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What is Ozempic Face?

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What is Ozempic Face?

17 / Jun

Weight loss journeys, especially those supported by modern medications, can bring about significant health improvements. However, some individuals notice changes in their facial appearance, leading to terms like ‘Mounjaro face’ or ‘Ozempic face’. This report aims to clarify what these terms mean, explore the science behind these facial changes, and provide practical strategies for prevention and management.

So what is ‘Ozempic Face’?

The terms “Ozempic face” and “Mounjaro face” have become widely used to describe common facial alterations observed in individuals undergoing significant weight loss, particularly when using medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro). These changes can manifest as sagging or an aged appearance of the facial skin. The term “Ozempic face” was initially coined by a cosmetic and celebrity dermatologist who observed these symptoms in many patients.

 

It is important to understand that these are popular, informal terms. They are not official medical terms or formal diagnoses.

The facial changes described are not a direct side effect of the medication itself, but rather a consequence of the rapid weight loss that these medications can induce.

Why does rapid weight loss affect your face?

Facial Fat Pads

Subcutaneous fat, which lies just beneath the skin, is a vital component of the face’s structure. It contributes to a plump, full, and youthful appearance. When rapid weight loss occurs, this subcutaneous fat decreases significantly, particularly in the face and neck. This reduction in facial fat can lead to a hollowed-out or gaunt appearance, as well as sagging skin. Furthermore, the fat pads in the face can shrink, and even the underlying facial skeleton may experience some reduction in volume, further diminishing internal support and contributing to the overall sagging effect.

The Role of Collagen and Elastin in Skin Elasticity

The skin’s structural integrity is heavily reliant on two crucial proteins: collagen and elastin. Elastin provides the skin with its stretchiness and ability to snap back, while collagen offers essential support and structure. Rapid weight loss can lead to a reduction in the levels of these proteins, causing the skin to become less elastic and impairing its ability to retract effectively. This diminished elasticity contributes to the appearance of more lines and wrinkles, and overall skin laxity.

It is important to note that the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin slows down with age. Rapid weight loss can accelerate these natural ageing processes, making individuals appear older than their chronological age. For individuals who have been overweight or obese for an extended period, their collagen and elastin fibres may already be compromised or damaged, making their skin even more susceptible to sagging after weight loss.

How does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro is a dual GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide) and GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) receptor agonist that mimics the effects of these naturally occurring gut hormones. After food intake, these hormones signal satiety to the brain, helping reduce appetite and caloric intake. Tirzepatide also slows gastric emptying, stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release, and promotes lipolysis—the breakdown of fat stored in cells. Together, these actions contribute to rapid and substantial weight loss, which in turn can lead to noticeable changes in facial appearance due to reduced facial fat. This explains why such changes are observed and highlights the underlying metabolic mechanisms rather than any specific impact on facial tissue.

The SURMOUNT clinical trial programme has shown impressive weight loss outcomes. Participants on Mounjaro have achieved average weight reductions of up to 20.9% of their body weight in some high-dose arms over 72 weeks (e.g., 19.5% for a 10mg dose and 20.9% for a 15mg dose). Long-term studies, such as the SURMOUNT-5 trial, further highlight Mounjaro’s effectiveness, with participants sustaining an average weight loss of 20.2% over 3 years, outperforming semaglutide (Wegovy) which showed 13.7% over the same period.

What Does ‘Mounjaro Face’ Look Like?

  • Gauntness and Hollowing: A common characteristic is a sunken or hollowed-out appearance, particularly noticeable in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas. This results directly from the significant reduction of facial fat pads.
  • Increased Lines and Wrinkles: As the skin loses collagen and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles can become more pronounced or appear prematurely.
  • Sagging Skin: The skin may appear loose or saggy, especially around the cheeks and jawline, leading to the formation of jowls. This occurs because the skin struggles to retract quickly enough to conform to the new, slimmer facial contours after rapid fat loss.
  • Prominent Bone Structure: With less facial fat to provide padding, underlying bone structures such as cheekbones and jawlines may become more obvious or angular.
  • Thin Lips: The loss of facial fat can also affect the plumpness of the lips, causing them to appear thinner.
  • Overall Older Appearance: Collectively, these changes can make the face look older or more tired, resembling the effects of natural ageing.

What can make ‘Mounjaro Face’ look worse?

  • Age: Older adults are generally more susceptible to ‘Mounjaro face’ because they naturally have lower subcutaneous fat reserves and reduced collagen and elastin production even before embarking on a weight loss journey.
  • Genetics: Individual genetic predispositions play a role in how the skin responds to weight fluctuations and its inherent ability to regain elasticity.
  • Speed of Weight Loss: Faster weight loss increases the likelihood and pronouncement of facial changes, as the skin has less time to adapt and retract.
  • General Skin Health: Pre-existing skin conditions or habits such as a poor diet, smoking, and excessive sun exposure can compromise skin health and elasticity. The emphasis on individual factors like age, genetics, and particularly the speed of weight loss implies that ‘Mounjaro face’ is not a uniform outcome for everyone taking these medications. This understanding is crucial for patient empowerment, as it suggests that proactive measures, especially managing the rate of weight loss, can significantly reduce the severity of these aesthetic changes.

How to Prevent ‘Mounjaro Face’

While weight loss from medications like Mounjaro can lead to facial changes, several strategies can help minimise this effect:

1. Lose Weight Gradually
Aim for 1–2 pounds (0.5–1 kg) per week. Gradual weight loss gives the skin time to adjust and reduces sagging. Rapid loss, especially through extreme diets, increases the risk of loose skin.

2. Talk to Your Clinician
If weight loss feels too fast, speak to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or suggest a slower approach to minimise unwanted changes and side effects.

3. Eat for Skin Health
Support your skin with a balanced diet:

  • Protein (e.g. fish, eggs, lean meats) for collagen production

  • Vitamins A, C, E from fruit and veg for elasticity

  • Healthy fats (e.g. avocados, nuts, salmon) for hydration

  • Limit processed foods and sugar, which can break down collagen.

4. Stay Hydrated
Drink 6–10 glasses of water a day to maintain skin elasticity and reduce puffiness.

5. Exercise Regularly

  • Strength training helps build muscle and fill areas of lost fat, improving skin tightness.

  • Facial exercises may help tone facial muscles, though evidence is limited.

6. Maintain a Skincare Routine

  • Use moisturisers with hyaluronic acid or collagen.

  • Apply SPF 30+ daily to prevent UV-related collagen loss.

  • Cleanse and care for your skin consistently.

7. Consider Supplements Cautiously
While some use collagen or multivitamin supplements, their effectiveness is still debated. A healthy diet remains the most reliable and cost-effective way to support skin health.

How to Get Rid of ‘Mounjaro Face’

Facial changes from weight loss are often long-lasting if the weight is maintained. While some skin may naturally adjust over time, loose or sagging skin usually doesn’t fully resolve without intervention. However, a wide range of non-surgical and surgical treatments offer effective solutions.

Non-Surgical Options
For those seeking less invasive approaches, several treatments can restore volume and tighten skin:

  • Dermal Fillers (e.g. Juvederm, Sculptra): Add volume to cheeks, under eyes, and lips. Results can last 6–24 months.

  • Skin Tightening:

    • RF Microneedling and Ultherapy boost collagen and firm the skin.

    • Laser Treatments and BBL Light Therapy improve elasticity and reduce fine lines.

  • Collagen Stimulators (e.g. Radiesse, PRP, NCTF): Encourage long-term skin rejuvenation.

  • Fat Transfer: Uses your own fat to naturally restore facial volume, offering long-lasting, subtle results—especially for under-eye areas.

When to Consider Surgery
Surgical options (e.g. facelifts, tummy tucks) are only funded by the NHS if excess skin causes significant physical or psychological distress. Patients must usually have:

  • Maintained a stable weight for 12–24 months

  • A BMI below 30

  • Documented medical need (e.g. skin infections, discomfort)

For cosmetic concerns, private treatment is the usual route. If unsure, speak with your GP for guidance.

Conclusion: A Healthier You, Inside and Out

Facial changes like “Mounjaro face” may be an unexpected part of the weight loss journey, but they are manageable and not a reason to lose confidence. These changes stem from fat loss and skin adaptation—not from the medication itself—and with the right approach, their impact can be minimised.

By focusing on gradual weight loss, nourishing your body with the right foods, staying active, and caring for your skin, you can support both your health and your appearance. For those seeking additional help, safe and effective treatment options are available.

Above all, reaching a healthier weight is a major achievement with life-changing benefits. With informed choices and the right guidance, you can embrace the journey with confidence—proud of both your progress and the person you’re becoming.

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Sources

  1. Cleveland Clinic. Ozempic Face

  2. BNF/NICE. Vitamins – Treatment Summaries

  3. BNF/NICE. Tirzepatide – Drug Monograph

  4. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facial Fat: The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing

  5. NCBI. Tirzepatide Overview

  6. Patsnap Synapse. Clinical Trials for Tirzepatide

  7. Cleveland Clinic Newsroom. Real-World Effectiveness of Obesity Injectables

  8. Columbia Surgery. The Ozempic Effect: What You Need to Know

  9. Clinical Diabetology Journal. Article on GLP-1 and Tirzepatide

  10. NHS England. Implementation Guidance for NICE TA1026

  11. Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Review of Weight Loss Injectables

  12. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Sun Safety and Skin Health