BeautyRival – About two years ago, dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank noticed a sudden influx of new patients at his New York practice. These clients had lost substantial weight—thanks to GLP‑1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—but complained that they looked older. He coined the term “Ozempic face” to describe their hollowed cheeks and sagging skin.
What Causes the Hollowed Appearance?
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in these GLP‑1 drugs, reduces appetite and leads to rapid fat loss. Although originally approved for type 2 diabetes, doctors now frequently prescribe it off‑label for weight control. According to KFF, around 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. have tried a GLP‑1 drug, and roughly 2 in 5 of those did so purely for weight loss. This rise has made “Ozempic face” a widely discussed term online.
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Dr. Frank noted that around 20% of his clients now use GLP‑1s as part of a broader “longevity regimen.” To counteract volume loss, many turn to dermal fillers, facelifts, or fat transfers. He summarised:
“You can only refill a deflated balloon so much, and often surgical intervention is necessary. Yet for many, upping the filler dosage suffices.”
Staggering Surge in Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic practices report rising demand. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that 2 in 5 of their GLP‑1 patients considered surgery; 1 in 5 had already undergone procedures. Many opt for higher volumes of hyaluronic filler than ever before. Frank said clients who used one syringe now often require two or three to restore their face’s contour.
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Patient Story: A Transformation After Weight Loss
One such patient is 55-year-old Kimberly Bongiorno from New Jersey. She lost nearly 45 pounds on Wegovy and described the result as “almost a miracle.” However, she began to see loose skin, hollow cheeks, and excessive neck skin in friend-shared photos. She said, “It looked like I had melted. I felt much older than I am.”
Kimberly went to Dr. Anthony Berlet for a deep-plane facelift and neck lift. The procedures lifted facial tissue, tightened her neck, and restored fullness. She reports being told by strangers that she now looks 10–15 years younger—closer to her early 40s—and described feeling “healthy and happy” again.
Why the Trend Matters: Health vs. Aesthetics
The rise of “Ozempic face” highlights a broader tension between wellness and appearance. Dramatic weight loss—especially rapid—can transform one’s health, but also alter physical identity. Dr. Frank and other clinicians emphasize that addressing the cosmetic fallout often becomes part of holistic care.
Fillers alone improve facial volume, but if the damage runs deeper, patients may require surgical lifts. ASPS data shows facelifts rose 8% from 2022 to 2023, while filler use doubled—from 2.6 million in 2017 to over 5.2 million in 2023.
