What Dermatologists Mean When They Talk About “Ozempic Face”

The term “Ozempic face” started circulating shortly after GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic entered the spotlight in 2021. As these medications became widely used for weight loss, dermatologists began noticing a common pattern: While body fat was decreasing as intended, fat loss was also occurring in the face. According to Pooja Sodha, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, this wasn’t surprising. Fat exists in specific compartments throughout the face, particularly in the cheeks, under the eyes and in the temples.

When that facial fat diminishes, it can create a hollowed or gaunt appearance that many people associate with aging. But Sodha explains that volume loss is only part of the story. Fat plays an important structural role in supporting the muscles and ligaments of the face. When fat disappears quickly, these supporting structures may not adapt fast enough, leading to skin laxity and sagging that can appear suddenly.

Beyond visible changes, there may also be effects happening at a cellular level. GLP-1 receptors aren’t only found in fat cells; they’re also involved in skin health. These receptors help regulate local hormones and signaling molecules that protect skin from oxidative stress and support collagen and elastic fiber production. When those signaling pathways are altered, communication between fat cells and fibroblasts (the cells responsible for skin structure) can be disrupted. The result may be skin that looks thinner, looser or more aged, independent of weight loss alone.

Whether these changes are permanent remains unclear. Some emerging data suggest that people who stop GLP-1 medications may regain weight, including facial fat, which could partially reverse these effects. However, long-term data are still limited, and it’s not yet clear how facial changes evolve for people who stay on these medications for years.

To address or prevent these changes, an international expert consensus suggests starting early if a patient is expected to lose 5% to 10% of body fat. Options may include biostimulatory fillers that encourage the body to rebuild collagen over time, as well as noninvasive treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound to help tighten skin. In more severe or lasting cases, surgical options may be considered. Importantly, Sodha emphasizes that these conversations should happen proactively, before changes become distressing.

She also notes that social media has amplified concern, turning what might be a manageable side effect into a source of anxiety for many patients. As GLP-1 medications increasingly sit at the intersection of metabolic health and aesthetics, Sodha believes clinicians must address not only physical changes but also the psychological and social impact — helping patients feel informed, prepared and supported throughout treatment.