Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) cause facial fat atrophy, sagging, and wrinkling ("Ozempic face") by inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and promoting fibrotic transformation of dWAT.
If using GLP-1RAs, be aware that facial fat loss and skin aging ('Ozempic face') are common side effects. Consider proactive skin care or aesthetic interventions (like fat grafting or regenerative fillers) to counteract fat loss and fibrosis. Monitor facial changes and discuss mitigation strategies with your provider.
The GLP-1 peptide appears to inhibit adipocyte differentiation... It appears very likely that a similar mechanism to photodamage and aging may be taking place in dWAT under the influence of GLP-1RAs—that is, a regression of preadipocytes into fibroblasts and myofibroblasts—with fibrotic changes and thinning of the ECM with resultant fat atrophy, sagging, and wrinkling.
Why this rating
Level of Evidence 5 (Therapeutic) editorial; mechanism is speculative but based on observed clinical phenomena.
Source
Adipose Tissue, Regeneration, and Skin Health: The Next Regenerative Frontier
Alan D. Widgerow · Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum · 2024
DOI 10.1093/asjof/ojae117
More from this paper
- Dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) loss and fibrotic transformation due to aging and photodamage reduce adiponectin production, leading to compromised skin health, fine lines, and atrophy.Moderate
- Hypertrophic (large) adipocytes promote skin aging by secreting proinflammatory cytokines, downregulating collagen/elastin, and upregulating MMPs, whereas small healthy adipocytes promote skin health via adiponectin.Moderate
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