What is Ozempic Face & How to Avoid It?

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for the generic drug semaglutide. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, some people are using Ozempic off-label to take advantage of one of its side effects—massive weight loss. 

While Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, the drug has gone viral for the massive weight loss experienced among Ozempic users. 

Ozempic, Wegovy, and other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are well-known for their weight loss effects. Interestingly, the weight loss associated with these medications was initially discovered as a side effect while researchers were studying their role in treating elevated blood sugar levels. During these studies, participants began to experience significant weight loss, which led to further investigations into the potential of GLP-1 agonists for weight management. 

Notably, Ozempic is not among the FDA-approved weight loss medications. However, it can be prescribed “off-label” for weight loss. 

Regardless, you may experience some common side effects of this medication. One of the unwanted side effects of Ozempic is a change in facial appearance that has been coined as “Ozempic face.” 

Please continue reading to learn more about the effects of Ozempic, specifically the facial changes called “Ozempic face.”

What Is Ozempic Face?

Ozempic face is an informal buzzword used to describe the hollowed-out facial appearance that can develop as an unwanted side effect of the drug. 

It is not a medical term but rather a trending term coined by a dermatologist in a New York Times article to describe the facial side effects that happened as a result of weight loss from Ozempic. 

So, what is “Ozempic face”? 

People who experience rapid weight loss on Ozempic often lose excess facial fat. This results in a gaunt appearance to the person’s face due to loose skin and sagging skin. 

What Causes Ozempic Face?

Ozempic face is caused by the loss of fat tissue and skin elasticity in the face and neck areas, leaving behind excess skin. These changes in facial skin are essentially what is being called Ozempic face. The sunken facial appearance can make a person look more mature than they would due to the natural aging process. 

However, the truth is that anything that makes you lose a lot of weight quickly, whether it is a medication like Ozempic, other prescription or over-the-counter weight loss treatment, or lifestyle changes, can cause noticeable changes in your face and other parts of your body. While some of these changes do also occur with the natural aging process, age-related changes develop far more slowly and are therefore less noticeable than Ozempic face aging. 

Other FDA-approved weight-loss treatments do not cause side effects like Ozempic face (sunken facial appearance) as frequently because they may not result in the same dramatic weight loss as Ozempic. In other words, Ozempic works very well to promote rapid weight loss, which increases the chances of developing Ozempic face. 

It's important to remember that individuals respond differently to the same medications. Some people may lose more weight with Ozempic than others, which can lead to more noticeable changes in their facial appearance. Additionally, the efforts and intensity of diet and exercise are crucial factors in overall weight loss.

Read more about different treatment options on our blog, What is the Best Injection for Weight Loss?

Is Ozempic Face A Real Thing?

Yes, Ozempic face is a real and known side effect of Ozempic treatment. But while many people lose weight with Ozempic, not everyone develops an Ozempic face. In some people, the changes in facial appearance are not majorly noticeable. In others, Ozempic face is exacerbated by age-related loss of skin elasticity, resulting in a dramatically gaunt appearance.

Max Polo, M.D., a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), recommends minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as injectable fillers or fat grafting to replace lost fat volume due to Ozempic face. Other treatment options for Ozempic face include radiofrequency skin tightening procedures on the face and neck to restore a more youthful appearance to the face.

STEP Study Results Regarding Ozempic Face

The Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity (STEP) program conducted a study to evaluate the effects of semaglutide weekly injections in people who are obese or overweight but do not have diabetes. 

The results showed a weight loss of 14.9% from the baseline body weight after 68 weeks of weekly semaglutide and lifestyle intervention. Additionally, results from the STEP trial revealed an average weight loss of 8 to 14 pounds.

Notably, the degree of “Ozempic face” can vary from person to person. It tends to occur in people who experience significant weight loss accompanied by excessive facial fat loss. In other words, the more weight you lose on Ozempic, the higher the chances of developing Ozempic face.

Facial structure can influence how noticeable weight loss is after using Ozempic. Some individuals naturally have rounder faces, which may make the effects of weight loss less apparent, especially in those with fuller, rounder faces. In contrast, people with slimmer, more angular facial features may notice a more significant change.

Save On Your Diabetes Medications

How To Avoid Ozempic Face

If you experience massive or rapid weight loss on Ozempic, it may be challenging to completely prevent Ozempic face (facial volume loss). However, you can minimize the changes in your facial appearance by taking good care of your skin in addition to staying well-hydrated. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following to reduce premature skin aging:

• Cleanse your skin with gentle cleansers twice a day and after heavy sweating.

• Use a facial moisturizer daily to hydrate your skin and maintain skin elasticity.

• Protect your skin from the sun with broad-spectrum SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen.

• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and the use of sunlamps and tanning beds. All contain UV rays that accelerate skin aging.

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.

• Get regular exercise.

• Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep daily.

Note: Talk to your dermatologist about using medical-grade skin care products that can help to improve skin quality and elasticity.

How To Prevent Ozempic Face

In addition to skin care, you can also prevent or treat Ozempic face with plastic surgery treatments that can improve the hollow appearance of the face. Options could include minimally invasive treatments like dermal fillers, fat grafting, and RF skin tightening. These cosmetic treatments work well for people with a mild to moderate Ozempic face. Those with a more severe Ozempic face can benefit from more invasive cosmetic treatments like facelift and/or neck lift surgery. A quick search for Ozempic face aging before and after pictures will show you how these treatments can result in considerable improvement in the hollowed-out appearance, sagging skin, and wrinkling.

Can Ozempic Face Be Reversed?

Yes, Ozempic face can be reversed, but it requires consultation and treatment from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. It’s worth noting that facial gauntness related to an Ozempic face may not be fully reversible in everyone. However, most people see an improvement in their facial appearance with cosmetic treatments. 

How to Fix Ozempic Face Naturally?

Minimally-invasive cosmetic treatments can fix an Ozempic face and give natural looking results. Treatment options include dermal fillers, fat grafting, radiofrequency skin tightening, microneedling, and laser therapies. These treatments replace volume in hollowed-out areas, stimulate collagen formation in the skin, and smoothen fine lines and wrinkles. They can benefit most people with a mild to moderate Ozempic face. 

Older individuals in their 50s and 60s with more visible signs of skin aging or those with more severe Ozempic face may need to undergo surgical procedures. Facelift and/or neck lift surgery can get rid of the Ozempic face to a large extent.

The Role of Plastic Surgery In Treating Ozempic Face

Plastic surgeons have a range of cosmetic treatments for Ozempic face. Some of the most effective procedures are briefly described below.

Facial Fillers

Facial fillers or dermal fillers are the most commonly recommended treatment for Ozempic face by plastic surgeons. They are gel-like substances that are injected under the surface of the facial skin to restore volume and fullness and reduce the appearance of facial lines. Dermal fillers can therefore effectively treat an Ozempic droopy face.

Various types of dermal fillers are available, including hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). 

The procedure itself is quick with instant results and no downtime. However, the results of dermal fillers last for 6-24 months depending on the type of filler and area treated. Repeat treatments are necessary to maintain the results. Typical costs range from $750 to $1,000.

Fat Transfer for Ozempic Face

Fat transfer or fat grafting is an alternative to dermal fillers for Ozempic face. It uses your own fat cells to fill out hollowed-out areas where there is a loss of volume. The results are more natural and longer lasting. The recovery period is 1-2 weeks. Typical costs are $2,500.

Other Treatment Options from Plastic Surgeons: Ozempic Face Skin Tightening

Plastic surgeons are also recommending other treatments for Ozempic face, depending on your specific concerns, such as an Ozempic sunken face, sunken eyes, hollowed appearance, sagging jowls, or wrinkles. 

Options include radiofrequency energy treatments, microneedling, and laser therapies. These treatments require minimal downtime. The results typically last from one to three years. Typical costs are in the range of $2,500.

A combination of treatments may be necessary to fully reverse Ozempic face. Dr. John Burns, a board certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, says, “In most patients with Ozempic face, a combined fat transfer and facelift can fill and lift the face and is the gold standard for Ozempic face treatment.”

What Is “Ozempic Body”?

“Ozempic body” is similar to “Ozempic face” but occurs in other parts of the body. People who experience weight loss on Ozempic to the tune of 50-100 pounds can develop excess skin or sagging skin in the breasts, back, upper arm, belly, buttock, and leg areas. 

This loose skin occurs due to the loss of excess fat from these areas. The change in appearance caused by the loss of excess fat and reduced skin elasticity or tightness is called “Ozempic body.” This effect can be minimized by following good eating habits and exercise routines to increase muscle mass and toning.

Treatment options for Ozempic change in the body may include body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), upper arm lift, and thigh lift.

Note: These changes are more likely after massive weight loss, such as bariatric surgery. 

As mentioned above, the average person experiences weight loss of 8 to 14 pounds on Ozempic, which is unlikely to cause fat loss and excess skin that is severe enough to be called Ozempic body or require plastic surgery.

What Are Other Side Effects Of Ozempic?

Ozempic face side effects are not the only adverse effects of the drug. Other common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Stomach pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Dizziness

• Weight loss

• Changes in facial appearance (Ozempic face)

Experts recommend the following tips to manage the gastrointestinal side effects of Ozempic:

• Eating bland foods like rice, crackers, and toast

• Eating foods that contain water, such as soups

• Drinking clear, ice-cold liquids

• Eating slowly

• Avoiding fried, greasy, or sweet foods

• Avoiding lying down immediately after eating

• Going outdoors for light exercise in fresh air

Serious risks of long-term Ozempic use include:

• Increased risk of thyroid cancer

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Changes in vision

• Low blood sugar

• Kidney problems, including kidney failure

• Gallbladder problems

• Serious allergic reactions

Learn more on our blog Ozempic Side Effects

What Drugs Should Not Be Taken With Ozempic?

Ozempic can also interact with other medications and affect how they work or increase the risk of serious side effects. Potential Ozempic drug interactions include:

• Oral diabetes medications and insulin.

• Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine. 

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin. 

• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin. 

• Beta-blockers such as propranolol, atenolol, and metoprolol. 

• Heart failure medications like digoxin. 

• Antiseizure drugs such as phenytoin.

Read more on our blog Ozempic Interactions with Alcohol and Other Medications

What Is The Dark Side of Semaglutide?

The dark side of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is that it can cause serious side effects. Common side effects of this medication include abdominal pain, heartburn, burping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. 

You can find out more by reading our blog Is Semaglutide Safe? What You Need to Know

More serious risks associated with semaglutide include an increased risk of thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), kidney injury, allergic reactions, diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eye in people with diabetes), increased heart rate, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Learn more about Wegovy uses and side effects.

What Exactly Does Ozempic Do In Your Body?

Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a natural hormone produced in the small intestine. GLP-1 agonist medications, such as Ozempic, mimic the effects of the GLP-1 hormone and produce several important effects in the body:

• Stimulating insulin secretion: GLP-1 signals the pancreas to release insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

• Delaying gastric emptying: These medications slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract, helping you feel full for a longer period.

• Suppressing appetite: GLP-1 signals the brain that you are full, which reduces hunger and food intake.

• Reducing glucagon secretion: Since glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels, lowering its secretion helps in controlling blood sugar levels effectively.

The mechanism of action of Ozempic, combined with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, can help individuals with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels effectively, thereby enhancing their metabolic health. By keeping diabetes under control, the risk of other health complications is reduced, leading to an improved overall quality of life.

In addition to aiding in blood sugar control, Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists can also be effective weight loss medications. This is due to their ability to suppress appetite and slow down gastric emptying.

Is Ozempic For Weight Loss Safe For A Non-Diabetic?

As mentioned, Ozempic is not among the weight loss drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, prescribers do prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management. 

Using Ozempic solely for weight loss is not recommended for individuals without type 2 diabetes due to the potential for adverse effects. However, a healthcare provider may evaluate whether the benefits of using Ozempic for weight management outweigh the risks in non-diabetic patients. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis, relying on the clinician’s professional judgment.

However, Ozempic may be beneficial for you if you have type-2 diabetes in addition to being obese or overweight and you haven’t been able to lose excess weight with diet and exercise alone. 

Find out more about taking Ozempic for weight loss and the associated risks on our blog Ozempic for Weight Loss: Does It Really Work?

Wegovy vs Ozempic for Weight Loss

The brand name Wegovy contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as Ozempic. Wegovy is one of the FDA-approved weight loss drugs. You should talk to your doctor about Wegovy if the main objective is chronic weight management. 

Wegovy is dosed differently than Ozempic and can be used, along with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, to reduce body weight and treat obesity. 

You may be eligible for Wegovy if your body mass index (BMI) is above 30 kg/m2 or above 27 kg/m2 and you have an obesity-related health condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes.

Learn more about what happens when you stop taking Wegovy.  

Is Ozempic Worth the Risk?

Ozempic (semaglutide injection) is a prescription medication for type 2 diabetes that can cause significant weight loss. Even though Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight management, Ozempic can be prescribed as off-label for weight loss. In addition to common gastrointestinal side effects, rapid weight loss on Ozempic can result in loose skin and a gaunt facial appearance, commonly called an Ozempic face. 

If you want to take medicine to help with weight loss, talk to your healthcare provider about taking Ozempic vs Wegovy vs other weight loss medications. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic and is FDA-approved for weight management. Other weight loss drugs may result in less rapid weight loss and may be an option if you want to prevent Ozempic face.

Use your BuzzRx Prescription Discount Card and Ozempic coupon to save money. Sign up today for a free BuzzRx Ozempic Coupon or BuzzRx Wegovy Coupon to pay less for these medications.