We all want to be skinny, but you can’t choose where you lose fat from when you are taking a GLP-1 such as ozempic. We’ve all heard the buzz- “ozempic face” is the name people use when a face looks more hollow, tired, or saggy after rapidly losing weight all over. I want to be clear- “ozempic face” is not a disease or an official medical diagnosis, it is simply what people have dubbed the look that can happen when there is major fat loss in the face.
Why does it happen?
Your beautiful face is filled with fat pads (gasp!) but these fat pads are GOOD. They give you that soft, youthful, cushiony glow we all strive to achieve. When you lose weight quickly, those fat pads shrink and that is what can make your cheeks look hollow and your skin a little less plump. Think of it like a deflating balloon.. It used to be full, but not so much anymore, and skin doesn’t snap back instantly. Lucky for you, I have conducted extensive research on facial volume loss linked to rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic!
What exactly does Ozempic face look like?
The visual changes of “ozempic face” include (but are not limited to)
- A dip in cheek volume causing them to look less rounded
- More pronounced jawline (cute if intended, tricky if not)
- Hollow or shadowed under eye areas
- Less “plump” to the skin (where did all of the fat go??)
What Dr. Kay can do about it:
We conducted a case study in 2025 and used a biostimulator (specifically hyperdilute CaHA-CMC) to help maintain facial volume. Even though these patients lost a significant amount of weight in a rapid time (everybody’s dream, duh), their cheeks stayed full and their lines were soft after treatment. Patient satisfaction was through the roof- but why? Well, Hyperdilute CaHA-CMC mainly works by helping your body make more of the protein that supports skin and soft tissue, so your skin rebuilds support from within. When CaHA-CMC is hyperdiluted, it doesn’t act like a typical filler. Instead of “filling”, it builds a stronger collagen framework over time. That extra framework keeps your face from looking hollow during weight loss. It’s more about tissue quality- we aren’t just “adding bulk”. Moral of the story: there ARE in fact aesthetic tools that can help to balance out rapid fat loss in the face (but only if desired).
Fun Tips:
BEFORE you start GLP-1 therapy
- Chat with your clinician about your goals- body AND face
- Ask how you can slowly pace weight loss so that your skin has time to adapt
- Look into preventative care with Dr. Kay
WHILE your using
- Keep your skin well hydrated and protected (sunscreen is your best friend)
- Use skin friendly ingredients
If you notice facial changes
- Cosmetic treatments like fillers or biostimulators are options if you want volume back
Take Away (Real Talk)
“Ozempic Face” isn’t a scary diagnosis- it’s a nickname for how your face can change with fast weight loss. Science shows fat loss in the face is real and visible… but the good news? Dr. Kay can help maintain or restore that youthful fullness if it matters to you.