Ozempic Face Myths vs. Facts: What Plastic Surgeons Want You to Know

If you’ve been taking Ozempic or other medications for weight loss, you’ve likely heard about “ozempic face.” This describes the hollow cheeks, sagging skin, and older-looking appearance some people notice after losing weight quickly. The truth? These changes aren’t unique to Ozempic. 

Anytime you lose a significant amount of weight—especially fast—your skin may not adapt right away. Age, genetics, and the natural elasticity of your skin all play a role in how your face looks after weight loss.

Myth #1: Ozempic Face Happens to Everyone

Not all patients who take Ozempic and Wegovy experience visible facial changes. In fact, you might:

• Maintain firm skin with little to no sagging, lines and wrinkles 
• Notice more changes in your belly, arms, or thighs rather than your face
• Lose weight slowly enough for your skin to adjust naturally
• Experience only subtle differences that others barely notice

The truth is everyone’s skin responds differently. Factors like your age, body composition, and how much weight you lose make a big difference in your final appearance.

Myth #2: It’s Permanent and Can’t Be Improved

Many believe that ozempic face is a lifelong condition. In reality, both surgical and non-surgical treatments can restore volume, tighten skin, and rejuvenate your overall appearance. 

Cosmetic surgery options, like a facelift or neck lift, can address sagging and reposition the skin for smoother, younger-looking contours. 

Non-surgical techniques—such as  facial fillers made with hyaluronic acid or tissue stimulating materials, skin tightening, and other minimally invasive procedures—can improve skin quality and replace lost volume without downtime.

Doctor Insights: Why Facial Hollowing Happens

Your doctor can explain that ozempic face is largely caused by a combination of fat loss and skin laxity. As you lose subcutaneous fat, the facial structure beneath the skin changes, leading to hollowness and sagging. 

In many cases, the speed of weight loss is the main culprit, as the skin doesn’t have time to adjust. Patients who have used drugs like Ozempic for weight loss often notice these changes sooner than those who lose weight through slower methods.

Effects of Rapid Weight Loss on the Face

Significant weight loss can trigger multiple facial effects beyond sagging skin. These can include:

• Reduced fullness in the cheeks from facial fat loss
• Visible contours of the underlying bone structure
• Fine lines becoming more noticeable due to thinner facial skin 
• A tired or aged appearance from facial hollowing

While these effects may be discouraging, they can often be improved with targeted treatments.

Facelift: A Proven Solution for Facial Sagging

If facial sagging is more advanced, a facelift can be the most effective treatment. This procedure uses precise surgical techniques to lift and reposition the skin and underlying muscles. It not only smooths wrinkles but also restores definition to the jawline and cheeks. 

You may be a good candidate for facial plastic surgery if:

• You have excess skin that doesn’t respond to non-surgical treatments
• Your weight loss left you with loose skin in the lower face or neck
• You want longer-lasting results instead of temporary fixes

A facelift can be performed on its own or combined with other procedures to address multiple concerns in one surgery.

Liposuction and Its Role in Post-Weight Loss Contouring

While liposuction isn’t usually performed on the face, it plays an important role in refining your overall body shape after weight loss. Stubborn fat can linger in areas like the belly, thighs, and arms, even when you’ve reached your target weight. By removing these pockets of fat, liposuction can create a smoother body contour and enhance the results of your facial procedures.

Dermal Fillers: Non-Surgical Volume Restoration

If your main concern is hollow cheeks or a tired look rather than excess skin, dermal fillers can help. These injectable treatments:

• Restore fullness to the mid-face and temples
• Smooth deep folds around the mouth
• Improve jawline definition
• Deliver immediate, natural-looking results

Fillers can be a great first step for patients who aren’t ready for surgery but still want to refresh their appearance.

Neck Lift: Addressing the Lower Face and Neck Area

Rapid weight loss can also affect the neck, leaving excess skin and visible muscle bands. A neck lift removes loose skin, tightens underlying muscles, and creates a cleaner jawline. 

This procedure is often paired with a facelift to ensure the lower face and neck look balanced and youthful together. Patients often find that rejuvenating the neck makes the whole face appear more vibrant.

Skin Tightening for Mild to Moderate Laxity

If your skin still has good elasticity, you may be able to avoid surgery with non-invasive skin tightening treatments. These procedures use energy-based technology to stimulate collagen production, gradually firming the skin. They’re ideal if you:

• Have only mild sagging or early signs of aging
• Prefer little to no recovery time
• Want gradual, natural improvementsWhile results aren’t as dramatic as surgery, they can significantly improve skin quality and slow future sagging.

Facial Changes from Medications Beyond Ozempic

It’s worth noting that ozempic side effects aren’t the only reason facial changes can happen. Other prescription medications that cause significant weight loss or fluid reduction can lead to similar results. Patients dealing with obesity who lose weight rapidly from various treatments may experience excess skin, facial hollowing, or loss of facial fat regardless of the method.

Myth #3: Only the Face is Affected

The term “ozempic face” focuses on facial changes, but your body can experience similar effects after rapid weight loss. You may see excess skin on the arms, thighs, or belly. The same principles apply here—procedures like liposuction, skin tightening, or body lift surgery can restore smoother contours and improve your overall appearance.

Seeing Real Results with the Right Approach

The best way to treat ozempic face is with a tailored plan that considers your skin’s condition, weight loss history, and goals. Some patients see great results with dermal fillers and skin tightening, while others need surgery like a facelift or neck lift for a more complete transformation. In many cases, combining treatments for both the face and body delivers the most balanced and natural-looking results.

Why a Consultation Matters

A thorough consultation allows your plastic surgeon to evaluate your skin, facial structure, and areas of concern. Every patient’s experience with weight loss is unique, so your treatment should be too. From non-invasive procedures to comprehensive surgery, you have many options to restore a youthful appearance and feel confident in your results.To learn more about treatment options for weight loss side-effects we invite you to book a consultation at Clinique-K at our locations in Westmount and Longueuil.