Recently, the use of injectable medications for weight loss has become quite a phenomenon. So much so that Ozempic has come to be considered a miracle cure. However, while this is what many people desire, the rapid loss of facial and body volume can result in sagging skin, popularly known as “Ozempic face.”
This side effect is becoming increasingly common, even though it’s not a consequence of the medication itself, but rather the rapid weight loss. This now leads many patients to seek a preventive approach or a definitive solution, especially through cosmetic procedures that can effectively address this problem.
At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, our surgical team, led by Dr. Fodero, will provide you with the best recommendations so you can achieve a rejuvenated appearance and enjoy it for longer.
The “Ozempic Face” Effect
The “Ozempic Face” has become a widely recognized side effect associated with the use of this class of medication. While originally developed for managing Type 2 diabetes, it’s now used as a weight-loss and appetite-suppressant.
This increased adaptation has, however, led to another unwanted result: the extreme loss of facial fat. Many users, including young people, have reported dramatic changes that have made their face look quite different after continuous use.
What is often overlooked is that facial fat plays a fundamental role in maintaining a youthful appearance; its sudden decrease leads to increased skin sagging and an aged look.
How Ozempic Works to Keep You Full
Semaglutide, the active component of Ozempic, acts similarly to the natural hormone GLP-1, responsible for intestinal function. After eating, our intestines produce this hormone, which has several critical functions, some of which we will mention below:
- Blood sugar regulation: GLP-1 promotes the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which in turn prevents spikes in blood sugar levels. At the same time, it suppresses the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar.
- Appetite control: Semaglutide affects the brain, specifically, the part responsible for satiety, which helps to reduce hunger, suppress cravings, and ultimately decrease the number of meals consumed per day.
- Delayed gastric emptying: Ozempic also slows the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This delayed gastric emptying allows the person to feel full for a long period after a meal.
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Preventing and Non-Surgical Solutions
For the “Ozempic face”, prevention is the best starting point. The most important advice is to keep the rate of weight loss under control. This means working with your doctor to monitor your dosage, ensuring your weight loss is steady and not drastic. This gentle approach gives your skin the best chance to adapt.
On the other hand, it’s essential to follow a diet rich in protein and fiber, and look for foods packed with skin-healthy elements. These nutrients will help maintain collagen and elastin, which are essential components for a healthy, firm skin.
For those who are looking for cosmetic support, non-surgical procedures like collagen biostimulants have shown fantastic, long-lasting effects—sometimes up to two years. However, for more pronounced concerns, plastic surgery remains an available option.
Surgical Procedures That Bring Back Your Face
For addressing cases of pronounced and persistent sagging skin in your face, surgical interventions are often the most recommended solution. These procedures are more invasive but provide impressive and long-lasting results. Below you will find the most suitable surgeries for correcting or treating “Ozempic face”:
Facelift
Also known as rhytidectomy, it’s one of the most comprehensive treatments for visible facial sagging. During this procedure, the facial structure is reshaped, along with the loose skin, restoring a more youthful appearance and tightening deep skin folds.
A facelift is particularly effective in patients who have experienced significant volume loss leading to deep wrinkles and considerable sagging skin, offering long-term results.
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Neck Lift
The neck lift is best suited for patients experiencing sagging skin and muscle laxity in the neck and along the jawline, usually as a consequence of considerable weight loss.
The procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the neck muscles (platysma), resulting in a more defined jawline and a youthful look. It’s frequently performed combined with a facelift for better results.
Facial Fat Grafting
This procedure utilizes the patient’s own body fat deposits, typically extracted via liposuction from another part of the body. This fat is then purified and can be injected into the face to naturally restore lost facial features.
This procedure is an excellent option for patients seeking permanent, natural augmentation, with a minimal risk of rejection.
Expert Consultation and Treatment in Florham Park, NJ
Choosing the best treatment for you will depend on the severity and degree of the sagging, the rate and total amount of fat loss, and your own expectations. While not everyone experiencing the “Ozempic face” effect will need surgery, for those with very significant facial sagging, a surgical option might indeed be the most effective option.
At Northeastern Plastic Surgery, you will find these advanced procedures to restore lost volume, firmness, and overall facial contour. Dr. Joseph Fodero is renowned for his expertise, which will help you regain your lost confidence. With a patient-centered approach and state-of-the-art technology, we ensure your recovery is as smooth and successful as possible. Schedule a consultation today at our clinic in Florham Park, NJ, to feel like yourself again by calling (973) 295-6565 or using our online scheduling tool.