The launch of Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap by Kim Kardashian's Skims shapewear has brought people's attention to yet another side effect of Ozempic: Ozempic face.
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a popular weight loss drug primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. "It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing glucose production in the liver," explains Dr Himika Chawla, Senior Consultant - Endocrinology and Diabetology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, in a conversation with the OnlyMyHealth team.
In recent years, Ozempic has gained a lot of popularity for its weight loss benefits, and though not originally approved for weight loss alone, it is often prescribed off-label for this purpose. While several side effects have been reported—weight loss being one of them—Ozempic face is one of the latest that has been reported among users.
Also Read: Ozempic And Mounjaro in India: Weight Loss Revolution Or Wellness Gamble?
What Is Ozempic Face?
"Ozempic face is a term that has emerged from the cosmetic world to describe facial volume loss that some patients experience after rapid weight loss due to Ozempic use,” explains Dr Chawla.
She mentions that the face may appear gaunt, sunken, or prematurely aged. “While this change in facial appearance isn’t dangerous from a medical perspective, it can be concerning for some individuals because of the aesthetic and psychological impact.”
The loss of fat in the cheeks and around the eyes can make wrinkles or sagging skin more noticeable.
What Causes Ozempic Face?
A 2024 study published in JPRAS—An International Journal of Surgical Reconstruction found a 300% rise in prescriptions for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy between 2020 and 2022. Researchers note that besides weight loss, many have reported noticeable facial changes like sagging skin, hollow cheeks, and wrinkles, now dubbed Ozempic face. The study looked at Google search trends and the growing number of people turning to plastic surgeons to fix these unexpected changes.
According to Dr Chawla, Ozempic face is caused by rapid and significant weight loss, especially in individuals who lose a considerable amount of body fat quickly. "The face, like other areas of the body, stores fat, and when that fat is lost, the skin may not always contract or tighten accordingly, especially in older individuals," she explains.
This leads to a hollow or aged appearance. It’s not a direct side effect of the drug itself but rather a cosmetic result of its effectiveness in weight reduction.
Can Ozempic Face Be Reversed?
The short answer is yes. Ozempic face can often be improved or reversed, depending on the extent of the volume loss, shares Dr Chawla.
She talks about cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers, radiofrequency skin tightening, or collagen-stimulating therapies that can help restore volume and skin elasticity. “In some cases, gaining back a small amount of weight may also help,” the doctor notes.
However, these options are aesthetic and not necessary from a health standpoint. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon can guide patients in making the best decision based on their individual needs and goals.
Also Read: Ozempic Mouth: Understanding The Unwanted Side Effect Of The Weight-Loss Medication
Bottomline
Ozempic face is a natural consequence of taking Ozempic. If you lose weight, there is likely to be some change in your facial structure. To minimise that risk, Dr Chawla advises close monitoring of the weight loss journey. She urges people to have a balanced diet with adequate protein and healthy fats that help maintain skin and muscle health. Additionally, resistance or strength training exercises can also help preserve muscle tone, which supports the skin and reduces the appearance of sagging.
In some cases, dermatologists may recommend non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as fillers or skin-tightening procedures to restore volume and firmness. Consulting both a medical and cosmetic professional before and during Ozempic use is advisable for those concerned about facial changes.