Ozempic and Its Impact on Physical Appearance
The buzz surrounding Ozempic, also known as Wegovy and generic semaglutide, is not overstated. This medication is widely celebrated as a "miracle drug" for weight loss worldwide, with many patients willing to invest substantial amounts to reap its benefits for diabetes management. However, the conversation about semaglutide has recently shifted to its side effects, with social media users coining the term "Ozempic face" to describe the hollow or sunken appearance resulting from facial fat loss. Other concerns such as skin laxity and hair loss are also being discussed.
The reality is that any significant weight loss, regardless of the method, will inevitably lead to physical changes. For example, consider the effects of pregnancy on the body. "Post-childbirth, the abdomen may appear deflated and saggy, but the skin eventually readjusts and tightens," explains Dr. Jessie Cheung, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago specializing in aesthetics, regenerative medicine, and hormone replacement therapy. "The efficiency and speed of this process depend on the amount and rate of weight loss, as well as the skin's overall condition—older skin does not contract as smoothly." Since Ozempic-induced fat loss occurs throughout the body, the face is not the only area affected.
It's important to note that individual experiences with GLP-1 medications vary; while the FDA approves them for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, they are also used off-label by patients who may not have much weight to lose. "Weight loss induced by semaglutide injections, though effective, is usually not extreme," comments Dr. Evan Garfein, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. Because semaglutide works by suppressing appetite, the weight loss it induces is less dramatic than that achieved with bariatric surgeries like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The extent of your appearance changes while using the medication for weight management depends entirely on your personal situation.
Just as postpartum procedures like mommy makeovers have become popular, so too are treatments addressing the aesthetic side effects of Ozempic-induced weight loss. Whether you've shed a significant amount of body weight or just those stubborn pounds, we've outlined post-Ozempic treatment options that address concerns from head to toe.
Treatments for Ozempic-related Hair Loss
The fear of hair loss due to semaglutide can be enough to deter potential patients, especially those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS patients often struggle with weight loss due to insulin resistance and frequently experience hair loss due to hormonal imbalances, often alongside hirsutism. However, hair loss caused by weight loss drugs is generally not permanent. "Any metabolic stress can lead to temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium," explains Dr. Cheung. "This sudden increase in hair shedding is self-limiting and usually lasts for a few months."
It's crucial to work with your healthcare provider to ensure you're getting adequate nutrients for new hair growth. "Optimal levels of vitamins D, B, iron, zinc, thyroid hormones, and sufficient protein intake are significant for hair health," states Dr. Cheung. Your provider can recommend over-the-counter and prescription supplements tailored to your needs, as well as aesthetic treatments.
Low-level laser therapy, for instance, promotes hair growth without downtime. You can choose stronger in-office treatments or opt for an at-home device like Current Body’s CapillusUltra Laser Cap ($799). Another popular professional treatment for hair loss is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). "This procedure involves drawing a patient’s blood, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate growth factors, and then injecting the solution into the scalp for hair growth," explains Dr. David Shafer, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. "PRP can enhance thinning hair and stimulate dormant follicles."
Dr. Cheung favors exosome therapy for hair growth. "Exosomes are vesicles secreted by stem cells, containing more growth factors than PRP and with anti-inflammatory properties," she says. "They can be applied topically after microneedling or laser treatment on the scalp, with ongoing studies on injections." New hair growth can often be seen within a few weeks, with many patients satisfied after just one treatment.
Treatments for “Ozempic Face”
Addressing "Ozempic face" is not as simple as restoring volume. Depending on the amount of weight lost and the skin's elasticity, semaglutide treatment can accelerate facial aging by shrinking superficial and deep fat pads, making the overlying tissues appear saggy. Fortunately, the same procedures that combat aging signs—such as volume loss, fat depletion, collagen decline, and sagging skin—can also correct the undesirable effects of weight loss medications.
"We are fortunate to have a wide range of treatments for aesthetic concerns," says Dr. Garfein. "The key for those looking to address facial skin and soft tissue laxity is to consult a provider who can tailor a solution to their specific needs." Given the multiple layers—skin, fat, and deeper tissues—it's essential to get a provider's opinion on the best treatment for your face. If you need a facelift, a zero-downtime skin-tightening treatment won't suffice.
For mild to moderate laxity, noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures can be effective. Dr. Garfein recommends radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments like Morpheus8, Potenza, and Ultherapy for tightening, while Dr. Cheung prefers PDO threads for lifting and contouring. Biostimulatory fillers can also restore lost volume. "Sculptra is excellent for temples, and Radiesse is superb for the backs of the hands," says Dr. Shafer.
Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm—Voluma for cheeks, Volux for jawline, and Vollure, which Dr. Shafer uses under the eyes—are straightforward options for adding fullness to a gaunt face. However, Dr. Garfein advocates a more natural approach. "I strongly recommend fat grafting for focused facial augmentation," he says. "There is no evidence that fat grafting is less effective in patients who have taken semaglutide to lose weight." (Bonus: you can harvest fat from a stubborn area during liposuction.) "The decision between injecting autologous fat for malar region elevation, with or without a facelift, depends on the surgeon’s comfort and the patient’s preferences," he adds. Remember, noninvasive procedures cannot fully replicate the results of plastic surgery, so take your provider's advice seriously.
Treatments for Ozempic-related Body Concerns
If you've experienced extreme or rapid weight loss from Ozempic and notice excessive skin or severe sagging, only surgical procedures will suffice. "Patients may need abdominoplasty to remove excess abdominal skin, thigh lift to tighten leg skin, and brachioplasty to firm up arms," says Dr. Shafer. "We often combine noninvasive and surgical treatments for optimal results." He prefers using Renuvion, a plasma energy treatment, in the operating room to further tighten loose skin.
When considering surgery, you'll need to reach and maintain your target weight for a few months. "If the patient loses more weight post-procedure, we won't achieve the best results—and the same applies if weight is regained in the weeks and months following treatment," says Dr. Garfein. "Maintaining a goal weight for a while reduces this risk." This doesn't apply to noninvasive treatments, which can start as soon as you're ready. "For noninvasive treatments, sessions can begin immediately," says Dr. Shafer. "Effects are cumulative and can start working while you're still losing weight."
Beyond Ultherapy and other energy-based skin-tightening treatments, muscle toning complements weight loss. "Muscle toning enhances how patients look and feel and benefits the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems," says Dr. Garfein. Weight training is crucial for preserving muscle mass and burning calories during and after workouts. However, if you've taken semaglutide, you might not always feel like exercising due to fatigue. While not as beneficial as a gym session, the muscle-toning and fat-burning treatment Emsculpt Neo, combined with cellulite-smoothing Emtone, can be a good option.
