What Is Ozempic Face and how can you treat it?

How GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic Affect Facial Ageing and Contour

In this blog…

How GLP-1 Medications Like Ozempic Affect Facial Ageing and Contour
The Ozempic Phenomenon
How GLP-1 Weight Loss Affects the Face
Who Is More Likely to Develop Ozempic Face?
Is Ozempic Face Permanent?
How to Prevent or Minimise Ozempic Face
Treatment Options for Ozempic Face
FAQs About Ozempic Face and Facial Changes from GLP-1 Medications
Further Reading about Plastic Surgery
References

If you’ve been researching Ozempic — or if you’re already taking a GLP-1 weight loss medication — you might have come across the term “Ozempic face”. It’s a phrase that’s been popping up more and more lately, especially on social media. While these medications can lead to impressive weight loss results, they can also cause noticeable changes to your face, such as hollow cheeks, sagging skin, or a more aged appearance.

“Ozempic face” refers to the facial ageing that can occur after rapid or significant weight loss, especially when it’s medically induced. And while the benefits of weight loss are clear, the effects on your face can sometimes be unexpected or even distressing.

In this blog, you’ll learn exactly what causes Ozempic face, why some people are more affected than others, and what you can do to prevent or treat it — from skincare tips to non-surgical and surgical facial contouring options.

The Ozempic Phenomenon

Ozempic, also known by its generic name semaglutide, was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Its primary function is to help regulate blood sugar levels by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which influences insulin production, slows digestion, and reduces appetite.

But beyond its use in diabetes management, Ozempic has garnered widespread attention for its unintended — yet striking — effect on weight loss. Patients and social media influencers alike have reported significant drops in weight, even in a relatively short time. As a result, Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications have become sought-after options for people aiming to lose weight quickly.

This surge in popularity has been amplified by social media platforms, especially TikTok and Instagram. Hashtags like #Ozempic and #OzempicWeightLoss have generated millions of views, with users sharing their journeys, transformations, and sometimes, the side effects. What started as a medication for a chronic condition has evolved into a global weight loss trend.

In Australia, the growing demand for Ozempic has created ripple effects across the healthcare system. People who do not have diabetes are increasingly requesting prescriptions for weight management — which, while sometimes effective, also raises concerns about long-term usage, access, and unintended consequences.

Among those consequences is a newly coined term that’s making its rounds both online and in medical clinics: Ozempic face — referring to the facial changes that can occur following significant and rapid weight loss induced by these medications.

Regulatory Response to Ozempic’s Popularity

With demand outpacing supply, Ozempic’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, has struggled to keep up. This has led to sporadic shortages nationwide, prompting the government regulator to advise healthcare providers to prioritise existing patients and avoid initiating new prescriptions unless medically necessary. The aim is to preserve limited stock for those who need it most — primarily people managing type 2 diabetes.

The regulator also recommended that some patients be transitioned to alternative treatments where possible, noting that shortages could continue. While Novo Nordisk has committed to increasing production, meeting global demand — which now includes a growing cohort of weight-loss patients — remains a challenge.

These regulatory moves reflect a broader issue in healthcare: the delicate balance between innovation, access, and appropriate use. Medications like Ozempic, when used outside their original scope, can bring about both benefits and complications — the latter of which are starting to come into sharper focus, particularly when it comes to physical changes associated with rapid weight loss.

As demand continues and Ozempic becomes more common for aesthetic goals, there’s a growing need for awareness around its lesser-known effects — including the changes it may bring to the face.

How GLP-1 Weight Loss Affects the Face

Rapid weight loss — particularly when driven by GLP-1 medications like Ozempic — can have a significant effect on the face. While your body may be transforming in positive ways, the face often tells a different story.

Here’s why the face is especially vulnerable to ageing during weight loss:

Facial Fat Pads Shrink Too Quickly

The face contains distinct fat pads that provide natural volume, contour, and youthful softness. These fat pads are located in areas like the cheeks, temples, under the eyes, and jawline. When you lose weight rapidly, these fat deposits diminish quickly, and the face can start to appear:

Hollow or sunken, especially in the mid-face
Thinner and more angular
Less balanced in proportion

This volume loss can make bones and tendons appear more prominent, giving a more aged or fatigued appearance.

Skin Doesn’t Always Retract

Skin has the ability to bounce back after weight loss — but only to a point. This elasticity relies heavily on collagen and elastin, both of which decline with age. If you’re over 30 or have had significant sun exposure or natural skin laxity, your skin may struggle to adapt to the rapid loss of volume underneath.

Common signs include:

Sagging around the jawline and neck
Deepened nasolabial folds (the lines between nose and mouth)
A general loss of facial tightness and structure

Unlike gradual weight loss, where the skin has more time to adjust, rapid reduction gives the skin less chance to catch up — especially in thinner, more delicate facial areas.

Signs and Symptoms of ‘Ozempic Face’

The term Ozempic face is often used to describe the following changes:

Loss of volume in the cheeks, temples, and under-eyes
More pronounced lines and folds
Skin that appears loose or deflated
A mismatch between facial features and overall body shape
A drawn, tired, or prematurely aged look

These changes are often most noticeable in individuals who were already lean before starting the medication or who lost a large amount of weight in a short period.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Ozempic Face?

Not everyone who takes GLP-1 medications like Ozempic will experience facial ageing or volume loss to the same degree. Some people see minimal changes, while others notice a significant difference in their appearance within just a few months. Several factors can influence how your face responds to weight loss — especially when it happens quickly.

Being aware of these risk factors can help you better anticipate and manage the changes that might occur.

The main factors that increase your risk of developing ‘Ozempic face’ include:

Your age
As you get older, your skin naturally loses elasticity, collagen, and fat — all of which contribute to a youthful appearance. If you’re over the age of 35, you’re more likely to notice sagging or hollowing after rapid weight loss.
The speed of your weight loss
Losing weight quickly, especially within a few months, doesn’t give your skin much time to adjust. The faster the weight comes off, the more likely you are to see skin laxity and volume loss, particularly in the face.
Your starting facial structure
People with naturally lean or angular facial features tend to show facial fat loss more dramatically. If you already have high cheekbones or a thinner face, even small changes in volume can make you look tired or older.
The amount of weight lost
The more weight you lose overall, the more noticeable the impact on your facial fat pads. Losing 10 kg or more can make a visible difference in facial contours — especially if that loss happens rapidly.
Your genetics and skin quality
Some people naturally have skin that bounces back better than others. Factors like genetics, sun exposure, smoking history, and previous weight fluctuations can all affect how well your skin adapts.

If you fall into one or more of these categories, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to develop Ozempic face — but it does mean you may want to be proactive about prevention or early intervention. Speaking with a qualified aesthetic practitioner can help you build a personalised plan to maintain or restore facial volume as your body transforms.

Emotional Impact of Facial Changes After Weight Loss

Losing weight — especially with the help of a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic — is often a goal tied to health, mobility, and sometimes even self-image. So when you start to notice changes in your face that make you look older, tired, or less like yourself, the experience can be unexpectedly emotional.

It’s completely normal to feel conflicted.

You might be proud of your progress — and rightfully so — yet find yourself avoiding mirrors or feeling self-conscious about your appearance. The face is tied closely to your identity. It’s the first thing people notice, and it plays a big role in how you express emotion and connect with others. When your face changes quickly, it can feel like you’re no longer recognisable — not just to others, but to yourself.

Some people describe feeling a disconnect between how they feel inside and how they look on the outside. This mismatch can lead to:

Body image struggles, particularly if your facial appearance doesn’t reflect the joy of your weight loss
Social anxiety, including fear of judgement or unwanted attention
A sense of loss, mourning your former appearance or the way you used to feel in your skin

These feelings are valid — and more common than you think

It’s important to understand that you’re not alone. Many people who lose weight quickly experience similar emotional ups and downs.

If you’re struggling with the emotional impact of these changes, it may help to:

Speak with a therapist or counsellor who specialises in body image or appearance-related concerns
Connect with support groups or communities of others going through a similar experience
Explore aesthetic treatment options that can help restore balance and confidence in your appearance

Is Ozempic Face Permanent?

One of the most common questions people ask when they start noticing signs of facial ageing during GLP-1 weight loss treatment is: “Will my face go back to normal?” The answer depends on several factors, including the extent of volume loss, skin elasticity, your age, and whether or not you choose to intervene with aesthetic treatments.

In most cases, Ozempic face is not technically permanent, but it often doesn’t resolve on its own — at least not completely. Unlike other areas of the body, the fat pads in your face don’t always “bounce back” once they’ve diminished. That means if you’ve lost a significant amount of facial fat, it’s unlikely to return naturally, especially as you age.

Facial fat loss can also expose underlying structural changes, such as sagging skin or deeper wrinkles, which were previously supported by volume. If you stop the medication or regain some weight, your body may recover a small amount of facial fat, but it likely won’t restore the same youthful proportions or skin tone that existed before.

Factors that influence whether facial changes will reverse:

Your age – The older you are, the less collagen and elastin your skin has to support recoil and volume recovery.
The rate and amount of weight loss – Larger, faster losses tend to produce more dramatic and long-lasting facial changes.
Skin quality – Genetics, sun exposure, smoking, and skincare history play a role in how well your skin adapts.
Time on GLP-1 medication – Prolonged use may make facial changes more noticeable and persistent.

So while the effects of Ozempic face may not be irreversible, they usually don’t resolve completely without intervention. This is why prevention, maintenance, and if needed, aesthetic support, are important parts of the conversation.

How to Prevent or Minimise Ozempic Face

If you’re thinking about starting a GLP-1 medication or you’ve already begun your weight loss journey, there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of developing Ozempic face — or at least minimise the visible effects.

While you can’t control where your body loses fat, you can influence how your skin and facial volume respond to the changes. Prevention isn’t about perfection — it’s about protecting your facial structure and skin quality as best as possible while improving your overall health.

1. Aim for gradual weight loss

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of facial hollowing is to lose weight at a slower pace. This gives your skin more time to adjust and can preserve more of your facial fat. If you’re using Ozempic, work with your doctor to monitor weight loss speed and avoid rapid drops.

Tip: A weight loss of around 0.5 to 1 kg per week is considered more sustainable and skin-friendly than sudden reductions.

2. Maintain muscle mass with resistance training

Strength training doesn’t just help preserve lean body mass — it can also support overall skin tone and facial structure. When your body stays strong and toned, you’re less likely to experience a “deflated” look that often accompanies fat and muscle loss.

Bonus: Facial muscles themselves don’t atrophy like body muscles, but keeping your body strong contributes to better posture and appearance.

3. Focus on collagen-supportive nutrition

Your skin’s strength and elasticity depend on collagen — and your body needs the right nutrition to maintain it. Make sure you’re getting enough:

Protein – Essential for tissue repair
Vitamin C – Supports collagen production
Zinc – Important for skin healing and elasticity
Healthy fats – Help keep skin supple and hydrated

Collagen supplements (hydrolysed peptides) may also support skin health, especially if taken consistently over time.

4. Hydration and skincare matter

Dry, dehydrated skin looks older — especially when underlying volume is reduced. Drink plenty of water, and use hydrating and barrier-supporting skincare such as:

Hyaluronic acid serums
Ceramide-rich moisturisers
Daily SPF to protect from further collagen breakdown

Regular professional skin treatments like microneedling or light chemical peels can also help stimulate collagen and improve tone.

5. Consider preventative aesthetic treatments

If you’re noticing early signs of volume loss, light dermal filler treatments may help maintain your natural facial contours before changes become too pronounced. Aesthetic practitioners can guide you on subtle, preventative approaches that preserve your natural look.

Treatment Options for Ozempic Face

The growing demand for facial contouring treatments following GLP-1 weight loss reflects a broader trend in aesthetic medicine. According to the Procedural Statistics Release by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facial rejuvenation procedures — particularly dermal fillers, facelifts, and fat grafting — have seen a significant rise in popularity. This aligns with what many practitioners are observing firsthand: more patients are seeking subtle, natural-looking solutions to address volume loss and facial ageing, especially following weight reduction from medications like Ozempic.

If you’re already experiencing the effects of Ozempic face — whether it’s volume loss, sagging skin, or an aged appearance — the good news is that there are highly effective treatments available. Depending on the severity of the changes, both non-surgical and surgical options can help restore volume, improve skin tone, and bring balance back to your facial features.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical procedures are a popular first step for treating mild to moderate facial changes. They offer minimal downtime and are often tailored to your unique facial structure.

1. Dermal Fillers

Fillers are the most commonly used treatment for Ozempic face. They’re ideal for restoring lost volume and softening deeper lines and folds.

Hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane) can add volume to the cheeks, temples, nasolabial folds, and under-eye hollows
Treatment is quick, with immediate results and minimal downtime
Results last anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the area and product used

This approach is subtle and can be gradually adjusted over time to maintain balance as your facial shape evolves.

2. Biostimulators

Injectables like Sculptra and Radiesse not only provide volume but also stimulate collagen production over time. These are particularly helpful if your skin is thin or has lost elasticity alongside fat.

Biostimulators are often combined with hyaluronic acid fillers for a more natural and lasting outcome.

3. Energy-based skin-tightening treatments

If your main concern is loose or sagging skin, non-invasive treatments like:

Radiofrequency (RF)
Ultrasound-based therapy (e.g., Ultherapy)
Microneedling with RF

These help tighten skin and stimulate collagen without the need for surgery. They are often used alongside fillers for a complete result. Facetite is an example.

4. Fat transfer to the Face (minimally invasive)

This involves removing a small amount of fat from your own body (typically from the abdomen or thighs) and reinjecting it into areas of the face that have lost volume.

It’s a longer-lasting solution than dermal fillers
Natural look and feel, using your own tissue
Carried out under local anaesthetic in many cases

Fat transfer is especially suitable for people who prefer a more permanent, natural alternative to synthetic fillers.

Surgical Treatments

For more advanced cases of volume loss or significant skin laxity, surgical options may be more appropriate. These offer longer-lasting, structural results — particularly for those whose skin is no longer responding well to non-invasive methods.

1. Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift is one of the most comprehensive options for addressing sagging skin and restoring youthful facial contours. It involves lifting and tightening deeper facial tissues and repositioning skin to achieve a smoother, firmer look.

Especially effective for jowls, mid-face sagging, and deep folds
Can be combined with fat grafting or neck lift for a complete transformation
Results can last 10 years or more with proper care

Modern facelift techniques aim for natural, refreshed results rather than a pulled or overly tight look.

2. Midface lift or cheek lift

If most of the volume loss is around your cheeks and under-eye area, a targeted midface lift may be recommended. This is a more focused procedure that elevates the cheek fat pads and restores mid-face fullness.

It’s a good option for younger patients or those who don’t yet need a full facelift.

3. Lower facelift or neck lift

Facial ageing from Ozempic may also affect your jawline and neck. In cases where jowling and loose skin are the main concerns, a lower facelift or neck lift can redefine the jaw and remove excess tissue for a smoother, more youthful silhouette.

Comparing Treatment Options for Ozempic Face

Treatment Option	What It Does	Best For	Downtime	Results Last	Key Benefits
Dermal Fillers	Restores lost facial volume using hyaluronic acid-based injectables	Mild to moderate volume loss in cheeks, under-eyes, temples	Minimal (1–2 days)	6–18 months	Non-surgical, immediate results, adjustable
Biostimulators (e.g. Sculptra)	Stimulates your own collagen production over time	Skin laxity and general facial thinning	Minimal (1–3 days)	1–2 years (builds gradually)	Long-lasting, natural collagen support
Fat Transfer	Uses your own fat from another body area to restore facial volume	Natural-looking long-term volume restoration	Moderate (7–10 days)	Several years	Permanent, no synthetic material
Radiofrequency (RF) or Ultrasound (Ultherapy)	Tightens skin by stimulating collagen production via heat	Mild sagging or skin loosening	None to minimal	Progressive (3–6 months)	Non-invasive, improves skin tone and firmness
Microneedling with RF	Combines skin resurfacing and collagen stimulation	Early signs of ageing, fine lines, skin texture	Minimal (2–3 days)	Several months	Boosts collagen, improves texture and elasticity
Midface or Cheek Lift	Surgically repositions sagging cheek tissues	Moderate to severe mid-face volume loss	Moderate (2–3 weeks)	5–10 years	Precise lift, restores youthful facial proportions
Full Facelift	Repositions deep facial tissues and removes excess skin	Significant volume loss and skin laxity	Moderate to extended (2–4 weeks)	7–10+ years	Comprehensive rejuvenation, longest-lasting results

Choosing the Right Treatment Plan

Not every face will require a full surgical intervention, and not every person is comfortable with injectables. The best approach is one that’s:

Tailored to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals
Respectful of your natural features
Designed with longevity and subtlety in mind

A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will help you determine the right balance between prevention, maintenance, and restoration.

FAQs About Ozempic Face and Facial Changes from GLP-1 Medications

Can Ozempic face affect younger people?

Yes, although Ozempic face is more commonly seen in individuals over 35 due to reduced skin elasticity, younger people can still experience facial volume loss. This is especially true if the person has a naturally slim or angular facial structure, or if weight loss occurs very rapidly. Even in your 20s or early 30s, noticeable changes in the face can happen, particularly in the cheeks and under-eye area.

Can facial exercises or facial yoga prevent Ozempic face?

While facial exercises may help improve muscle tone and circulation, there’s limited scientific evidence that they prevent volume loss caused by fat depletion. These techniques are unlikely to rebuild lost fat or significantly tighten sagging skin, but they may complement other approaches by improving overall facial appearance and promoting blood flow.

How soon after starting Ozempic can facial changes appear?

This varies from person to person, but some individuals begin to notice changes within 6 to 12 weeks, especially if weight loss is significant during that period. Others may not see facial changes until several months in. The timeline depends on your starting weight, how quickly you’re losing fat, and your individual facial structure.

Is Ozempic face more common in women than in men?

There isn’t enough published research yet to say definitively, but women may be more likely to notice and be affected by facial changes due to naturally lower facial fat reserves, thinner skin, and societal pressures related to appearance. However, both men and women can develop Ozempic face — and both can benefit from tailored aesthetic treatments to address it.