The Impact Of Ozempic and Wegovy On Facial Hollowing and Volume Loss

By Mark Domanski, MD

Bluemont Plastic Surgery

. https://www.bluemontmd.com/

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The Impact Of Ozempic and Wegovy On Facial Hollowing and Volume Loss

Diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular for weight loss. Similar medications include Mounjaro, Trulicity, and Saxenda. Recently, Oprah Winfrey, who turns 70 in January, admitted that she is using a weight loss medication for maintenance.

Weight loss is often celebrated for its numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. While patients are excited for their weight loss, they are often unprepared for the impact on facial aesthetics. Shedding excess pounds can lead to facial hollowing and loss of volume, causing individuals to appear older and tired. 

Physiological Changes

When an individual loses a significant amount of weight, it affects the distribution of fat in the body, including the face. Facial fat pads, which contribute to a youthful and plump appearance, diminish with weight loss. Additionally, the reduction in overall body fat leads to a decrease in subcutaneous fat beneath the skin, which can result in a hollowed and deflated look.

Loss of volume in the mid-face is particularly common after the use of Ozempic or Wegovy. Fat deposits in the cheeks and around the eyes diminish. These physiological changes can be disheartening for individuals who are excited about their weight but left with facial features that do not reflect their newfound vitality.

Plastic Surgery Solutions

Plastic surgery offers effective solutions to address the facial effects of weight loss, helping individuals regain confidence in their appearance. Some common procedures that target facial hollowing and volume loss include:

1. Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling:

Electrical energy is delivered under the skin using a fine probe. This stimulates collagen production and remodeling that can help tighten skin. RF Microneedling is a popular minimally invasive treatment with minimal downtime. Patients may return to work the same day. Three treatments are often the sweet spot required for optimal results.

2. Dermal Fillers

Injectable dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based products, can be strategically injected to replenish lost volume. Common areas to target are the cheeks and nasal labial lines.

These fillers provide immediate results, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation. There are some longer acting fillers such as Sculptra that are FDA approved specifically for facial fat loss (lipoatrophy).

3. Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery addresses sagging skin and muscle laxity in the lower face and neck.

By lifting and repositioning tissues, a facelift can restore a more youthful contour to the face and neck, effectively reversing the signs of aging associated with weight loss. For patients with larger amount of weight loss fat grafting is added to a face lift for added volume restoration.

Conclusion: Medical weight loss through Ozempic and Wegovy is rapidly gaining popularity. However, the associated loss of facial volume can lead to unwanted changes in facial aesthetics. Facial hollowing can be effectively addressed through various procedures including RF Microneedling, dermal fillers, and facelift surgery.