Weight loss brings a multitude of health and aesthetic benefits. Many individuals see decreased complications from diseases due to being overweight or obese. Symptoms from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease may all lessen, and the need for certain medications may be eliminated. On the aesthetic side, those who have achieved significant weight loss may feel more confident at work, in romantic relationships, or being active at the gym or in athletic activities. Clothes look and feel better, swimsuit season may be something you no longer dread, and many people have an overall sense of health and youthfulness.
Unfortunately for some, there is one side effect of weight loss that is not so welcome: facial fat loss, loose skin, and increased appearance of aging, particularly in the face. This can happen whether weight loss occurs thanks to lifestyle changes or with medical weight loss medications like Ozempic, but it is particularly notable with medical weight loss methods because the rate of weight loss is often rapid. Often referred to as "Ozempic face," patients might experience loose skin and jowls and a sunken facial frame.
Is there a solution, or do you have to live with this unpleasant side effect of losing weight? Let's first discuss what these weight loss solutions are and why they may cause this unwanted result.
What’s Hot: Injectable Medical Weight-Loss Medication
By mimicking natural body processes, weight loss medications semaglutide and tirzepatide work by suppressing the appetite and making it easy to eat less, which ultimately causes weight loss. Semaglutide medications sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy help you feel fuller for longer through the regulation of blood sugar and insulin by imitating the GLP-1 hormone. The Tirzepatide medication Mounjaro produces a similar effect, though it does so by activating the body's hormones directly. Typically administered as a once-a-week injectable, it's important to use these medications under medical supervision as they are potent and must be used with proper dosage.
The Ozempic Face Phenomenon
Nearly as soon as Ozempic became a buzzword, the phrase Ozempic face, or the effects of facial fat loss, became a concern for patients who have taken the medication or are still taking it for maintenance. Because these medications are so highly effective and weight loss occurs fairly quickly, facial fat loss may reveal wrinkles, creases, and hollow areas. Another factor in this equation is that many men and women losing weight with these drugs are in their 40s or 50s when aging may have occurred under the cover of extra plumpness in the face. Once that layer of subcutaneous facial fat is gone, perhaps several years of aging signs might be revealed.
Post Weight Loss Facelift Options
Despite this challenging side effect of losing weight, there are multiple options for individuals who would like to transform their face and find true satisfaction with their appearance after weight loss. And these treatments are not just for women. Many men are also reaping the benefits of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro and are also experiencing difficulties with facial aging. But with a skilled plastic surgeon, there is help.
Facelift
Specifically tailored for individuals concerned about the effects of weight loss on facial appearance, a facelift can provide significant overall improvements by addressing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and other signs of aging due to facial fat loss. A facelift removes excess skin from the face, tightens the underlying tissues, and can reposition the facial muscles to bring about a more youthful contour. This procedure targets the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck, which are areas commonly affected by semaglutide- or tirzepatide-related changes.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also referred to as a weekend facelift or a limited-incision facelift, is less invasive than a traditional facelift. It targets mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face and neck and can help restore a more refreshed and youthful appearance to the face. This procedure is ideal for individuals seeking subtle yet impactful improvements in their facial contours.
Full Facelift
For comprehensive surgical refinement of the face, a full facelift can address moderate to severe signs of aging across the entire face and neck. A full facelift offers extensive rejuvenation by targeting multiple areas simultaneously through complete customization. This often includes the combination of a mid facelift with a neck lift but could also incorporate an eye lift or brow lift depending on the specific concerns of the patient.
The Final Chapter In Your Weight Loss Journey
If you're excited about losing weight but facial aging has put a damper on your confidence, surgical facial rejuvenation can help you achieve your facial rejuvenation goals. Discussing your unique needs with a skilled plastic surgeon like facelift specialist Dr. Frederic Newman is the best way to get your questions answered and find out which procedure is right for you.
