Ozempic and similar medications have introduced a new era in weight loss treatment, offering a lifeline for those stuck in a never-ending cycle of dieting.
However, that quick weight loss many have experienced can also bring some new challenges.
At our Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous has seen a growing number of patients with similar struggles. They’ve lost the weight, but now they’re left with hollow cheeks and sagging skin, something now known as “Ozempic face.”
In this article, we’ll talk about what Ozempic is, what causes “Ozempic face,” and what surgical options you have to address it.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication originally formulated to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar.
Over the past few years, though, its popularity has surged as a weight loss treatment, bringing tangible results for patients. While not everyone responds the same way, for many patients, the physical changes are fast, visible, and dramatic.
What is “Ozempic Face?”
One of the most common side effects of this sudden weight loss is what’s now being called “Ozempic Face.”
Patients are noticing dramatic changes to their features, such as their cheeks looking more hollow, their eyes appearing sunken, and overall sagging skin. This can cause one’s face to look older, more tired, or less vital.
As facial volume drops, the wrinkles around the nose and mouth may also deepen and become more apparent. Skin that used to sit high and firm around the jawline might start to droop, creating jowls or a softened profile. It can take a toll on the neck too, making the skin look thinner, looser, and more creased than before.
It’s worth remembering that these symptoms aren’t direct side effects of the drug itself; it’s just something that tends to happen when you lose a lot of weight quickly, no matter how it happens.
How Plastic Surgery Can Help
Thankfully, there are surgical options for anyone who wants to address these side effects quickly.
For those who want to tackle different areas of the face at once, fat grafting is a good option. This involves taking a small amount of your own fat from one area of the body and transferring it to areas that have lost volume, such as the cheeks, temples, or under the eyes. It gives a much more natural result than fillers and can last for years.
Others might benefit from a facelift, especially if their skin has lost a lot of its elasticity. During this procedure, a surgeon repositions the deeper facial tissues and removes extra skin to bring back a more structured, lifted look. For patients with more dramatic weight loss, especially men who want to maintain a strong jawline, this can be the most effective option.
For patients noticing volume loss around the eyes, eyelid surgery can refresh the area by tightening muscles and removing excess skin.
In cases where weight loss has caused the upper lip to stretch, making it look longer or thinner than before, a lip lift may be helpful. The procedure reshapes and shortens the distance between the nose and lip, restoring balance and a more youthful look to the lower face.
Final Thoughts
Medications like Ozempic have transformed how we approach weight loss over the past few years. If you’re considering plastic surgery to address some of the unwelcome side effects that come with it, you’re in the right place.
At our Milwaukee clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous takes an individualized approach with every patient, listening closely to understand what’s changed, what’s bothering you most, and how to restore both your appearance and your confidence after significant weight loss.
Take the first step by reaching out to schedule your consultation today.