What is Ozempic face and how to avoid it?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Ozempic face refers to the sagging, gaunt, aged look that some Ozempic users develop due to the loss of facial fat following drastic weight loss with the drug. When a person loses weight quickly, they lose it all over their body, not just in one specific area, such as the belly or the thighs. Weight loss in the face causes saggy, loose, facial skin which can wrinkle around the eyes, temples, jawline, and mouth, making a person look much older than they actually are.

Ozempic is used to treat type 2 diabetes and contains semaglutide. Although it is not approved for weight loss it has been used off-label for this purpose, particularly while Wegovy has been out of stock. Wegovy also contains semaglutide and is approved for weight loss in people who are obese or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.

Why does Ozempic face occur?

Ozempic face is thought to be due to the rapid loss of facial fat that occurs because the medication is very effective at decreasing weight (research indicates an average 15% drop in body weight). Weight loss occurs over the whole body, including the face, and this, combined with natural aging and the inability of skin elasticity to spring back and keep up with the loss of facial fat volume, means a person can develop noticeable skin hanging, wrinkles, and the appearance of jowls.

Fat loss from the face is common with rapid weight loss and Ozempic face is unlikely to be specific to just Ozempic use. It could occur with any medication or lifestyle change that results in rapid weight loss.

How can you prevent Ozempic face?

The phenomenon of Ozempic face is common among people who lose too much weight too quickly, and it may be possible to slow down this effect by slowing down the speed of weight loss. People using Ozempic should also stay hydrated and maintain a good protein intake while using the medication.

How can Ozempic face be treated?

Facial fillers may be considered to restore the volume that has been lost due to weight loss. The fillers can be injected into the chin, cheeks, and under the eye area and they help create a fuller and smoother appearance.

Other interventions that tighten tissue, such as radiofrequency energy, high-focused ultrasound energy, or face-lift surgery can also help.

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