What is Ozempic Face and How to Treat It?

Ozempic (semaglutide) has been shown to support significant weight loss in many clinical trial users, yet rapid fat loss sometimes produces a gaunt, “aged” look now nicknamed ”Ozempic face.” The term, coined by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a cosmetic and celebrity dermatologist, has gained some momentum. Below you’ll find what the term means, why it happens, and evidence‑based ways to help minimize its appearance—backed by clinical data and expert commentary.

What is Ozempic Face?

With a term like this, you may be conjuring up horrific images and permanent damage. But, in reality, Ozempic face is not actually a side effect of Ozempic. “Ozempic face” is a term used to describe the facial changes that occur as a result of rapid weight loss, a side effect of taking Ozempic.

While Ozempic itself isn’t the direct cause, the accelerated loss of weight leads to changes in facial fat distribution, impacting the skin’s elasticity. This can result in a gaunt or hollow appearance, making individuals look older than their actual age.

What does Ozempic face look like: Ozempic face before and after

Characteristics associated with Ozempic face include:

• a hollowed look to the face
• changes in the size of the lips, cheeks, and chin
• wrinkles
• sunken eyes
• sagging jowls around the jaw and neck

How to Prevent Ozempic Face

Preventing Ozempic face isn’t easy. But there are a few things you can do to lessen its impact:

1. Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for maintaining skin health—and kidney health. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to sagging.
2. Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This provides essential nutrients to support skin health and elasticity.
3. Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to promote overall health and well-being. Exercise helps maintain muscle tone, which can contribute to a more youthful appearance.
4. Skincare Routine: Establish a skincare routine tailored to your skin type and concerns. This may include cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
5. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate skin aging and contribute to sagging and wrinkles. Avoiding these habits can help preserve skin elasticity.
6. Consult with a Healthcare Provider: If you have concerns about Ozempic face or skin changes, consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice and recommendations based on your individual needs.

Ozempic Face Treatment

Treatment for Ozempic face is not as straightforward as we’re sure you’re hoping. Surgeons have noted that Ozempic face is less prominent in women, but attribute this to their use of makeup and other methods to cover the flaws.

One of those other methods is facial fillers. While there isn’t a specific remedy for this side effect, some individuals will use facial fillers to address the loss of facial fat. These fillers can be a temporary or permanent solution to combat the sagging associated with Ozempic face.

It is, however, quite costly.

You can also continue with the preventative measures listed above:

• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced diet
• Get regular exercise
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
• Develop a better skincare routine

They won’t outright fix Ozempic face, but they can help to mitigate the appearance.

Conclusion

While facial volume loss can be frustrating, many people consider it an acceptable trade‑off for the metabolic benefits. And, there are ways you can mitigate the symptoms of this side effect. Ready to get started with Ozempic? Heally makes it easy. Schedule a consultation with heally today!

Sources

• Medical News Today: What to know about “Ozempic face”
• Today: What is ‘Ozempic face’? Significant weight loss on the drug can change your face, doctors say
• Harvard Health Publishing: GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: “Ozempic face” and more
• Healthline: ‘Ozempic Face’: What is it and What Can You Do About it?
• New England Journal of Medicine: Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
• Wiley Online Library: The Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Esthetic Medicine: Exploring the Impact of Semaglutide on Body Contouring and Skin Health

Important Medical Information and Disclaimers

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management) are FDA‑approved semaglutide medications. Ozempic was approved in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults; Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021 for weight loss in adults and teens with obesity or overweight, and in 2024 gained additional approval to help reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity or overweight and heart disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment involving semaglutide.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY: How individuals respond to semaglutide differs widely. Factors such as dosage (Ozempic versus higher-dose Wegovy), treatment adherence, diet, physical activity, age, metabolism, existing medical conditions, and overall wellbeing can all influence outcomes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• Common side effects (≥5% of users): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, and injection-site reactions—reported with both Ozempic and Wegovy.

• Serious side effects: include acute pancreatitis; gallbladder disease (such as cholelithiasis); acute kidney injury; hypoglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes; ileus or gastroparesis leading to bowel obstruction; and severe allergic or injection-site reactions.

• Thyroid considerations: In rodent studies, semaglutide was associated with thyroid C‑cell tumors; whether this applies to humans is unclear. Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

• Unapproved compounded products warning: The FDA has issued alerts about unapproved semaglutide formulations marketed for weight loss; these may lack proven safety, consistency, or efficacy and are not substitutions for FDA‑approved medications.

FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING: If you experience negative side effects, you are encouraged to report them to the FDA via MedWatch: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.