GLP-1 medicines have opened up a brand new path in weight-loss administration. Medication corresponding to Ozempic and Wegovy are delivering important outcomes for hundreds of thousands, however the weight reduction isn’t focused. Which means if you happen to’re taking a GLP-1, chances are you’ll discover modifications in your face simply as rapidly as elsewhere in your physique. Consultants say there are six areas of the face which might be mostly affected. Forward, two plastic surgeons clarify what these areas are—and the therapies and procedures that may assist tackle them.

Featured Consultants

• Steven Curti, MD, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA
• Kristy L. Hamilton, MD, is a plastic surgeon in Houston, TX

How GLP-1s Have an effect on Facial Options

GLP-1 medicines drive fats loss all through the physique, together with in areas the place quantity performs a task, such because the face. “It doesn’t discriminate towards various kinds of fats and might have an effect on facial fats, which is important for structural assist and a youthful look,” says California-based facial plastic surgeon Steven Curti, MD.

On account of fast weight reduction, the face can start to hole and look deflated. In lots of instances, the face appears “downward pulled quite than smooth and slim,” says Dr. Curti—an impact many now name “Ozempic face.”

Past quantity loss, there could also be longer-term modifications as properly. In line with Houston plastic surgeon Kristy L. Hamilton, MD, GLP-1 medicines may also not directly have an effect on collagen manufacturing, which can make facial hollowness extra noticeable over time.

6 Areas Generally Affected

Temples

It’s possible you’ll not suppose your temples have a lot fats to lose, however they do. Dr. Curti says this space accommodates a skinny fats pad that may turn into affected with GLP-1–associated fats loss. When that tissue turns into depleted, the higher face can collapse inward, making a concave, hollowed look.

Midface

That is usually probably the most noticeable space of change as a result of it’s “central to facial stability,” says Dr. Hamilton. Fats loss in the course of the face can result in flattening and hollowing of the cheeks, deepening of the nasolabial folds and downward migration of facial tissues.

Beneath-Eyes

Fats loss within the midface may also have an effect on the under-eye space, inflicting it to seem sunken. “It happens when supportive tissue below the eyes is misplaced, leading to deepening of the pure orbital hole,” says Dr. Curti. Dr. Hamilton provides that this may create a drained look, skinny the pores and skin and intensify darkish circles.

Jawline

The jowls are one other space generally affected by GLP-1 weight reduction. In line with Dr. Curti, fats loss alongside the jawline can unmask pores and skin laxity that was beforehand supported by quantity. For sufferers who shed some pounds rapidly or later in life, Dr. Hamilton notes that jowling on this space will be significantly distressing and will contribute to a “turkey neck.”

Neck

“The neck is very susceptible to fast weight reduction as a result of diminished fats assist mixed with thinner pores and skin can reveal platysmal banding, crepiness and laxity,” says Dr. Hamilton. Also known as “Ozempic neck,” this happens when quantity disappears rapidly and the pores and skin isn’t capable of retract.

Lips

With GLP-1 use, the lips can seem thinner. Extra importantly, Dr. Curti notes that the fats and collagen surrounding the lips might start to deflate. In consequence, strains across the mouth turn into extra seen, making the face seem extra aged.

Remedies to Strive

Luckily, there are a number of methods to deal with these considerations, many with minimal downtime. Injectables are sometimes a part of that dialog. “Strategically positioned dermal fillers and biostimulators corresponding to Sculptra are perfect for bringing quantity again into the center of the face and may also deal with hollowness within the temples,” says Dr. Curti.

Whereas these therapies can be utilized below the eyes, Dr. Hamilton advises warning. As an alternative, she recommends a mix strategy that treats every concern individually. “A CO2 laser can enhance skinny, crepey pores and skin, whereas microneedling with topical software of a biostimulatory medicine can also be useful,” she says.

The consultants agree that the neck and jawline often require extra in-depth procedures, corresponding to a face and necklift. “When mixed with strategic fats switch, it’s the gold normal for addressing quantity loss, jowling and neck laxity,” says Dr. Hamilton.

“It’s potential to revive a taut jawline with pores and skin tightening therapies corresponding to Morpheus8 or Ultherapy, however these modalities may also soften extra fats,” says Dr. Curti. He provides that the neck additionally wants deep collagen scaffolding and extra than simply tightening. For those who’re not prepared for a full necklift, he says Radiesse and PRF or exosome remedy will be helpful to agency up slack pores and skin and stimulate tissue regeneration.