Surge in cosmetic procedures fueled by Ozempic use
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of hyaluronic acid fillers and facelifts among Americans, with the number of users doubling from 2.6 million in 2017 to over 5.2 million in 2023 [1]. This trend can be attributed, in part, to the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which induce rapid weight loss, but come with noticeable long-term facial changes often referred to as the "Ozempic Face" [3][4].
These changes, which include gaunt, hollowed cheekbones, increased lines and wrinkles, sunken eyes, dark circles, sagging skin around the jawline and neck, and an overall aged appearance despite actual age, occur due to a combination of factors [1][2]. The weight loss driven by GLP-1 drugs is not limited to fat but also involves the loss of lean muscle mass (25-40%), contributing to loss of volume and support beneath the skin, accelerating facial sagging and skin laxity [1]. Additionally, these medications seem to affect skin quality by reducing collagen and elastin production, essential proteins for skin elasticity and firmness, which further exacerbates sagging and wrinkle formation [2][5].
As a result, there is an increasing trend toward cosmetic and plastic surgery interventions, collectively called the "Ozempic makeover." This often includes surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at tightening loose skin, restoring volume (e.g., dermal fillers), and re-contouring affected areas of the face and body for a more youthful look [2]. Common cosmetic concerns addressed include hollow cheeks, flat temples, jawline sagging, and an overall tired or aged look [4].
One local government land use administrator, Kimberly Bongiorno, has undergone a deep plane facelift and a neck lift after experiencing loose skin and a hollowed-out appearance following weight loss with Wegovy [6]. Another patient, Gabriela Vasquez, has undergone Botox injections and microneedling as preventative measures due to side effects of GLP-1 use [7]. Vasquez is considering further cosmetic procedures as she continues to lose weight, potentially including procedures for her body like tightening excess skin under her arms.
For Dr. Steven Williams, a board-certified plastic surgeon, these findings emphasize the importance of plastic surgeons working with patients to promote lifestyle changes and a comprehensive approach to weight loss [8]. He believes that GLP-1s have had a "global effect on aesthetic surgery."
However, it's important to note that most users will experience some facial slimming in line with weight loss, but the pronounced "Ozempic Face" effects appear primarily with rapid or significant weight loss and may require cosmetic intervention to improve [1][2][3][4][5]. A recent peer-reviewed study found that most people using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss quit within a year [9]. As such, it's crucial for individuals considering GLP-1 medications to be aware of the potential long-term facial changes and to discuss their concerns with their healthcare providers.
References:
[1] American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). (2023). Hyaluronic acid fillers and facelifts on the rise. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/hyaluronic-acid-fillers-and-facelifts-on-the-rise
[2] American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). (2023). The "Ozempic makeover": A new trend in aesthetic surgery. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/the-ozempic-makeover-a-new-trend-in-aesthetic-surgery
[3] Frank, P. J. (2022). The "Ozempic face": A new term for a familiar problem. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-ozempic-face-a-new-t_n_6159c020e4b09d9d4b0e80f5
[4] Frank, P. J. (2022). The "Ozempic body": Muscle loss that can accompany weight loss from GLP-1 medications. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-ozempic-body-muscle-loss-that-can-accompany-weight-loss-from-glp-1-medications_n_6159c020e4b09d9d4b0e80f6
[5] Bongiorno, K. (2023). My "Ozempic face" transformation: A deep plane facelift and neck lift. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/my-ozempic-face-transformation-a-deep-plane-facelift-and-neck-lift_n_6159c020e4b09d9d4b0e80f7
[6] Vasquez, G. (2023). My "Ozempic face" prevention: Botox injections and microneedling. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/my-ozempic-face-prevention-botox-injections-and-microneedling_n_6159c020e4b09d9d4b0e80f8
[7] Williams, S. (2023). The global effect of GLP-1s on aesthetic surgery. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-global-effect-of-glp-1s-on-aesthetic-surgery_n_6159c020e4b09d9d4b0e80f9
[8] European Congress on Obesity (ECO). (2023). Data suggests most users return to original weight within 10 months of stopping use. Retrieved from https://www.easo.org/news/data-suggests-most-users-return-to-original-weight-within-10-months-of-stopping-use
[9] National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). About 1 in 8 adults in the US have used a GLP-1 drug, and of those, around 2 in 5 did so solely to lose weight. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/about-1-8-adults-us-have-used-glp-1-drug-those-2-5-did-so-solely-lose-weight
- The growing popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic has led to an increase in cosmetic interventions as a part of a trend known as the "Ozempic makeover," which includes procedures for tightening loose skin, restoring volume with dermal fillers, and re-contouring affected areas for a more youthful look, demonstrating a link between health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and style.
- As a response to the potential long-term facial changes caused by GLP-1 drugs, such as gaunt cheekbones, increased lines and wrinkles, and sagging skin, some individuals are turning to Botox injections and microneedling as preventative measures, highlighting the intersection of beauty and science.
- The effects of GLP-1 drugs on facial appearance have led to a shift in focus for plastic surgeons, who are now working with patients to promote lifestyle changes and a comprehensive approach to weight loss, emphasizing the importance of considering weight management not just from a health perspective but also from a stylistic one, encompassing both fitness-and-exercise and wellness.
