South of England
OZEMPIC FACE: WHAT AESTHETIC TREATMENTS ACTUALLY HELP
Lost weight on Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro — but your face looks older than before? You're not alone. Here's what's happening, whether it can be reversed, and which non-surgical treatments actually work.
14 min read
MARBL Editorial
AT A GLANCE
- What it is: Facial volume loss and skin laxity following rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications
- Who's affected: Most noticeable in patients over 35, though anyone losing weight rapidly can experience it
- Is it permanent? No — aesthetic treatments can restore volume and improve skin quality
- Best treatments: Combination approach using dermal fillers + biostimulators + skin boosters
- Prevention: Gradual weight loss, collagen-supporting treatments during weight loss phase
WHAT IS "OZEMPIC FACE"?
"Ozempic face" describes the facial changes that can occur after rapid weight loss — particularly from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Despite the name, it's not caused by the medication itself. It's a side effect of losing weight quickly.
When you lose fat rapidly, your face loses volume too. The subcutaneous fat pads that give your face its youthful, plump appearance shrink. At the same time, skin that was stretched over that volume can't always bounce back fast enough — leading to sagging and laxity.
The result? A face that can look:
- Hollow or gaunt (especially in the cheeks and temples)
- Older or more tired than before
- Saggy around the jawline and jowls
- More lined and wrinkled
- Sunken around the eyes
Research shows approximately 7% mid-facial volume loss occurs for every 10kg of weight lost on GLP-1 medications. That's significant — and visible.
WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?
Several factors contribute to Ozempic face:
Rapid fat loss: Your body doesn't discriminate where it loses fat. Facial fat pads — which provide structure and youthful contour — reduce alongside body fat.
Skin can't keep up: When weight loss happens quickly, skin doesn't have time to contract and remodel. The result is loose, sagging skin.
Collagen decline: Some research suggests GLP-1 medications may reduce fibroblast activation — the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Combined with natural age-related collagen loss (which accelerates after 35), this compounds the problem.
Age matters: Younger patients (20s–30s) typically have more skin elasticity and recover better. Patients over 35–40 often notice more dramatic changes because natural collagen production is already declining.
CAN OZEMPIC FACE BE PREVENTED?
Prevention is easier than correction. If you're starting or currently on GLP-1 medication, consider:
During weight loss:
- Aim for gradual, steady weight loss where possible (though this isn't always controllable with GLP-1s)
- Stay hydrated and maintain protein intake — both support skin health
- Consider preventative collagen-stimulating treatments like polynucleotides, Profhilo, or skin boosters during the weight loss phase
- Use medical-grade skincare with retinoids, vitamin C, and SPF daily
Lifestyle factors:
- Strength training helps maintain muscle mass (including facial muscles)
- Adequate sleep supports collagen production
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol — both accelerate skin ageing
AESTHETIC TREATMENTS THAT ACTUALLY HELP
The good news: Ozempic face is treatable. The key is a layered approach that addresses both volume loss AND skin quality. Here's what works:
1. Dermal Fillers — Immediate Volume Restoration
Dermal fillers are the most direct solution for replacing lost facial volume. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can instantly restore structure to hollowed areas.
Best areas to treat:
- Cheeks — restores mid-face volume and lifts sagging
- Temples — addresses hollowing that creates a "skeletal" look
- Jawline — redefines contour and reduces jowling appearance
- Chin — balances facial proportions
- Nasolabial folds — softens deepened smile lines
- Marionette lines — addresses lines from mouth to chin
- Tear troughs — reduces hollow, tired-looking under-eyes
What to expect:
- Results: Immediate
- Duration: 12–18 months depending on area and product
- Cost: £250–£450 per syringe (multiple syringes often needed)
Important: Fillers alone may not be enough. Without addressing skin quality and collagen loss, you're essentially "filling a deflated balloon" — it helps, but combining with other treatments gives better results.
2. Biostimulators — Long-Term Collagen Rebuilding
Biostimulators work differently from fillers. Instead of adding volume directly, they stimulate your body to produce its own collagen over time. This creates more natural, gradual, and longer-lasting results.
Sculptra (Poly-L-Lactic Acid)
Sculptra is often called a "liquid facelift" for Ozempic face. It's injected deep into the skin to stimulate collagen types I and III, gradually restoring facial volume over several months.
- Best for: Significant volume loss, global facial rejuvenation
- Results: Gradual (4–6 weeks to see improvement, optimal results at 3–6 months)
- Duration: Up to 2 years
- Sessions needed: Typically 2–3 sessions, 4–6 weeks apart
- Cost: £350–£600 per session
Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxylapatite)
Another biostimulator that provides both immediate volume AND stimulates collagen production over time.
- Best for: Cheeks, jawline, hands
- Results: Immediate lift + gradual collagen stimulation
- Duration: 12–18 months
3. Skin Boosters & Bio-Remodellers — Skin Quality Improvement
If your main concerns are dull, dehydrated, or crepey skin (rather than deep volume loss), these treatments restore skin quality from within.
Profhilo is an injectable "bio-remodeller" containing one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid available. Unlike fillers, it spreads beneath the skin to deeply hydrate and stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- Best for: Skin laxity, dehydration, fine lines, overall skin quality
- Results: Gradual improvement over 4–8 weeks
- Duration: 6 months
- Sessions needed: 2 sessions, 4 weeks apart
- Cost: £250–£350 per session
NEW: Profhilo Structure
The newest formulation specifically designed for rebuilding lost structure in the mid and lower face — particularly relevant for Ozempic face patients.
Polynucleotides (derived from salmon DNA) work at a cellular level to repair and regenerate skin. They improve elasticity, hydration, and overall skin quality — and can be used in delicate areas like under the eyes where other treatments can't go.
- Best for: Thin/crepey skin, under-eye area, overall skin repair
- Results: Progressive over several weeks
- Duration: 6–12 months
- Sessions needed: 3–4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart
- Cost: £250–£400 per session
Skin Boosters (Seventy Hyal, Juvederm Volite, etc.)
Micro-injections of hyaluronic acid that hydrate skin from within, improving texture and radiance.
- Best for: Dull, dehydrated skin
- Results: Immediate glow, improving over weeks
- Duration: 6–9 months
4. Skin Tightening Treatments
For loose, sagging skin that fillers alone can't address:
Radiofrequency Microneedling
Combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin deep in the skin. Effective for mild-to-moderate skin laxity.
Ultrasound Therapy (Ultherapy)
Uses focused ultrasound to lift and tighten skin, particularly effective for the lower face, jawline, and neck.
Thread Lifts (PDO Threads)
Dissolvable threads inserted under the skin to physically lift sagging tissue while stimulating collagen. Studies show 82% patient satisfaction at 24 months.
THE BEST APPROACH: COMBINATION TREATMENT
Clinical reports show 90–95% patient satisfaction when a multi-layered strategy is used rather than fillers alone. Here's what a comprehensive treatment plan might look like:
Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1–3)
- Sculptra sessions to stimulate collagen and rebuild underlying structure
- Polynucleotides or Profhilo to improve skin quality
Phase 2: Refinement (Months 3–4)
- Targeted HA fillers in specific areas (cheeks, temples, jawline) to fine-tune results
Phase 3: Maintenance (Ongoing)
- Skin booster top-ups every 6–9 months
- Filler touch-ups as needed (typically annually)
- Medical-grade skincare routine
Your practitioner will customise this based on:
- Severity of volume loss
- Your age and skin quality
- Budget and preferences
- How much weight you've lost and whether loss is ongoing
WHAT ABOUT WAITING IT OUT?
Some facial changes may partially resolve on their own once your weight stabilises. Your skin does have some capacity to remodel and tighten over time.
However:
- This depends heavily on age, genetics, and how much weight was lost
- Collagen and elasticity losses don't fully reverse without intervention
- Most patients see the best results by treating proactively rather than waiting
If you're unsure, a consultation can help you understand what's realistic for your situation.
HOW MUCH DOES TREATMENT COST?
Treating Ozempic face typically requires multiple treatments and products. Here's a realistic cost guide:
| Treatment | Typical UK Cost | Sessions Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dermal fillers (per syringe) | £250–£450 | 2–6 syringes depending on volume loss |
| Sculptra (per session) | £350–£600 | 2–3 sessions |
| Profhilo (per session) | £250–£350 | 2 sessions |
| Polynucleotides (per session) | £250–£400 | 3–4 sessions |
| Skin boosters (per session) | £200–£350 | 2–3 sessions |
Total investment: Expect £1,500–£4,000+ for comprehensive treatment, depending on severity. Many clinics offer package pricing for combination approaches.
CHOOSING A PRACTITIONER
Treating Ozempic face requires skill in facial assessment and understanding how different treatments work together. Look for:
- Medical qualification (doctor, dentist, nurse prescriber)
- Experience specifically treating post-weight-loss facial changes
- Access to multiple treatment modalities (not just fillers)
- Before-and-after photos of similar patients
- Thorough consultation that assesses your individual needs
Avoid practitioners who push a single treatment as a "miracle cure" — effective treatment almost always requires a combination approach.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does everyone on Ozempic get "Ozempic face"?
No. Risk depends on age, how much weight you lose, how quickly you lose it, your genetics, and your baseline facial fat volume. Younger patients and those losing smaller amounts of weight may not notice significant changes.
Can I prevent it completely?
Not entirely if you're losing significant weight rapidly. But preventative treatments (polynucleotides, Profhilo) during weight loss can reduce severity, and good skincare and lifestyle habits help.
Will my face go back to normal if I stop the medication?
Some fat may return if you regain weight, but collagen loss and skin elasticity don't fully recover without treatment. And most patients don't want to regain the weight they worked hard to lose.
How soon after weight loss should I treat it?
Many practitioners recommend waiting until your weight stabilises (typically 3–6 months after reaching goal weight) before doing significant filler work. However, collagen-stimulating treatments like polynucleotides or Profhilo can be started during weight loss to minimise changes.
Is it just vanity?
Absolutely not. Feeling like your face doesn't match your body — or looking older despite improved health — can significantly impact mental wellbeing and confidence. These concerns are valid and treatable.
READY TO ADDRESS OZEMPIC FACE?
All clinics on MARBL are vetted for qualifications, insurance, and clinical standards. Browse treatments that can help restore facial volume and skin quality:
