“Ozempic Face”: How Rapid Weight Loss Affects Facial Ageing
Close-up of lower face showing facial volume loss, skin laxity and fine lines associated with rapid weight loss and ‘Ozempic face
Medically assisted weight loss has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, with treatments such as GLP-1 injections (like Ozempic® and Wegovy®) helping patients achieve significant and often rapid results. While the physical and mental health benefits of sustainable weight loss are well recognised, many patients are unhappy about the visible changes that can occur in the face, commonly referred to as “Ozempic face”.
At Fresh Aesthetics in Portadown, we frequently see patients looking for expert advice and treatment after weight loss to address concerns like facial volume loss, skin laxity, and accelerated signs of ageing. Understanding why these changes happen, and how we can support your skin and facial structure as your weight stabilises, is the key to feeling confident with your results.
Before and after visual comparison of ‘Ozempic face’ showing facial changes from weight loss, including hollow cheeks, sagging skin, and tired eyes. Labels highlight differences in facial volume, skin firmness, and under-eye appearance
Why Rapid Weight Loss Affects the Face
1. Loss of Facial Volume
Facial fat pads act like natural scaffolding, keeping the face full and youthful. During rapid or substantial weight loss, we often see:
Fat depletion in key areas such as the cheeks, temples, under-eyes, and jawline
A more hollow, tired, or aged appearance
Changes that may not reverse, even if weight is regained
These effects aren’t exclusive to Ozempic, they occur with any form of fast weight loss, including lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery or crash dieting.
2. Skin Laxity & Elasticity Decline
As weight comes off quickly, the skin doesn’t always have time to adapt. This can lead to:
Sagging, especially around the mid-face, jowls and neck
A looser appearance due to lost collagen and elastin
More visible fine lines and wrinkles
This is particularly noticeable in patients over 30, those with naturally thinner skin, or anyone already experiencing collagen depletion.
3. Changes in Skin Quality
It’s not just volume loss, skin itself often changes during weight loss:
Increased dryness and dullness
Uneven tone and texture
More visible pigmentation or sun damage
These effects are typically linked to nutritional shifts, hydration levels, and changes in hormone balance.
4. Hormonal Changes & Menopause
Facial fat also plays a role in hormonal balance. For peri-menopausal and menopausal women, significant fat loss may:
Reduce available oestrogen
Affect skin glow, resilience, and thickness
This may contribute to the face appearing older or more fatigued than expected, even when health has improved.
So, Is It the Medication or the Weight Loss?
The term “Ozempic face” is catchy, but misleading. The facial changes seen during GLP-1 treatment are not caused by the medication itself, but by the speed and extent of weight loss. These changes have long been observed following:
Gastric bypass or sleeve surgery
Extreme calorie restriction
Intense lifestyle transformations
Ultimately, it’s about how quickly and significantly the body changes, not the method.
Illustration of ‘Ozempic face’ showing hollowed appearance, sunken cheeks from fat loss, and visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles and sagging skin
Supporting Your Face After Weight Loss
At Fresh Aesthetics & Skin, our approach is subtle, strategic and medically led. We never aim to ‘overfill’ the face, instead focusing on restoring natural structure and supporting the skin as it adapts.
💉 Sculptra® – Collagen Stimulation & Gradual Volume Rebuild
Ideal for widespread volume loss and skin laxity
Stimulates natural collagen production
Restores skin structure and firmness over time
Especially effective for post-weight loss patients
Dr. Jayne frequently recommends Sculptra as a first-line option for patients experiencing global facial deflation after weight loss.
💉 Dermal Fillers – Precision Volume Restoration
Adds volume to specific areas like cheeks, temples, or under-eyes
Helps rebalance facial proportions
Results are immediate but always natural-looking
When used strategically, dermal fillers can beautifully complement collagen-stimulating treatments like Sculptra.
A Holistic, Skin-Led Approach
True facial rejuvenation isn’t just about injectables. We also recommend:
Medical-grade skincare to restore skin hydration, strength and radiance
Collagen-boosting treatments such as microneedling
Digital Skin Analysis with Dr. Brian – for an in-depth understanding of your skin’s condition and how best to support it through change
Each treatment plan at Fresh Aesthetics & Skin is completely bespoke, based on in-depth assessment and long-term goals, not trends!
Final Thoughts
Weight loss is a huge achievement, and the last thing anyone wants is to feel like their face hasn’t kept up with their progress. If you're noticing signs of facial ageing such as hollowing, sagging, or dull skin during or after weight loss, know that these effects are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
With a medically led plan and the right aesthetic support, it’s absolutely possible to restore a refreshed, naturally balanced look that reflects the healthier, happier you.
Worried about changes in your face during weight loss?
Book a professional consultation at Fresh Aesthetics in Portadown, and let Dr. Jayne and Dr. Brian create a treatment plan that supports your weight loss journey.
📍 Serving Portadown, Craigavon, Armagh, Lurgan & further afield in Northern Ireland
🖥️ Book online at www.fresh-aesthetics.co.uk
