Ozempic Face - what's behind the trend?

Among other things, semaglutide slows down gastric emptying and increases the feeling of satiety, which can lead to significant weight loss. If this process is not accompanied, weight loss can occur too quickly - and with it the loss of facial fat.

Why medical support is important:

• Set realistic goals
• Control the speed of weight loss
• Recognise side effects early
• Prevent malnutrition

Nutritional advice: What does optimal weight loss look like?

A good and balanced choice of food always plays a central role, but especially in weight loss. Slow and appropriate weight reduction reduces the loss of muscle and organ mass as well as connective tissue. This also affects the muscles in the face. The quality and quantity of food choices are therefore central to inner and outer well-being.

Useful information

• Proteins help to maintain muscle mass and have a positive effect on skin and tissue.
• Taking collagen supplements can also provide support.
• Rapid weight loss leads to a loss of volume in the subcutaneous fatty tissue, also reduces the elasticity of the skin and makes cheekbones and jawbones more prominent.
• Drinking enough fluids is crucial to keep the skin hydrated and firm and to counteract side effects such as dehydration.
• A varied diet of fruit, vegetables, nuts, oils and wholemeal products provides vitamin C, zinc, iron, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy metabolism.
• Regular exercise and strength training reduce muscle loss and contribute to a vital (healthy) appearance.

The aim is to achieve sustainable weight loss with the support of a specialist. The aim is to lose weight in a way that has a positive effect on the body and its tissue. Please discuss important recommendations with your nutritional counsellor.

Plastic surgery: What to do if the face or body changes after weight loss?

With significant weight loss, the face can appear narrower, the contours change and fine wrinkles become more prominent. A clear sign of this is usually the deep nasolabial fold, i.e. the line between the cheek and nose and mouth. This appears much deeper after successful GLP-1 agonist therapy (Ozempic, Wegovy etc). From a plastic surgery perspective, this is a physiological process, the extent of which varies from person to person and depends on factors such as genetics, age, skin quality and the rate of weight loss. If patients suffer from these changes, discreet, medically sound counselling is advisable.

In addition to changes to the face, rapid or very severe weight loss can also lead to excess or sagging skin on the body - for example on the stomach, upper arms or thighs. In selected cases, body contouring procedures can be considered. We can accentuate with additional liposuction and tighten with new minimally invasive techniques using radiofrequency energy and helium plasma (Renuvion R) via the small incisions of liposuction. If this is not enough to tighten the skin, an abdominoplasty, upper arm lift or thigh lift can also be performed. These operations are primarily aimed at improving function and increasing quality of life.

Prof. Fansa emphasises that the natural adaptation process after weight stabilisation should be awaited before aesthetic or body-shaping measures. Only when patients feel burdened despite this stabilisation is an individual assessment made as to whether and which options could be useful.

A holistic approach for responsible therapy

The so-called "ozempic face" is not a new medical phenomenon, but an expression of the known physiological reactions to rapid weight loss. It is crucial that therapies with GLP-1 receptor agonists are correctly indicated, supervised by a specialist and embedded in a comprehensive health concept.