The hope that a medication or herb will assist with sustainable weight loss is strong. Strong enough that it fuels a $30+ billion industry. Sadly, some of the solutions being touted are little more than snake oil, a reality many who have long sought sustainable weight loss know all too well. So, when something that is proven effective comes along, it’s easy to understand the excitement. This is undoubtedly the case with semaglutide.
Semaglutide, known by its brand names of Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy (specific brand named for weight loss), is prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes to assist with blood sugar and weight management. It’s also remarkably effective at stimulating weight loss, which has seen it become one of the most popular prescription medications of the past several years. So popular, in fact, that demand has, at times over the past year, caused global medication shortages.
Semaglutide helps regulate insulin release and assists the body in using sugar from the blood for fuel. This can result in rapid weight loss in some individuals. However, as exciting as shedding stubborn pounds can be, a rapid loss of weight will inevitably result in facial fat loss too.
Since the fat compartments in the face dictate contours and skin “fit”, losing beneficial fat becomes an undesired side effect. This issue is so common when using semaglutide that it’s been dubbed “Ozempic Face” by late-night comedians. And while finding humor is commonly used to amuse the masses, there is nothing amusing about skin laxity and aging hollowness, especially when it detracts from your face’s natural contours and beauty.
Along with loss of skin fat support, there’s the issue of newly-developed skin laxity. Who would have thought the success of body fat loss would lead to a face that looks older, hollow and saggy?
Surgical methods of skin removal can be used to address droopy skin after weight loss, and most have heard of tummy tucks or facelifts done post large amounts of weight loss. These are effective but come after sustained weight loss from weight loss surgery or long-term slow efforts to reverse obesity. Because the jury is still out on what happens when one might stop these semaglutide product weight loss injections, we’d never recommend any type of skin reduction surgery following this type of weight loss. Temporary, reversible fillers could be an option, but even that should be undertaken conservatively.
Normal age-related skin laxity, though, can be treated with technologies and even dermal fillers. A comprehensive range of non-surgical skin tightening options can address loose and sagging skin on nearly any body area.
Weight loss can be life-changing, open new possibilities, and improve daily experiences. However, it can be very frustrating when results include unwanted and unexpected changes in how your face looks. Please call us at 323-464-8046 to schedule your initial consultation and learn more today.
