Ozempic Face

“Ozempic face” is a term used to describe the changes that can occur in a person’s appearance after having adhered to a long-term GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medication regimen. ⁽¹⁾ GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide effectively help patients lose weight by mimicking naturally-occurring hormones in the body. ⁽¹⁾ By triggering insulin secretion, releasing the hormone that initiates cravings, and slowing certain gastric processes, patients are able to lose substantial amounts of weight over time. ⁽¹⁾ This can have many health benefits for patients who suffer from weight-related issues; however, this substantial weight loss can leave patients with sagging skin on the face and neck. This excess skin and hollow appearance can take away from the health successes of the medication, as it may hinder a person’s ability to fully embrace their changed appearance. Facial procedures like fat transfers, facelifts, and neck lifts can help resolve excess skin or a hollow appearance. ⁽¹⁾

At New York Surgical Arts, Dr. Gordon Andan is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon experienced in providing surgical procedures to patients who have experienced weight loss as a result of GLP-1 medications or otherwise. To meet with Dr. Andan and talk about the problems you are experiencing, contact New York Surgical Arts by calling (516) 746-0155 or filling out our contact form.

To learn more about the other appearance-enhancing procedures we offer, visit our informative blog.

About Ozempic Face Treatments

Ozempic face procedures focus on addressing specific issues that can arise as a result of GLP-1 medication-related weight loss. Volume loss in certain areas is common and can make patients look aged as a result. Furthermore, wrinkles can worsen when there is less supportive volume in the face. As a whole, the facial skin can begin to sag and leave patients dissatisfied with their appearance. ⁽¹⁾ At New York Surgical Arts, we offer fat transfers to restore volume to the face, as well as facelifts and neck lifts to address the excess skin. No matter what facial issues you are struggling with after losing weight, Dr. Andan can tailor these solutions to help you achieve your desired look.

Fat Transfer

A fat transfer, also called fat grafting, is a way we can address the overall volume loss in the face that may be causing a hollow, aged appearance. By using your own body fat, Dr. Andan can provide a more natural approach to facial volumization. We can improve flattering facial contours and lessen the appearance of deep wrinkles. Patients can enjoy smoother skin, and a face that appears healthier and more youthful. This is a highly customizable procedure, as Dr. Andan can choose to reestablish volume in the areas of the face that need it most. ⁽²⁾

Facelift

A facelift is how Dr. Andan can address sagging or wrinkly skin of the face. Patients often experience extensive volume loss in the lower face, which can manifest in a jowl-like appearance. The midface is also affected by volume loss, in the appearance of drooping cheeks and worsened wrinkles. A facelift will tighten loose skin and make patients look more youthful. ⁽³⁾

Neck Lift

A neck lift serves a similar purpose to a facelift; Dr. Andan will remove the excess skin that hangs off the neck to create a more flattering profile. He can also improve and define the jawline and the transition of the jawline into the neck. This procedure can take years off of a patient’s appearance, as the condition of the neck can be a prominent indicator of aging. ⁽⁴⁾

Benefits

Patients can benefit from post-Ozempic facial rejuvenation procedures in many ways. Firstly, they can address the side effects that can occur as a result of the weight loss that Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications can cause. They can remedy a hollow look or sagging skin, making the face appear younger as a result. Patients may feel more confident in their facial appearance and more fully enjoy the weight loss they worked toward.

Candidates

If you have experienced significant weight loss after taking Ozempic or another GLP-1 medication, you may be a good candidate for one or more of our post-weight loss facial rejuvenation procedures. Ideal candidates are in good health and understand the limitations of the procedures they are receiving. Facial rejuvenation is not only for patients who have lost a lot of weight, but can also be for patients who experience loose or sagging skin as a result of the natural aging process. Dr. Andan will further evaluate your eligibility for your desired procedure when you come to the office for a personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

At your personal consultation with Dr. Andan, you will work with him to design a personalized procedure that can address all of your concerns. If you are still determining which procedure would benefit you, he can help you decide whether a fat transfer, facelift, or neck lift would help rejuvenate your appearance. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can impact everyone’s appearance differently, so this personal consultation is crucial to allow Dr. Andan to understand how the weight loss has manifested in your facial structures.

To schedule this important meeting at either our New York City or Garden City office, please call (516) 746-0155 or fill out our contact form. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you work toward a cosmetic solution.

Preparation

To help prepare you for your post-Ozempic facial rejuvenation procedure, Dr. Andan will provide you with information outlining all of the things you should do before your surgery. Preparation may look different depending on whether you have a fat transfer, facelift, or neck lift, but steps often involve:

Procedure

Each post-Ozempic facial rejuvenation procedure comes with its own personalized procedure, adjusted by Dr. Andan to fit your unique features and facial contours.

Fat Transfer Procedure

The first step in fat transfer procedures is liposuction. Dr. Andan will carry out liposuction on the donor area, which is often the thighs or abdomen, with small suction tubes called cannulas. The incisions Dr. Andan makes at the donor areas will be small and discreet. Then, after purifying and treating this fat, Dr. Andan will reinject it into the areas of the face that are hollow or have lost structure as a result of significant weight loss. ⁽²⁾

Facelift Procedure

For a traditional facelift procedure, Dr. Andan will most likely make an incision that will be hidden by the natural hairline. For a more comprehensive facelift, this incision will extend down toward the ears. Dr. Andan can either address only the lower third of the face with a mini facelift, or address more areas of the face with a traditional facelift. Dr. Andan will gather the excess skin of the face and remove it. ⁽³⁾

Neck Lift Procedure

For a neck lift, the incision will follow the natural curvature of the ear and extend down toward the neck. Dr. Andan will reposition or remove the excess skin of the neck in order to reduce the aged or drooping appearance. ⁽⁴⁾

Recovery

Dr. Andan will make sure you are completely prepared for your recovery period after your procedure. Recovery will look different depending on which procedures you elect to have done, but there are many similar parameters for each.

After a fat transfer, swelling and bruising is very normal. Dr Andan may recommend gently using a cold compress during the first few days after your appointment to reduce these symptoms. You should not exert yourself too much for about 2-3 weeks while you continue to recover. ⁽²⁾ It is important to keep in mind that it is possible that some of the volume from the reinjected fat will be reabsorbed by the body during your recovery. ⁽²⁾

If you have received a facelift or a neck lift, you can also use cold compresses to reduce discomfort after the procedure. Dr. Andan will let you know what medications you can take to further manage any pain that may occur. You will most likely experience a full recovery period of 3 months. ⁽³⁾ Like after a fat transfer, you should avoid any undue exertion or heavy lifting during this period. You should also sleep on your back, with your head elevated, while you continue to heal. ⁽³⁾ You should continue to refrain from smoking for up to a month after your procedure. It will also be helpful to avoid excessive sun exposure for up to a year after your procedure, which will help reduce scarring. ⁽³⁾

Results

The results of Ozempic face procedures can leave patients with rejuvenated appearances that make them feel more confident in their daily lives. A weight loss journey is challenging enough without the sagging skin and hollowed appearance the substantial volume loss can cause. Patients can look years younger and move on from sagging skin with either a fat transfer, facelift, necklift, or any combination of the three. Surgical results are long-lasting and patients can enjoy them for years to come.

Cost of Ozempic Face Treatments in NYC

The cost of your procedure will depend on variables such as the extent of your treatment plan and how many procedures you choose to have done. In order for Dr. Andan to be able to quantify the cost of your procedure, you will need to attend a personal consultation where he can evaluate your needs. To schedule this consultation, you can reach out to either of our New York offices by calling (516) 746-0155 or filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you move forward after significant weight loss.

References

1. Humphrey CD, Lawrence AC. Corrigendum: Implications of Ozempic and Other Semaglutide Medications for Facial Plastic Surgeons. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2023;39(06):e1-e1. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0044-1779676
2. Vasavada A, Raggio BS. Autologous Fat Grafting For Facial Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557860/
3. Yang AJ, Hohman MH. Rhytidectomy. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564338/
4. Pérez P, Hohman MH. Neck Rejuvenation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562229/