What Causes Ozempic Face from GLP-1 Drugs + Ways to Treat It
More and more people are turning to weight loss drugs, like semaglutide and terzepitide, to shed unwanted pounds. And though many are thrilled with their thinner physiques, they’re not quite as thrilled by the “Ozempic face” side effect that comes with rapid weight loss.
As GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, semaglutide, and Wegovy continue to gain popularity, many patients are achieving impressive weight loss. But alongside slimmer bodies, some are noticing an unexpected change in the mirror, including facial hollowing, sagging, or a more tired appearance often referred to as “Ozempic face.”
At DermaTouch RN, we believe weight loss should feel empowering, not discouraging. In this blog, we turn to San Antonio-based Advanced Practice Nurse and Nurse Injector Carrie Moschitto for expert insight into what causes Ozempic face and, more importantly, how today’s advanced aesthetic treatments can restore youthful balance, hydration, and collagen support.
What is Ozempic face?
“Ozempic face” is a popular term used to describe facial volume loss and skin laxity that can occur after rapid weight loss, often associated with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic (semaglutide). While the medication itself doesn’t directly age the face, significant or accelerated fat loss can reduce the natural fat pads that support youthful contours in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area. As a result, some patients notice increased hollowness, sagging skin, more visible fine lines and wrinkles, or a generally more tired appearance.
What causes Ozempic face?
“Ozempic face is caused by rapid volume loss in both the superficial and deep fat pads of the face, as well as changes in skin barrier function,” Moschitto continues, “The superficial fat pads provide direct structural support to the skin. The skin relies on this support to maintain collagen production and elasticity. Reduction of volume in this area results in increased visible laxity and crepiness due to both the loss of support and a direct reduction in the activity of the cells that produce collagen.
The deeper fat pads, on the other hand, have a profound impact on facial contouring. Loss of volume in the deep fat pads can result in hollowing and a more gaunt appearance, as well as increased sagging. The rapid metabolic changes associated with GLP-1 treatment can also affect the skin’s barrier function, leading to a drier, duller appearance.”
What treatments can help to treat and combat Ozempic face?
Moschitto shares that “treatments that help combat Ozempic face focus on gradually restoring volume loss in the area of the deep and superficial fat pads, supporting healthy skin barrier function, improving skin hydration, and supporting collagen and elastin production.”
Let’s take a look at some of the treatments Moschitto recommends to combat Ozempic face following rapid weight loss from GLP-1 drugs:
HA (Hyaluronic Acid) Dermal Fillers
“HA dermal fillers help directly and immediately restore volume loss. These can also provide a framework for supporting collagen production.”
Biostimulatory Fillers
“Biostimulatory fillers, such as Radiesse (CaHA) and Sculptra (PLLA), work to gradually restore volume by stimulating collagen production; they can also increase elastin production.”
Skinvive by Juvederm & SkinMedica HA5 Hydracollagen
“Skinvive can be described as injectable skin care that works from the inside out to improve skin hydration, whereas topical HA products, like SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen, can hydrate the skin from the outside in. Both Skinvive and topical HA5 improve skin luminosity, improve skin smoothness, and reduce crepiness.
Sofwave, Microneedling, and Laser Skin Tightening and Resurfacing
“Sofwave, microneedling with or without RF (radiofrequency), and Laser resurfacing can help by leveraging the way our bodies respond to injury to increase collagen production throughout the treated area. These procedures are very customizable.”
- Sofwave helps to stimulate collagen production in the deep layers of the skin using ultrasound technology.
- Microneedling causes microinjuries to the skin, supporting collagen production and skin renewal.
- Lasers, like the Halo, Moxi, and BBL (broadband light), offer skin rejuvenation by improving things like skin texture, tone, and laxity.
Kybella and CoolSculpting
“Below the face, weight loss can occur unevenly with GLP-1 treatments. Kybella and CoolSculpting can be utilized to sculpt and selectively reduce fat in areas that have been resistant to weight loss.”
CoolTone
“CoolTone can be used to improve muscle tone in the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. This can help mitigate some of the muscle loss that can occur with GLP-1 treatments.”
Are you ready to improve skin laxity after weight loss?
If you’ve achieved your Ozempic weight loss goals but feel like your face doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel, you’re not alone. Skin laxity, volume loss, and changes in texture are common after rapid weight loss. Fortunately, they’re also treatable.
With a customized plan that may include dermal fillers, biostimulators, collagen-stimulating treatments, and medical-grade skincare, it’s possible to restore structure, hydration, and firmness while maintaining a natural look. The key is working with experienced injectors and aestheticians who understand facial anatomy and long-term balance. At DermaTouch RN, we focus on strategic, gradual rejuvenation, so you still look like you, just refreshed, supported, and confident.
Schedule your consultation online 24/7 or call 210-660-4368 (San Antonio) or 281-720-8622
Carrie Moschitto, MSN, ANP-C
NURSE INJECTOR/ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSE
Carrie has over a decade of clinical experience as a Registered Nurse and, subsequently, as an Adult Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her BSN in Nursing in 2007 and her MSN in 2011, both from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Carrie has a diverse background in healthcare, with prior experience in Trauma Critical Care, Cardiac Electrophysiology, and Aesthetic medicine. She has worked as a Nurse Practitioner for the last nine years and takes pride in providing comprehensive, compassionate, patient-centered care.
Carrie has a passion for delivering high-quality wellness and aesthetic services to our clients, including injectable therapies, hormone replacement, and Laser treatments. She played an instrumental role in establishing our Houston location 15 years ago and looks forward to helping DermaTouch RN expand its footprint into San Antonio.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
