Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand-name drug Ozempic, belonging to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Originally approved for adults with Type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, the drug mimics a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite, slows stomach emptying, and stimulates insulin release. This mechanism frequently leads to significant weight reduction. “Ozempic Face” is a non-medical term describing the aesthetic changes that occur in the face due to the rapid weight loss associated with these medications.
What “Ozempic Face” Looks Like
“Ozempic Face” is characterized by a distinct loss of volume that significantly alters facial contour. The most noticeable change is the depletion of subcutaneous fat, particularly in the mid-face, temples, and around the eyes. This reduction in fat pads leads to a hollowed, sunken, or gaunt appearance in the cheeks, making the underlying bony structure more visible.
The loss of this structural fat cushion often causes the skin to look loose, creating sagging or jowling along the jawline. With diminished facial volume, wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the mouth and eyes, may become more pronounced. This rapid deflation can make the face appear prematurely aged, sometimes resulting in an overall tired or skeletal look.
The Science Behind Facial Volume Loss
The aesthetic changes known as “Ozempic Face” are a direct, physiological consequence of rapid, systemic fat reduction, not a side effect of the medication itself. The face contains multiple small fat pads that provide structural support and soft contours. When a person loses a large percentage of body weight quickly, these facial fat pads shrink significantly, reducing volume in areas like the cheeks and temples.
This sudden volume loss means the overlying skin, which was stretched to accommodate the previous fat, lacks sufficient time to contract and adapt to the new structure. The severity of the resulting skin laxity is heavily influenced by a person’s age and existing levels of collagen and elastin, which are proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and ability to snap back. Older patients or those with poor skin health experience more noticeable sagging and deeper folds because their skin has lower elasticity. The rapid nature of the weight loss is the primary factor that outpaces the skin’s natural ability to remodel.
Addressing and Minimizing the Aesthetic Changes
A primary strategy for managing facial volume loss is to support the skin’s quality and structure during the weight loss journey. Maintaining adequate hydration is important, as dehydration can cause the skin to look less plump and exacerbate the appearance of fine lines. Using topical skincare products, such as retinoids and antioxidants, can help support skin health and elasticity by encouraging collagen production and protecting against environmental damage.
For those who have already experienced noticeable volume loss, non-surgical dermatological interventions offer various solutions to restore contour and firmness.
Volume Restoration (Injectables)
Dermal fillers, often composed of hyaluronic acid, can be strategically injected to replace lost volume in areas like the cheeks and temples, providing an immediate lift. Biostimulatory agents, such as poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite, work by stimulating the body’s own collagen production. These offer a more gradual and sustained improvement in skin thickness and fullness.
Skin Tightening (Energy-Based Treatments)
Energy-based treatments, including radiofrequency microneedling and focused ultrasound therapy, can be used to tighten skin laxity. These devices deliver controlled energy deep into the skin layers to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin. This helps the skin contract and improves overall texture. A qualified practitioner may recommend a combination approach, pairing volume restoration with skin tightening, to achieve a balanced result.