What You Should Know
In November 2024, Dr. Rebecca Baxt, Medical Director of BAXT CosMedical® wrote a blog article titled Understanding “Ozempic Face” – Loss of Facial Volume Due to Weight Loss. Since then, the availability and popularity of GLP-1 shots and pills has grown. Millions of people are taking a variety of GLP-1 medications to help manage their diabetes and to lose weight. A 2025 poll conducted by KFF reported, “12% of adults currently use GLP-1s, with usage highest (22%) among adults aged 50–64.”1
Another survey conducted by Gallup National Health “found that the number of Americans taking drugs like semaglutide (brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (brands names Zepbound and Mounjaro) for weight loss more than doubled over the past year and a half.” 2
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications in managing type 2 diabetes and associated metabolic disorders and how they are helping people with weight loss. While there are many benefits to one’s health, there are side effects. These side effects include a number of medical issues and for those who are losing weight there are aesthetic concerns of facial volume loss and hair loss.
How Does Rapid Weight Loss Affect Your Skin?
For years, dermatologists have addressed the esthetic concerns of patients who have had major rapid weight loss from stomach staples, gastric bypass, and other weight loss procedures. Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board-certified dermatologist in Paramus, NJ, has seen an increase of patients who are concerned about facial volume loss. “This is becoming more prevalent with the advent of the use of GLP-1 and related weight loss compounds,” says Dr. Baxt. “While some patients like it because they were used to seeing themselves heavy and like looking thin, there are other patients who understand that while you might look thin you look older.”
Dr. Baxt explains that “Ozempic face” refers to visible signs of facial aging that can appear after rapid weight loss. It typically includes:
- Deep wrinkles/folds – lines look more pronounced as facial volume decreases
- Sunken cheeks – loss of fat makes the mid-face look hollow
- Sagging skin – skin may appear looser when underlying fat diminishes
These changes stem from loss of facial fat, not from a direct effect of the medication.
Best Treatments For Facial Volume Loss After Rapid Weight Loss
Dr. Baxt has helped men and women address the “Ozempic Face” concerns by skillfully injecting FDA-approved hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers, such as the collection of Juvéderm®, Restylane® and other fillers.
Additionally, SCULPTRA®, which stimulates collagen production, or fat injections from your body may be recommended. Injections of dermal fillers can achieve your goals of smoothing and softening mild-to-moderate lines and wrinkles around the nose and mouth and restore your face to a more youthful appearance.
Read Dr. Rebecca Baxt’s Quick Guide To Facial Fillers
The good news is that they do not need to put back on body weight in order to address these facial changes!
At BAXT CosMedical® in Paramus, NJ, Dr. Rebecca Baxt offers a variety of quality dermal fillers manufactured by Allergan® Aesthetics, Merz Aesthetics, and more.
During your complimentary facial filler consultation, Dr. Rebecca Baxt will discuss your cosmetic rejuvenation goals and recommend the appropriate facial filler and procedure that will deliver optimal results.
Additional concerns from people on weight loss medications is that “their skin has become very wrinkly because it used to be stretched out and now it deflates like a wrinkly balloon,” says Dr. Baxt. “There are many great treatment modalities for skin tightening, including Ellacor® system, Ultherapy Prime®, Fraxel® Dual Laser Resurfacing, as well as a really good skin care program designed by a board certified dermatologist.”
How Does Rapid Weight Loss Affect Your Hair?
Another concern that many people taking GLP-1 medications report is hair loss. “It is unclear whether the hair loss is inherently related to the medication or just telogen effluvium from massive weight loss which dermatologists have known about for a long time,” says Dr. Rebecca Baxt.
Over time, the hair loss does get better on its own. To accelerate hair growth, Dr. Baxt can prescribe topical or oral Rogaine, if deemed necessary. Plasma Rich Platelet Therapy (PRP) is effective at addressing hair loss. Dr. Rebecca Baxt has been successfully using PRP to stimulate hair growth since 2017.
Request your consultation online here or by calling 201-265-1300 today.
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