Ozempic face’ and other top trends in plastic surgery
More people are turning to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy—and while the pounds may be shedding fast, many are left with a new cosmetic concern: sagging skin and a hollowed face, commonly referred to as “Ozempic face.”
What Is ‘Ozempic Face’?
Celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank coined the term after noticing an uptick in patients complaining about looking older after rapid weight loss. The issue? As people drop 10, 20, or even 30+ pounds, especially those over 40, their facial fat decreases, leading to sunken cheeks, loose skin, and an overall “deflated” look.
“Losing weight made them feel healthier, but many felt they looked older,” says Dr. Frank, who treats patients with fillers, fat transfers, and even facelifts to restore their appearance.
Why It’s Happening
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, which helps regulate appetite and promote weight loss. Though originally approved for type 2 diabetes, many now use these drugs off-label for slimming down. A 2024 survey found that 1 in 8 U.S. adults have used a GLP-1 drug, and 40% of them did it strictly for weight loss.
As the body sheds fat, especially in the face, the skin can sag. Since adults don’t grow new fat cells, the existing ones just shrink—leaving less volume beneath the skin.
Cosmetic Fixes on the Rise
Plastic surgeons across the U.S. report a significant spike in cosmetic procedures related to weight loss from GLP-1 drugs. In fact, 40% of patients taking these medications are thinking about surgery, and 20% already have, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Kimberly Bongiorno, a 55-year-old from New Jersey, turned to Wegovy and lost 45 pounds—but was shocked by her changed appearance.
“It looked like I had melted,” she recalls.
She eventually underwent a deep plane facelift and neck lift. The results were life-changing: she now looks a decade younger and feels more confident than ever.
Not Just the Face — Meet the ‘Ozempic Body’
Dr. Frank and others are now seeing what they call “Ozempic body”—a term describing the loose skin and muscle loss all over the body after rapid weight loss. That’s led to more procedures like tummy tucks, breast lifts, arm and thigh lifts, and fat grafting.
Patients like Bongiorno are opting for full-body makeovers. By the time she completes her cosmetic journey—including a breast lift and eyelid surgery—she estimates she’ll have spent around $80,000. Her goal? Not glamor, but comfort and confidence.
“This wasn’t to become a supermodel. I just wanted to feel good in my skin again.”
What About Younger Patients?
People in their 20s and 30s generally bounce back better, thanks to more elastic skin. But even younger GLP-1 users are choosing preventive treatments like Botox, microneedling, and fillers to stay ahead of the curve.
Take Gabriela Vasquez, 29, who’s lost 50 pounds on Ozempic. She’s already had Botox and microneedling and is open to more work as she reaches her goal weight.
“I never had a jawline before. Now I do—and I love it.”
The Bottom Line
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are helping millions slim down fast—but they come with visible side effects, especially on the face and body. As a result, more people are turning to cosmetic procedures to feel like their best selves again. Experts urge anyone considering these drugs to also prepare for the possible changes in appearance—and the options available to manage them.
#OzempicFace #WeightLossJourney #CosmeticSurgery #GLP1Results #FaceliftTransformation