The topic of Ozempic is hot right now. It is an injectable medication initially developed to treat Type 2 Diabetes. However, it is now being used – somewhat controversially! Dr. Jennifer Levine, a New York-based facial surgeon, explains that Ozempic is a “semaglutide” which can be used to treat diabetes. It has also been effective in weight loss. It works by increasing insulin secretion in the pancreas and decreasing glucagon production by the liver. This suppresses appetite and slows gastric motility. You feel fuller for longer. It is prevalent in Hollywood.
The intricacies of Ozempic use will be a topic for another day – see Vogue’s explainer to learn more – but it is a similar skin condition that we present to you today. The “Ozempic Face” is the latest skin concern. Dermatologists and aesthetic doctors worldwide are beginning to notice the adverse effects of losing weight quickly. One user, who is not obese, told The New York Times her face looked tired and aged after taking the drug.
Dr. Levine says rapid weight loss can lead to volume loss and affect collagen and elastin. Ozempic faces can appear worn, deflated, and saggy. Consider a raisin instead of a grape! Ozempic faces can look hollow, reduced, and saggy. These are vital ingredients to accelerated aging. Dr. Sophie Shotter (aesthetic doctor) says that these skin changes are not caused by the drug but by relatively rapid weight loss.
She explains that rapid weight loss can cause the skin to “shrink” around the new shape. This means that facial skin may feel looser and more pinchable. “Having facial fat helps us age better. People with more facial fat tend to have fewer wrinkles.” However, excessive facial fat can also be problematic and create marionettes (around our mouths) on the faces. For healthier skin, a balanced weight is the best option.
There are many in-clinic treatments for those suffering from Ozempic skin. Dr. Shotter says she would combine a skin tightening treatment such as Profound RF or Sofwave, which can boost collagen and elastin levels to help shape the new facial form. She also recommends facial fillers, which will strategically restore volume and make the skin healthy and proportionate to the rest. Dr. Shotter is also a big fan of bio-stimulators such as HArmonyCa, which uses cross-linked hyaluronic to instantly lift and volumize and calcium hydroxyapatite to improve skin laxity and stimulate collagen production.
Dr. Levine follows a similar treatment plan, but she also uses devices such as Ultherapy or EmFace to lift, improve and stimulate collagen and elastin. She says a neck or facelift might be necessary in extreme cases to correct laxity.
