While significant weight loss gives you a slimmer physique, it can also leave you with excess skin and unintended volume loss, particularly in the face. If that sounds familiar, you might be suffering from “Ozempic face.” What is Ozempic face, you ask, and what can you do about it?
Below, we answer top questions about this common post-weight loss look and cover your treatment options, including a mini facelift and nonsurgical alternatives.
What Is Ozempic Face?
Ozempic face refers to the facial changes that occur when individuals take Ozempic (semaglutide), a medication commonly prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that aids blood sugar regulation and weight management.
While this medication regulates blood sugar and affects how your body digests food, the substantial weight loss that patients experience often involves facial volume loss. This sunken appearance is particularly notable in the cheeks and temples.
What Does Ozempic Face Look Like?
Ozempic face usually presents as hollowed cheeks, prominent cheekbones, deepening nasolabial folds (smile lines or parentheses), and overall loss of facial fullness. In some cases, patients may experience jowling and sagging skin or a generally aged or tired appearance.
Is Ozempic Face Permanent?
The elasticity of your skin and the degree of your volume loss determine how well you can reverse Ozempic face. While stopping Ozempic may help mitigate some of the impacts, restoring lost facial volume and treating skin laxity often require intervention, such as cosmetic surgery or a med spa treatment.
How To Fix Ozempic Face: Mini Facelift vs Facelift?
Both mini facelift and traditional facelift procedures can address the lax, excess skin associated with Ozempic face. The choice between the two depends on the degree of sagging and your specific aesthetic goals. If your facial aging is limited to your lower face, a mini facelift can effectively rejuvenate your appearance.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift, also known as a short scar facelift or weekend facelift, is less invasive than a traditional facelift. It focuses on tightening the skin and underlying tissues of the lower face and jawline, with smaller incisions typically made around the ears.
Mini facelifts are often preferred for patients with mild to moderate sagging and those seeking subtle rejuvenation. Scheduling a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will help you determine whether a mini or full facelift is best for you.
What Is Mini Facelift Recovery Like?
Mini facelift recovery is generally quicker and less intensive compared to a traditional facelift. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and proper postoperative care. You can return to your normal activities within a week to 10 days, although you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks.
Who Is a Good Facelift Candidate?
Ideal candidates for facelift procedures, including mini facelifts, are generally healthy individuals with realistic expectations for improvement. They should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery, as smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications. The best candidates have signs of facial aging in the lower face, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and volume loss.
During your consultation, we will discuss whether you are a good fit for facelift surgery and whether a complementary procedure like fat transfer can give you the best cosmetic outcome.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
The longevity of facelift results varies depending on factors such as the patient’s skin quality, lifestyle choices, and the surgical technique used. While a facelift cannot halt the natural aging process, it can significantly turn back the clock, with results typically lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a skincare regimen help prolong the effects of the procedure.
Are There Nonsurgical Alternatives for Ozempic Face?
If you aren’t ready for surgery, you have other options to restore firmness and volume to the skin. FaceTite is a minimally invasive procedure to treat skin laxity in the face. It can be enhanced with Morpheus8 microneedling to tighten further and firm the skin.
Dermal fillers are another popular option to contour the face and fill in sunken areas. The amazing transformations in our related blog post show how full-face rejuvenation with injectables compares to a mini facelift.
Say Goodbye To Ozempic Face
Whatever your concerns after weight loss, you can restore your vibrant, youthful look at Center for Plastic Surgery Ann Arbor. We would love to discuss your facial rejuvenation options with you. Please request a consultation online or call our office at (734) 712-2323 to get started.
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