Unveiling the Less-Known Impact: Understanding "Ozempic Face" and its Potential Solutions
The "Ozempic face" is a term used to describe a phenomenon that occurs with rapid weight loss, particularly when using medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. This condition is characterized by volume loss in the cheeks, making them appear sunken and hollow, as well as skin laxity leading to sagging skin, more prominent jowls, and deeper lines around the mouth and nose[1][5].
The rapid weight loss that causes the "Ozempic face" often happens so quickly that the skin's collagen and elastin don't have time to adapt and retract[1]. Key causes include the loss of facial fat and muscle mass, the rapid speed of weight loss, and changes in skin texture[3].
To prevent or reduce Ozempic face during a weight loss journey, the following strategies are recommended:
- Maintain a diet rich in protein to give the body the building blocks it needs to produce collagen[2].
- Stay well hydrated to help maintain skin elasticity[2].
- Incorporate resistance and strength training exercises to preserve muscle mass and tone, including facial muscles[2].
- Support collagen production through diet, supplementation, and skincare practices that protect against sun damage and promote skin health[2][3].
- Maintain a good skincare regimen with gentle products and sun protection to help skin quality[2].
If facial volume loss has already occurred, medical aesthetic treatments can help restore volume and improve appearance. Dermal fillers like Juvéderm or Restylane are commonly used to rebuild structure in the cheeks, under-eye hollows, and smooth out deep folds[2][4]. Skin tightening treatments using lasers or radiofrequency can also be effective[2][4]. For more extensive changes, fat grafting procedures and thread lifts may be considered[2]. Collagen-boosting therapies like microneedling or injections that stimulate natural collagen production can also be beneficial[2][4].
It's important to note that the "Ozempic face" is manageable, and you have plenty of options. Discussing the potential for facial changes with a doctor or aesthetic practitioner before they become pronounced is recommended[4]. Choosing the right combination of treatments requires a professional with deep clinical knowledge of how medications impact facial anatomy.
While not everyone taking Ozempic develops pronounced facial changes, these approaches help individuals mitigate or correct the cosmetic effects linked with rapid weight loss on the face[1][4]. Investing in skincare with sunscreen, moisturizers, and active ingredients like retinoids or peptides can help support skin health and resilience[4].
Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
References: [1] Shapiro, T. (2021). Ozempic Face: What Is It, and How Can You Prevent It? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ozempic-face [2] American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2020). Skincare 101: AAD's Guide to Clearing Up Common Skincare Questions. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/skincare-101-aad-s-guide-to-clearing-up-common-skincare-questions [3] Khetarpal, S., & Khetarpal, R. (2021). The Ozempic Face: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Prevent It. Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/ozempic-face-4797036 [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Ozempic: What You Need to Know. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/ozempic/art-20490846 [5] Nguyen, D. (2021). The 'Ozempic Face': What It Is and How to Prevent It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ozempic-face
- Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate, emphasizes the significance of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle, including the management of the "Ozempic face" phenomenon.
- Maintaining a protein-rich diet is recommended to produce collagen and prevent or reduce the "Ozempic face" during weight loss, as collagen is essential for skin health and elasticity.
- Staying hydrated, incorporating resistance and strength training exercises, and supporting collagen production through dietary choices, supplements, and skincare practices can further minimize the cosmetic effects of rapid weight loss on the face.
- In cases where facial volume loss has occurred, various medical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers, skin tightening treatments, fat grafting procedures, and thread lifts can help restore volume and improve appearance.
- Collagen-boosting therapies like microneedling or injections that stimulate natural collagen production can also be beneficial in addressing the "Ozempic face."
- Investing in skincare with sunscreen, moisturizers, and active ingredients like retinoids or peptides can help support skin health and resilience, contributing to overall health and wellness.
