Research
Hormonal
Rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) causes significant facial volume depletion and skin laxity, resulting in an aged appearance termed 'Ozempic face'.
If you are taking Ozempic or similar drugs, be aware that rapid weight loss can hollow out your face and make you look older. This is a known side effect. If it happens, consult a plastic surgeon about fillers or skin tightening to restore volume.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Rapid weight and fat loss with these medications can lead to what has been called 'Ozempic Face' on social media and in the lay press, where facial volume and fat are depleted, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.
Why this rating
Based on clinical observation and anecdotal evidence cited by authors, not large-scale randomized trials measuring facial aesthetics.
Source
Implications of Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Facial Plastic Surgeons
Clinton D. Humphrey et al. · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2023
DOI 10.1055/a-2148-6321
narrative_reviewCited 57×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- GLP-1 receptor agonists delay gastric emptying, increasing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia, necessitating specific preoperative discontinuation guidelines.Good
- Facial volume loss from GLP-1 agonists can be effectively treated with dermal fillers, skin tightening techniques, and surgical interventions.Moderate
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
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