dosing, lifestyle changes, or dermal fillers to treat the negative impact of using a GLP-1 medication. In some cases, plastic surgery or other cosmetic treatments can also be used to correct the unwanted changes in facial appearance.
Cosmetic Dermatology Orlando
Your skin is flexible and can stretch to accommodate changes in body weight, but it can lose elasticity if it's overstretched during weight gain. So rapid weight loss can cause skin to lose its ability to retract due to damage to collagen, elastin, and other skin factors like lack of proteins. Any loss of elasticity can allow wrinkles and fine lines to form in facial areas, such as around your nose, lips, mouth, chin, cheeks and eyebrows.
While it may not be possible to completely avoid loose skin after significant weight loss, our Orlando clinics can use an injectable gel (JUVÉDERM®) to help restore a more natural look to targeted areas of your face. This injectable hyaluronic acid is a biodegradable gel that integrates between the collagen and elastin to not only restore volume but to improve the overall hydration of facial skin. Injectable gel formulations of different weight combinations can enhance targeted areas.
If our dermatologists determines AFT (advanced fluorescent technology) pulsed light therapy is the best option for treating severe skin laxity, we can outline a treatment plan to heat targeted areas of inner layers of skin. The emitted energy tightens, tones and textures the outer surface while inducing the formation of new collagen to realign the skin’s existing structure for an improved overall appearance without invasive surgery. Plus, pulsed light therapy has no downtime.
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SteppieMD ETHEREAL BEAUTY
Since losing ten percent of excess body weight can provide substantial improvements for health and well-being, there may be no way to prevent facial volume loss to avoid "ozempic face" and other unwanted skin sag. At SteppieMD ETHEREAL BEAUTY, we offer dermatologist-designed advanced skincare options formulated with highest quality standards to address aging skin, volume loss, and fragile eye contour.
Virtuous Eyes Intensive Eye Repair – This proven eye care uplifts the “windows of your soul” to reduce dark circles and puffiness. Designed to support fragile eye contour, our product is loaded with a powerful blend of 8 anti-puffiness & anti-dark circle ingredients, a synergistic blend of antioxidants, palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl-tetrapeptide-7.
Anti-Gravity Rejuvenating Neck & Décolleté Cream – Rapid or substantial weight loss can cause aging or maturing skin on the neck and décolleté to sag with more visible lines and wrinkles. But, our skin-tightening creams can help prevent and treat "ozempic face". This biomimetic ceramide complex is a rich blend of antioxidants, emollients, peptides, niacinamide and LYCD.
Smooth Radiance Intensive Moisturizing Serum – Hyaluronic acid is the body’s natural moisturizer that visibly reduce signs of an aging face. This serum helps provide maximum hydration and contains peptides to boost collagen production and help repair sagging skin. A nourishing blend of humectants and antioxidants help revitalize a healthy facial appearance.
If following an approach using these natural remedies proves less effective, there are a host of cosmetic treatments available at Associates in Dermatology. Call 800-877-7546 or make your appointment online to discuss your options with a dermatologist at one of our sixteen Central Florida offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, Sanford, or St. Cloud.
