In the influential era of social media, trend strikes faster than lightning. If keeping up with the latest trend is your thing, you may already be aware of the latest buzz in the market – the Ozempic face. Initially, with millions of views on rapid weight loss in TikTok – Ozempic climbed the ladder of popularity as a weight loss drug.
Unbelievable, right? It is no longer just a drug; it has become a phenomenon. But everything has its pros and cons. Ozempic is no exception. After usage of this drug, a common side effect that has stirred the internet is the Ozempic face.
Keeping aside the trend, what do you know about an Ozempic face? Or do you only have superficial knowledge about it? If yes, let us take you straight to the point and delve deeper to find the cause behind Ozempic face and how to avoid it.
What is Ozempic? All that You Must Know
Ozempic is a semaglutide drug used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It was approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in 2017. It is taken in weekly injection form, usually in the thigh, arm, or stomach.
Ozempic works by regulating insulin levels in diabetic people. It further creates a spike in the hormone-glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). As this hormone increases, it slows down your metabolism and digestion process. This makes you feel fuller for longer periods in little portions of food. Even all of your cravings subside.
The body tends to lose weight as the appetite goes down the chart. As more people consumed the drug, weight loss became evident as its side effect. And soon, the diabetic drug took the spotlight as a quick solution to weight loss in 2021.
The usage of off-label Ozempic for weight loss grew so rapidly that it led to a shortage of it worldwide in 2023. And if reports are to be believed, this shortage in supply may last till mid-2024. But the biggest concern remains with Ozempic face and how to minimize the effects.
What is Ozempic Face?
Ozempic Face might confuse you and indicate a severe dermatological concern, but it is not a medical term. However, it is a condition when fat loss from the face due to a drastic weight loss occurs after consuming Ozempic. In an Ozempic face, the overall appearance of the face changes.
An Ozempic face becomes wrinkly and aged. In some cases, there are skin sags and hollowness too. You may feel light after shedding the extra pounds (thanks to Ozempic), but your face may appear lifeless, deflated, and exhausted.
The Probable Cause Behind Ozempic Face
By now, you must have understood the simple cause behind Ozempic face is weight loss. Whenever there’s a 15% to 20% weight loss of body weight, in a short time, the loss of fat tissue from the face is very natural, according to Dr Silvana Obici.
If we have to further break it down for better understanding – compared to gradual weight loss, when your body loses fat quickly because of Ozempic, the skin does not get the required time to contract and shrink. This creates skin sags and wrinkles on the face.
If you’re still thinking Ozempic face isn’t real, look at the picture of Ozempic face before and after. Get the difference? Even though the individual response to Ozempic may differ, there’s no denying the fact that visual changes do occur on the face.
Essential Steps to Avoid Ozempic Face
If you are on Ozempic or planning to get on it and do not want to look older than you are, we have some steps to avoid the Ozempic face:
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you plan to get started on off-table Ozempic, we highly recommend consulting a healthcare professional. They will know if Ozempic is right for you or, not based on your medical history.
Plus, it would be best if you had a prescription for Ozempic. And being under their assistance will guard you from any potential risk in the future.
2. Start with a Minimal Dose
Whenever you start anything, be it medication or a diet, it is always wise to start slow. Give time to your body to adjust and adapt to the new changes you are making.
So, for faster results, do not intake an overdose of Ozempic. Stick to what the doctor advises, and this will prevent you from side effects like Ozempic face.
3. Drink Sufficient Water
Whether you are on Ozempic or not, consuming enough water daily is crucial. But specifically, when there’s a chance of a side effect like Ozempic face, the need to stay hydrated increases. It boosts skin health and adds glow to your face.
You can even consume detox water; it does wonders. It keeps all the impurities at bay and makes your face appear as fresh as a daisy. However, always sip your detox water from a glass bottle to retain the maximum benefits.
Pro Tip: Replace the sugary beverages with water to quench your thirst. Why? Because sugar is a slow poison, it adds more to the premature aging of your skin and face.
4. Limit Your Alcohol Intake
While you are on Ozempic, it is best to avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol causes dehydration that leads to less flow of blood to your skin.
As a result, Ozempic face can worsen. But, in case you absolutely cannot skip the alcohol, limit it to 1 or 2 occasional drinks.
5. Set a Simple Skin-Care Routine
A no-fuss skincare routine is always the best way to combat premature aging, and in this case – an Ozempic face. Yes, you do not need a 10-step skincare routine; a simple one does the job equally well.
Start with a mild cleanser, follow it with a refreshing toner, and then moisturize to lock in the hydration. Also, applying SPF is a no-compromise step. Remember to use gentle products that suit your skin type and make it your ritual.
6. Eat Protein Rich Meals
Lastly, eat clean. A well-balanced nutrition keeps your skin healthy. Include healthy proteins in your meals to boost collagen levels. Besides, it will help you stay fuller and tackle the Ozempic weight loss and the Ozempic face better.
How to Reduce the Impact of Ozempic Face
Now, what about those who are already facing the Ozempic face? Do you stay with it forever?
Do not worry; we have got you covered on this part as well. So, if you are one of them, here are a few ways to add back volumes and minimize the sagging – wrinkling skin:
1. Facial Fillers
To treat Ozempic face, the most commonly recommended practice is facial derma fillers. It instantly breathes life into your face. Different face fillers are designed to restore the lost volume on different face parts.
Some fillers help to get rid of wrinkles and reduce fine lines. At the same time, some boost collagen to restore the natural smoothness look of the face.
However, choosing a filler depends upon the level of gauntness on your face. So, always consult a reputed dermatologist to get the best long-lasting results. That said, as fillers are almost like an instant fix to Ozempic face, they are not permanent.
2. Microneedling
Microneedling treats the Ozempic face by tightening the sagging skin. How? Injecting tiny needles combined with the radiofrequency energy into the skin to produce more collagen.
Collagen helps you achieve a fuller and more youthful look on your face. It is a protein that plays a crucial role in skin elasticity.
Although the procedure is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, the healing takes longer. It can take up to 24 hours or more, depending on your skin and the treatment. Post-treatment, take care of your skin as guided.
3. Plasma Injections
PRP: Platelet-rich plasma is another treatment to reduce the impact of Ozempic face. PRP facial is quite popular to bring a subtle look to your face. PRP facial, or vampire facial, is done by re-injecting your plasma. It aids in eliminating fine lines and adds plumpness to the skin.
The full effect of PRP facial becomes visible only after few weeks and months after the procedure. And the effect is known to last until 2 years.
4. Fat Grafting
Dermatologists also consider fat grafting to treat Ozempic face. Fat grafting is as literal as it can get – it is a surgical procedure that includes fat transferring mainly from the abdomen to the recessed areas on the face.
Specifically, fat grafting is done to add some volume to the cheeks and rejuvenate the under-eye area.
Compared to others, this is a more long-lasting procedure. If done under a specialized cosmetic, the grafting will blend in effortlessly without leaving any scars. And the skin will look flawless in no time.
5. Facial Lift
Another way to diminish wrinkles, tighten the facial tissues, and bid farewell to premature aging is a facial lift. A facial lift is also a cosmetic surgery procedure to transform your youthful face from an Ozempic face. A facelift is focused on the lower part of the face and neck area.
If surgery isn’t your cup of tea, there are some non-surgical facelifts as well. However, a facelift is a bit critical procedure to combat Ozempic face. You will need a minimum of 2 weeks’ rest to get back to day-to-day activities.
Other Side Effects of Ozempic
Besides an Ozempic face, there are some other side effects of Ozempic, too. Quickly scan through them to get an idea:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rare stomach paralysis
Takeaway
Ozempic face has become a common name on social media. Although it refers to the side-effect of Ozempic, it is now also referred to as the weight loss face. Moreover, with the craze around it, many people purchase it over-the-counter or off-label.
But before you go with the flow of the Ozempic trend, it is better to understand it and not become another victim of Ozempic face.
And the moment you understand the underlying cause of Ozempic face, you can manage it effectively. Given that, keep monitoring yourself and maintain transparent communication with your doctor to avoid any uncertain side effects.
If you need more details on anything related to Ozempic face, drop them in the comments. We will be more than delighted to solve your queries. In case if you are already consuming Ozempic, have you yet experienced the viral side effect – the Ozempic face that shook up the whole world?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ozempic Have an Impact on The Shape of Your Face?
Yes, Ozempic does have an impact on the shape of your face. As it boosts rapid weight loss while maintaining insulin levels, facial tissues lose their youthful charm. It makes the skin sag and fold, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and unevenness.
When Should You Consult a Healthcare Professional for Ozempic Face?
If you are concerned about Ozempic face, consult a dermatologist right from the moment you start taking Ozempic. This makes sure you do not face drastic facial changes. If another side effect persists for a longer period, consult a doctor right away.
Do Lose Weight by Ozempic Rebounds?
Yes, Ozempic rebound does take place. It is very natural and expected. Whenever you stop taking continuous medication suddenly, the body is bound to get into the rebound state. Like, if you stop exercising and dieting suddenly, your body will start gaining back weight.
Is Ozempic FDA Approved for Weight Loss?
No, Ozempic is not yet approved by the FDA for weight loss purposes. However, the main ingredient of Ozempic – semaglutide is known for promoting weight loss in diabetic people as a side effect. That said, the same semglutide is present in another weekly injection drug – Wegovy. The FDA approves it for effective weight loss.
