"Even though they feel much better after losing weight, in some ways, they perceive themselves as looking older," he said. "This is due to volume loss in their face." Dr. Frank coined the term "Ozempic face" to describe this phenomenon. It has since become a trending social media term for the sagging skin and gaunt appearance that can accompany the use of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide.

"Typically, for those in their mid-40s and above, once you start losing more than 4-5 kg, you can have that deflated look," said Dr. Frank, founder of the aesthetic health care brand PFRANKMD. "Certainly, those who lose 9-13 kg or more will experience this issue."

How does "Ozempic face" occur?

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic work by stimulating the pancreas to produce insulin, while also curbing appetite and creating a feeling of fullness. This leads to rapid weight loss, but it also depletes the subcutaneous fat layer, which is the natural "cushion" that keeps the face full and plump.

A 2023 study published in the Aesthetic Dermatology Journal identified the loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue volume as a primary cause of wrinkles, sagging, and an older facial appearance. As a result, many individuals who achieve successful weight loss are confronted with a disappointing "melted" appearance, characterized by hollow cheeks, a sagging chin, and loose neck skin.

To address this issue, many patients are turning to cosmetic procedures. According to Dr. Frank, more than 20% of his patients are currently using GLP-1 drugs. Treatments they choose include fillers, facelifts, or fat grafting. He noted that many patients now require 2-3 syringes of filler, whereas previously they only needed one. In many cases, fillers are insufficient, and surgical procedures like facelifts are necessary to restore facial structure. The impact of GLP-1 on the aesthetics industry is evident.

A recent survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) revealed that for every five patients using GLP-1 drugs, two are considering plastic surgery and one has already undergone a procedure. ASPS data also shows that facelifts in the US increased by 8% from 2022 to 2023, while the use of hyaluronic acid fillers doubled, from 2.6 million people in 2017 to over 5.2 million in 2023.

The effects of GLP-1 drugs are not limited to the face. The term "Ozempic body" has also emerged to describe excess skin and muscle loss due to rapid weight loss. According to the ASPS, an "Ozempic makeover" often includes procedures like tummy tucks, breast lifts, arm lifts, and thigh lifts.

Illustrative photo: Top Health Doctors

Kimberly Bongiorno, a 55-year-old patient in New Jersey, is a prime example. After losing nearly 20 kg with Wegovy, she described her appearance as "melted, just awful." She subsequently spent approximately 80,000 USD on a series of surgeries, including a deep plane facelift, neck lift, arm lift, and thigh lift.

Stories like Bongiorno's raise a significant question: are these "miracle drugs" a sustainable solution?

A recent study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal indicates that most GLP-1 users discontinue the medication within a year. More concerning, data presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity shows that patients typically regain weight within 10 months of stopping the medication.

Oxford University researchers called these findings a "cautionary tale," emphasizing that using weight-loss drugs without incorporating a healthy lifestyle is a risky strategy. Therefore, many physicians, including former ASPS president Steven Williams, believe their responsibility extends beyond performing cosmetic procedures to supporting patients throughout their entire journey.

"We don't want patients to be dependent on these medications for life. Our goal is to make it a temporary bridge to a healthier lifestyle," he said.

Binh Minh (CNN)