Ozempic Face in 2026: What It Is and How It’s Treated

-By Dr. Albert Yang, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon 

With the rise of social media and the growing use of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and appetite suppression for weight loss, it is important to stay up to date with current knowledge.

What is “Ozempic Face”? 

“Ozempic face” is a term coined by dermatologist Dr. Paul Frank to describe facial volume loss and a gaunt appearance seen in some patients taking Ozempic, which can make the face appear older. These changes are thought to be related to weight loss. Ozempic (semaglutide) is not the only medication associated with this effect; other GLP-1 medications may cause similar facial changes (see the list below).

Patients who experience significant weight loss may appear up to five years older. This is primarily due to volume loss in the temples, cheeks, under the eyes (tear troughs), jawline, smile lines (nasolabial folds), and marionette lines. Skin quality may also be affected if adequate nutrition and hydration are neglected during the weight loss process.

A 2025 study from Vanderbilt University reported approximately 9% midface volume loss for every 10 kg of total weight loss. The face contains two major fat compartments: superficial and deep. In patients taking GLP-1 medications, most of the volume loss appears to occur in the superficial fat compartment. In contrast, normal aging is typically characterized by greater volume loss in the deep fat compartments rather than the superficial layer. So there may be more to the story than weight loss alone contributing to these facial changes. Studies have also identified GLP-1 receptors in skin cells, which may further contribute to these observed features as we will discuss below.

*Other medications that may cause “Ozempic face” in the GLP-1 / GIP family*

What is GLP-1? How does it affect our body?

GLP-1 (glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring peptide produced by our intestines after food intake. It increases the feeling of fullness by acting on the brain and the stomach, slowing stomach activity and signaling that the body is no longer hungry.

GLP-1 also affects multiple tissues throughout the body, including the skin, muscle, fat, bone, and liver. Overall, these effects help improve glucose regulation, reduce body weight, and provide cardiovascular protection in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Do GLP-1 medications affect skin? 

We know that weight loss can reduce skin strength due to decreased collagen density and damage to elastic fibers in both the papillary and reticular dermis. However, the specific effects of GLP-1 on the skin are less well understood.

Skin plays a central role in how youthful a person appears. Healthy, youthful skin contains active fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin to maintain firmness and elasticity. Recent studies have also highlighted another important component of skin health: Dermal White Adipose Tissue (DWAT). DWAT is not simply fat; it is a metabolically active layer that interacts with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). Under normal conditions, ADSCs support fibroblast function and help increase collagen and elastin production.

Although the research is still evolving, GLP-1 medications may accelerate skin aging by:

1. Reduced estrogen production from DWAT (Estrogen normally stimulates fibroblasts)
2. Decreased ADSC activity  (ADSC normally protects fibroblasts from antioxidation)
3. Increased ADSC cell death
4. Decreased fibroblast migration and impaired collagen and elastin synthesis

On the other hand, some research suggests that GLP-1 may also promote skin health, particularly in patients with diabetes. Diabetes is associated with elevated levels of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which drive chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. AGEs contribute to systemic damage, including atherosclerosis affecting the heart, kidneys, and brain. They also negatively affect the skin by:

1. Increasing fibroblast cell death
2. Thinning the skin
3. Impairing wound healing
4. Impairing structural integrity of collagen and elastin

GLP-1 medications may help lower Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), reduce inflammation in the skin, and potentially improve inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis as studies show.

Top 10 Treatments for “Ozempic Face”

“Ozempic face” develops following significant weight loss, leading to changes in skin quality and facial volume. Treatment usually involves a combination of therapies designed to improve skin health, increase collagen and elastin, and restore lost facial volume.

1. Stopping the medication: Discontinuing the medication may lead to weight regain in some patients, which can partially reverse facial aging changes.
2. Healthy diet: A healthy diet high in vitamin C and linoleic acid, with lower intake of fats and carbohydrates, has been associated with better facial skin quality and fewer wrinkles in women over 40 years old.
3. Hydration: Adequate water intake can improve the skin’s softness and smoothness
4. Skin care products: Active ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and niacinamide can increase collagen production and provide antioxidant protection.
5. Sunblock use: Daily use of sunscreen can significantly improve skin quality by preventing ultraviolet (UV) damage.
6. Radiofrequency (RF) therapy: RF treatments use heat to stimulate collagen production, leading to skin tightening. This is often combined with microneedling, which has also been shown to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and fine wrinkles.
7. Laser treatments and chemical peels: These modalities can improve skin tightness, reduce pigmentation, and increase collagen and elastin production.
8. Fillers: Hyaluronic acid fillers can restore facial volume and improve skin hydration. Biostimulatory fillers (e.g., Sculptra or Radiesse) may further enhance skin quality and volume through increased collagen production.
9. Fat transfer: Autologous fat transfer can improve facial volume, skin thickness, and pigmentation. Nanofat transfer may also contain growth factors that promote skin regeneration.
10. Surgery: Facelift and neck lift procedures remain the gold standard for addressing advanced facial aging changes in patients with significant weight loss.

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