Ozempic Face: Combating Weight Loss Side Effects on Facial Appearance

In Israel, weight loss injections and, more recently, pills have become a standard medical practice. In 2025, over 100,000 clients of the Maccabi health fund used these medications, with an estimated 400,000 potential users nationwide. Rapid weight loss, often exceeding 20-30 kilograms, can significantly alter facial features, leading to a phenomenon dubbed "Ozempic face." This involves flattened cheeks, sharper cheekbones, deeper nasolabial folds, loss of skin elasticity, and a less defined jawline, making the face appear more tired and aged.

The "Ozempic face" effect is not due to the drugs aging the skin but rather the reduction in facial fat volume. As fat diminishes, the skin, especially if already losing elasticity due to age, may not retract sufficiently, contributing to the aged appearance. A small study indicated that an average weight loss of 11 kg correlated with an approximate 9% reduction in the mid-face volume, linked to the decrease in superficial fat pockets.

To address "Ozempic face," aesthetic medicine specialists recommend consulting a doctor before starting weight loss. The doctor assesses skin elasticity, fat volume, and other factors to anticipate changes and devise a personalized strategy. This plan complements, but does not replace, the medical treatment prescribed by a primary physician.

Various aesthetic treatments can mitigate these effects. Injections of polylactic acid can stimulate collagen production to support skin structure. Bioremodeling with hyaluronic acid-based products can improve skin quality and hydration. Polynucléotides aid skin regeneration, particularly for thinning or dehydrated skin. For significant volume loss, hyaluronic acid fillers can restore facial proportions, though moderation and a phased approach are advised as weight loss progresses.

If substantial skin laxity occurs after significant weight loss, injections may be insufficient, and plastic surgery options might be considered. Dr. Irena Krupnik, founder of the Israeli Aesthetic Medicine Academy, emphasizes an individualized approach, monitoring skin condition and applying treatments as needed. She notes that severe weight loss causes complex changes that require expert assessment and management.