Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonist-mediated weight loss causes facial volume loss and skin laxity that mimics advanced aging, a phenomenon termed 'Ozempic face,' which is managed through volume restoration (fillers/fat grafting) or skin tightening procedures.
If you are using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, be aware that rapid weight loss can lead to facial volume loss and skin laxity, making you look older. This is a known side effect of the weight loss itself, not necessarily a unique drug effect on facial fat. You can manage this with fillers, fat grafting, or skin tightening procedures. Discuss these risks with your provider before starting treatment.
The term 'Ozempic® face' has been coined to describe the exaggerated volume loss from semaglutide therapy, resulting in advanced facial aging.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic review of 23 articles, mostly case reports, correspondence, and retrospective studies (Level 4 evidence).
Source
“Ozempic Face” in Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature on GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Mediated Weight Loss and Analysis of Public Perceptions
Giulia Daneshgaran et al. · Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum · 2025
DOI 10.1093/asjof/ojaf056
More from this paper
- GLP-1 receptor agonists increase perioperative aspiration risk due to delayed gastric emptying, requiring specific holding protocols before elective surgery.Good
- Discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists leads to significant weight regain (up to two-thirds of lost weight) and reversal of cardiometabolic improvements.Good
Related findings · Hormonal
- Initial treatment for type 2 diabetes should be a combination of metformin and either an SGLT-2 inhibitor or a GLP-1 receptor agonist to achieve cardiorenal protection, rather than monotherapy or older agents like sulfonylureas.Strong
- For patients with specific monogenic obesity syndromes (leptin deficiency, POMC/PCSK1/LEPR mutations), targeted pharmacotherapy (recombinant leptin or setmelanotide) is highly effective and should be prioritized, unlike in polygenic obesity.Strong
- Continued weekly administration of 2.4 mg subcutaneous semaglutide prevents weight regain and promotes further weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, whereas switching to placebo results in significant weight regain.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →