By Dr. Kim Thompson

“Ozempic Face” & Weight-Loss-Related Aesthetic Changes: What You Need to Know

With the rise of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic® (semaglutide), Wegovy® and Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) for weight-loss, many patients are achieving dramatic body transformations — but not always without surprising aesthetic side-effects. One increasingly common concern is the phenomenon popularly dubbed “Ozempic-Face.”

What Is “Ozempic Face”?

“Ozempic Face” refers to the visible facial volume loss (hollowing, sagging, thinning) that can accompany rapid or substantial weight loss — whether from GLP-1 medications or other methods. Studies have shown that significant weight loss is associated with reductions in facial subcutaneous fat and increased skin laxity. For example, one quantitative study found a ~7 % mid-facial volume loss for every 10 kg of weight loss in patients using GLP-1 agonists. PubMed+1
While achieving weight-loss is empowering and often medically beneficial, the facial changes (particularly in the cheeks, under-eyes, jawline) can make one appear older or more fatigued than they feel.

Why Weight-Loss Affects Facial Volume

When the body sheds fat, it does so systemically — it doesn’t “choose” just the belly or thighs. The face contains numerous small superficial and deep fat-pads that provide fullness, contour, and youthful support. When these shrink, the overlying skin loses structural support, collagen/elastin tension is altered, and skin laxity becomes more evident. A recent study of “massive weight loss” – such as post-bariatric surgery – showed pronounced fat pad devolumization and skin laxity in the mid-face. PMC+1
Moreover, rapid weight loss (including via GLP-1 therapy) may exceed the skin’s ability to contract or remodel, resulting in more apparent sagging or hollows. drpage.com.au+1
Finally, GLP-1 medication-associated weight-loss brings its own dynamic: while the drug itself may not directly “cause” facial volume loss, the speed/magnitude of fat loss can exacerbate appearance changes. As one endocrinologist put it: “It’s a side-effect of all weight-loss — it’s nothing unique to Ozempic.” Cleveland Clinic

Top Aesthetic Treatments to Restore Volume

At VIDA Aesthetic Medicine, we offer a range of safe, non-surgical (or minimally invasive) treatments designed to restore facial volume, improve skin texture and rejuvenate your appearance. These include:

  • Dermal Fillers (Juvederm®, Restylane®): — Instant volume boosts in cheeks, temples, smile folds or jawline to lift and contour.

  • Sculptra®: — A collagen-stimulating injectable that gradually rebuilds structure and volume over time.

  • Radiesse® — Also stimulates collagen/elastin, useful in facial structural re-balancing after fat-loss.

  • Ultherapy®: — Uses ultrasound energy to stimulate deep collagen production and gently tighten sagging skin.

  • Microneedling with Exosomes: — Helps improve skin tone, texture and collagen regeneration, supporting the overall rejuvenation process.

Prevention Tips for Patients on GLP-1 Medications

While you may not be able to entirely prevent facial changes during a weight loss journey, there are strategies to minimize unwanted side-effects:

  • Start early: Don’t wait until volume loss is very pronounced. Early aesthetic consultation allows for preventative or proactive measures to avoid deeper hollows, laxity, or excess sagging.

  • Lose weight at a steady pace: Gradual weight-loss lessens the shock to skin/fat compartments and gives tissues more time to remodel. Cleveland Clinic

  • Support your skin from the inside: Stay well-hydrated, eat adequate protein, support collagen/elastin via nutrition, supplements, skin care, and maintain a steady skincare routine.

  • Consult your aesthetic provider early: Building a custom aesthetic plan alongside your weight-loss journey ensures your outer appearance continues to reflect how vibrant you feel inside.

Looking for Support During Your Weight-Loss Transformation?

At VIDA Aesthetic Medicine, we specialize in personalized aesthetic treatment plans, helping you look as vibrant as you feel — from head to toe. If you’re experiencing or anticipating facial changes as part of your weight-loss journey, schedule your consultation today and let us map the best path to support your transformation.

References

  1. Jafar AB et al. “Soft Tissue Facial Changes Following Massive Weight Loss …” PMC. 2024. PMC

  2. Sharma RK et al. “Radiographic Midfacial Volume Changes in Patients on GLP-1 Agonists.” [PubMed] 2025. PubMed

  3. Mnajjed L et al. “Interest in Facial Volume Restorative Procedures With the… “ (Journals LWW) 2025. Lippincott Journals

  4. Reiss AB et al. “Weight Reduction with GLP-1 Agonists and Paths for …” MDPI 2025. MDPI

  5. Consensus Statements on Managing Aesthetic Needs in … (Wiley) 2025. onlinelibrary.wiley.com