Key Takeaways
- GLP-1 medications like Ozempic can support weight loss and diabetes treatment, but rapid weight loss may cause facial volume loss and sagging skin.
- Loss of facial fat can lead to a hollowed out appearance, facial hollowing, and visible changes in facial features such as cheeks, temples, and under-eyes.
- Dermal fillers (often made of hyaluronic acid) restore fullness in areas impacted by facial fat loss, smoothing lines and wrinkles.
- Bio stimulants (e.g., Sculptra, Radiesse) stimulate collagen and connective tissues, improving skin elasticity and supporting long-term results.
- A combination of cosmetic injectables and skin tightening procedures can both immediately restore volume and promote gradual improvement for natural-looking results.
- Consulting with a qualified healthcare provider ensures safe, tailored treatment to complement your weight loss journey while protecting overall health.
Intro
In recent years, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications have gained popularity as a highly effective treatment for weight loss and managing conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1s, which include well-known drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, work by reducing appetite, regulating blood sugar levels, and encouraging weight loss. However, one unintended side effect that many users have reported is facial volume loss.
While shedding pounds might seem like a positive outcome, the loss of facial fat can leave you looking older, more hollow, and less youthful.
But don’t worry—there are ways to address this issue and restore your youthful glow with treatments like dermal fillers and bio stimulants.
What Causes Facial Volume Loss from GLP-1 Medications?
As GLP-1 meds help users lose weight, the body sheds fat from various areas, including the face. While it’s great to see the pounds drop off the scale, the loss of fat from the cheeks, under-eye area, temples, and jawline can result in a more sunken, tired, or gaunt appearance. This is especially true for individuals who were already experiencing some age-related volume loss before starting treatment.
Facial volume loss is a natural part of the aging process, as collagen and elastin production decrease over time, leading to sagging skin and less youthful contours. The combination of aging and rapid weight loss can exacerbate this issue, leaving your face looking less full and vibrant.
How Dermal Fillers Can Help Restore Facial Volume
Dermal fillers are one of the most popular and effective solutions for restoring lost facial volume. These injectable treatments work by replenishing the volume lost in specific areas of the face, providing a smoother and more youthful appearance.
Fillers are made of substances like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid, which can help lift and contour the skin.
Here’s how dermal fillers can help rejuvenate your face after experiencing volume loss from GLP-1 medications:
- Cheek Enhancement: As we lose fat in the cheeks, the skin may start to sag, creating a hollowed or sunken appearance. Dermal fillers can be strategically injected into the cheekbones to restore fullness and lift the skin, giving you a more youthful contour.
- Under-Eye Volume Restoration: The under-eye area is often one of the first places to show volume loss, leading to dark circles and hollowing. Fillers can be used to plump up this delicate area, reducing the appearance of shadows and tiredness.
- Jawline and Chin Contouring: Loss of fat around the jawline and chin can lead to sagging skin and the loss of definition. Dermal fillers can restore volume to these areas, helping to redefine the jawline and create a more sculpted profile.
- Temple Refilling: The temples are a common area where volume loss becomes evident. By injecting dermal fillers into this area, you can regain fullness and smooth out any hollows, giving your face a more balanced and youthful appearance.
Bio Stimulants: A Non-Surgical Solution for Collagen Production
While dermal fillers provide immediate results by adding volume to the face, bio stimulants take a different approach. These treatments stimulate the body’s natural collagen production to restore lost volume over time.
Bio stimulants like Sculptra and Radiesse contain materials that trigger the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin elasticity, tone, and texture.
Here’s why bio stimulants are a great option for long-term rejuvenation:
- Gradual and Natural Results: Unlike dermal fillers, which provide immediate volume, bio stimulants work over time. As your body produces more collagen, you’ll notice gradual improvements in the firmness and volume of your skin, creating a natural, youthful look.
- Long-Lasting Effects: While dermal fillers typically last 6-18 months depending on the type and area treated, the results from bio stimulants can last up to two years. This makes them an excellent option for those looking for more durable results.
- Collagen Boost: As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkling. By stimulating collagen growth, bio stimulants can help restore lost volume, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
- Complementary to Dermal Fillers: Bio stimulants can be used in combination with dermal fillers for an enhanced rejuvenation effect. While dermal fillers immediately plump up the skin, bio stimulants can help maintain and improve the skin’s structure for longer-lasting results.
Check out this article to learn more about how Sculptra can compliment other other injectables.
Combining Treatments for Optimal Results
For those experiencing significant facial volume loss from GLP-1 medications, a combination of dermal fillers and bio stimulants can be the ideal approach.
Dermal fillers provide an instant lift and fullness, while bio stimulants work gradually to restore the underlying collagen structure, ensuring long-term improvement in skin quality and volume.
The beauty of these treatments is that they’re minimally invasive, with little to no downtime required. Whether you’re looking to enhance your cheeks, smooth out under-eye hollows, or restore lost volume to your temples, both dermal fillers and bio stimulants can give you the rejuvenated look you desire without surgery.
Conclusion
Facial volume loss from GLP-1 medications is a common concern, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent issue. Whether you choose dermal fillers, bio stimulants, or a combination of both, these treatments can effectively restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and help you regain a youthful, glowing appearance.
Always consult with a skilled and experienced aesthetic professional to determine the best approach for your individual needs. With the right treatments, you can continue your weight loss journey with confidence, knowing that your facial aesthetics can be rejuvenated and refreshed to match the healthier, happier you.
Need Help Restoring Your Facial Volume?
If you live in Raleigh, Roleseville, Apex, Cary, Wake Forest, Garner, Holly Springs, or any surrounding areas, and are interested in a more holistic weight loss approach that allows you to stay looking you best, consider Prime MD Aesthetics and Wellness.
📍 Two locations serving Raleigh, Rolesville, Apex, Cary, Wake Forest, Garner, Holly Springs, and surrounding NC communities
📞 Call us at (919) 948-6355 to schedule your wellness consultation
🌐 Visit us online at our main page primemdcenter.com
🌐 Visit your preferred location’s page online: Raleigh, or Rolesville
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes facial volume loss with GLP-1s?
GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite to help patients lose weight. In addition to abdominal fat and body fat, these GLP-1s can also reduce facial fat, leading to facial changes like hollow cheeks or a gaunt appearance.
Is “Ozempic face” permanent?
Not necessarily. While facial hollowing can occur with rapid weight loss, treatments like dermal fillers and bio stimulants can safely restore facial volume and improve skin elasticity.
How can dermal fillers help?
Dermal fillers, such as those made with hyaluronic acid, are FDA approved for cosmetic use and provide immediate volume restoration. They can enhance facial features like the cheeks, temples, and under-eyes, reducing the look of lines and wrinkles.
What are the benefits of bio stimulants?
Bio stimulants like Sculptra work by stimulating the body’s connective tissues to boost collagen. Over time, they improve skin texture, firmness, and elasticity, helping to correct facial fat loss and prevent further hollowing.
Are treatments safe for older adults or patients with medical conditions?
Yes, under the guidance of a skilled healthcare provider. A full medical history and assessment ensures safety, particularly for those on other medications, with diabetes, or with weight-related health conditions.
How long do results last?
Dermal fillers usually last 6–18 months, while bio stimulants may last up to two years by rebuilding collagen. With proper lifestyle changes and skincare products, results can be maintained longer.
Can facial changes be prevented during weight loss?
Not always, since fat cells naturally shrink with weight reduction. However, maintaining protein intake, a healthy diet, and overall skincare ro