What Is “Ozempic Face”?
“Ozempic face” refers to the facial changes — such as sagging skin, loss of volume and a hollowed or aged appearance — that can result from the rapid weight loss associated with taking semaglutide for weight loss, a medication often prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Unlike areas like the abdomen or thighs, the face has limited fat reserves to support skin structure. As this fat diminishes, the skin may not adapt quickly, leading to sagging and more pronounced wrinkles. Because facial skin is thinner and constantly flexes with expressions, even small losses in volume can create noticeable changes.
How Does Weight Loss Affect the Face?
Loss of Facial Fat
The rapid weight loss associated with semaglutide use often results in a noticeable reduction of facial fat. This fat provides volume and a youthful appearance to the face. As the body sheds fat, the face can lose its natural fullness, leading to a hollow or aged look. This process tends to happen quickly, and since facial fat plays a crucial role in supporting the skin, its loss can make bones and lines more pronounced. In some cases, the fat loss occurs faster than the skin can adapt, which leads to the skin sagging or appearing more wrinkled.
Skin Sagging and Elasticity Issues
When facial fat diminishes, the skin loses the supportive tissue beneath it, impacting its ability to remain firm and elastic. Without this cushion, the skin may struggle to “bounce back” to its previous shape, causing sagging, especially around the cheeks, jawline and eyes. This loss of elasticity can make the face appear older as the skin droops to fit its new, thinner contours.
Other Possible Side Effects of Weight Loss
While “Ozempic face” is a well-known aesthetic concern, taking semaglutide can cause additional side effects that may influence appearance. Common gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and fatigue, which may result in a tired, drawn appearance. Fatigue from semaglutide use can also contribute to dark circles under the eyes and a paler complexion.
Rapid weight loss from semaglutide can also impact other areas of the body, leading to:
- Loose skin: Skin may struggle to tighten after fat loss, especially around the abdomen, arms and thighs.
- Muscle loss: Without proper nutrition and exercise, some patients may notice a reduction in muscle tone.
- Hair changes: Temporary hair thinning or changes in texture may occur, likely due to rapid weight loss and hormonal shifts.
- Dry skin: Due to changes in hydration and nutrition during weight loss, the skin may become drier and less supple.
- Increased visibility of cellulite: As fat decreases, cellulite may become more pronounced in areas like the thighs or buttocks.
Preventing Facial Side Effects of Weight Loss
Olympia Pharmacy’s Solutions for Skin Health
If you’re taking semaglutide or another GLP-1 drug, prioritizing skincare can help you maintain skin elasticity and combat signs of premature aging. Collagen-boosting ingredients like retinoids and peptides help support skin firmness while hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid keep skin plump and minimize fine lines. Daily antioxidants and SPF also protect against environmental damage, which can accelerate skin aging.
Olympia Pharmaceuticals’ dermatology line offers prescription-strength solutions to treat a variety of skin needs, from hydration to hyperpigmentation. Tighten features GHK Copper (a collagen-boosting peptide), which enhances skin firmness and minimizes fine lines, while Plump restores hydration and volume with hyaluronic acid to counteract the hollowing effects of facial fat loss. Additionally, Miracle combines brightening agents like hydroquinone and retinoic acid to improve skin tone and address uneven pigmentation. Together, these products help you maintain a youthful, vibrant appearance, even as your weight changes.
What Happens After Stopping Semaglutide?
After discontinuing semaglutide, some facial changes — such as volume loss and sagging skin — may linger. Rapid weight loss can reduce skin elasticity, making it difficult for the skin to fully bounce back to its pre-weight-loss state. While some people may see slight improvements in skin firmness over time, targeted dermatological treatments are often needed to restore volume and tighten sagging areas.
Olympia Pharmaceuticals offers rejuvenating solutions to help with post-semaglutide recovery. NADvantage supports cellular energy and skin elasticity by boosting NAD+ levels, which can strengthen the skin barrier and reduce wrinkles, promoting a more youthful appearance. For those dealing with inflammation or uneven texture, Renew provides daily care with hydrating and smoothing ingredients like azelaic acid and niacinamide to refine pores and maintain a healthy glow.
When to Contact a Doctor
If you’re experiencing significant facial changes while taking semaglutide, such as extreme sagging, sudden volume loss in the cheeks or noticeable shifts in facial symmetry, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. Persistent side effects like severe nausea, vomiting or fatigue should also be discussed, as they can impact your overall well-being.
If facial changes are affecting your confidence or self-image, speak with your healthcare provider. They may refer you to a dermatologist or cosmetic specialist who can recommend non-invasive options, such as fillers or skin-tightening treatments, to help restore facial volume and firmness.
Remember, your healthcare team is there to support you and address any concerns you may have during treatment.