If you’ve lost weight using semaglutide medications like Ozempic or Wegovy, you’re not alone in noticing changes in your facial appearance—specifically, a hollowed or gaunt look that’s become known as “Ozempic face.” While this side effect is a natural result of weight loss and is not dangerous, it can leave you looking older than you feel.
Fortunately, the experts at NorthShore Star Facial Plastic Surgery and MedSpa Aesthetics offer effective aesthetic treatments that can help restore volume, contour, and a more youthful appearance. Let’s explore why Ozempic face happens and the best treatments available today to reverse its effects.
What Is Ozempic Face?
“Ozempic face” is a term coined to describe the facial volume loss and skin laxity some people experience after rapid or significant weight loss on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. The face can appear more hollow, the cheeks sunken, and the jawline less defined.
These changes are primarily due to:
- Loss of subcutaneous fat, which gives the face youthful softness
- Reduction in collagen production due to aging, now more visible after fat loss
- Skin laxity from weight fluctuations and diminished elasticity
While the overall weight loss is often welcomed, many patients feel caught off guard by how dramatically their facial appearance changes.
Can You Reverse Ozempic Face?
Yes. We have several non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments that can effectively restore volume and rejuvenate the face. The right treatment depends on the extent of your volume loss, your skin’s elasticity, and your aesthetic goals.
Top Treatments for Ozempic Face
1. Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® can restore volume to the cheeks, temples, and undereye area. These fillers mimic the plumpness of natural fat and provide immediate results with minimal downtime.
Best for: Mild to moderate facial volume loss
Results: Instant, lasting 6 to 18 months, depending on the product
2. Sculptra® Aesthetic
Sculptra® works differently than typical fillers by stimulating your body’s own collagen production over time. It’s ideal for more diffuse volume loss and provides gradual, natural-looking results.
Best for: Deep volume loss or widespread hollowing
Results: Gradual improvement over 6 weeks to 6 months, lasting 2+ years
3. Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)
In this surgical facial rejuvenation option, your own fat is harvested from another area of your body and re-injected into the face to restore youthful fullness. Because it uses your own tissue, results can be long-lasting and natural in feel.
Best for: Severe volume loss or patients wanting permanent results
Results: Long-term, with some fat reabsorption expected
4. Skin-Tightening Treatments
If sagging or loose skin is also a concern, energy-based devices like Morpheus8, Ultherapy®, or radiofrequency microneedling can help. These treatments stimulate collagen and elastin to firm up the skin.
Best for: Mild to moderate skin laxity
Results: Gradual tightening over a few months
Who Is a Good Candidate for Ozempic Face Treatments?
Ideal candidates:
- Have experienced facial fat loss due to rapid weight loss, including semaglutide use
- Are at or near their goal weight
- Are in good general health
- Want to restore a more refreshed and youthful facial contour
Your provider will assess your skin quality, facial anatomy, and aesthetic goals before recommending a customized treatment plan.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Ozempic Face?
Treatment costs vary depending on the type and amount of filler used, the number of sessions needed, and your provider’s expertise. Here’s a general range:
- Dermal fillers: $700 to $1,200 per syringe
- Sculptra: $800 to $1,000 per vial
- Fat transfer: $3,500 to $7,000
- Skin-tightening treatments: $500 to $3,000
A consultation is the best way to get a personalized quote based on your goals and facial anatomy.
How Long Do Results Last?
Longevity varies by treatment type:
- Fillers: 6 to 18 months
- Sculptra: Up to 2 years
- Fat transfer: Several years (with some fat absorption)
- Skin tightening: 1 year or more, depending on maintenance
Our Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Love Your Reflection Again
Ozempic has helped countless people achieve healthier bodies, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept unintended changes to your facial appearance. Whether you want subtle volume restoration or a full facial rejuvenation, today’s aesthetic treatments offer effective, natural-looking solutions. Ready to explore your options? Schedule a consultation with one of the board-certified facial plastic surgeons or aesthetic experts at NorthShore Star Plastic Surgery and MedSpa Aesthetics in your area. You’ve worked hard to feel better—now it’s time to look the part, too.
