the term “Osmic face” It has been used to describe facial changes observed in users of semaglutide, a drug originally prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, which has seen an expansion of its use in weight loss programs, leading to an increase in reports of accelerated loss of facial fat and sagging, especially among young people.
According to Dr. Leandro H. Oshiroplastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), this phenomenon gained importance with the beginning of the use of the drug outside the context of metabolism. “Ozempic face, or Ozempic face, is an aesthetic side effect that has had a universal impact among users of the drug. Loss of facial fat, when it occurs over a short period of time, causes important structural changes and can lead to noticeable sagging, regardless of age.”
Mechanism of action of semaglutide
Semaglutide is an analogue of the hormone GLP-1, which regulates processes such as insulin secretion, glucagon release, gastric emptying, and appetite control, the surgeon explains. The medication is given under the skin, usually once a week. “The drug acts on multiple metabolic fronts, reducing hunger, prolonging satiety and contributing to weight loss. However, rapid weight reduction does not differentiate between areas of the body and also affects areas of fat necessary to support the face.”
Causes of facial changes
The loss of facial volume caused by semaglutide derives from the reduction of subcutaneous fat in areas important for a harmonious facial shape. The surgeon points out that the sudden decrease in this tissue can lead to sagging, disproportion between parts of the face and an aged appearance.
Even young individuals can make these changes. According to Dr. Leandro H. Oshiro: “Fat redistribution does not respect age barriers. When its loss occurs rapidly, the face loses its support, giving rise to wrinkles and irregularities that usually appear only in more advanced age groups.”
When the changes are mild, various minimally invasive methods are prescribed as treatment options. The surgeon explains each of them:
- Carbon dioxide biocatalystsLajin: nameIngredients such as polylactic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite stimulate collagen production and contribute to improved firmness and elasticity.
- Acid mobilizationHyaluRunic: Helps restore lost volume in specific areas, such as the cheeks and deep furrows.
- Micro-focus ultrasound: a teaminformation It is used to stimulate the formation of new collagen in the deeper layers of the skin, with a gradual effect on skin firmness.
“Non-surgical techniques play an important role in primary cases, when the goal is to restore moderate volumes and improve support without more invasive interventions,” adds Dr. Leandro Oshiro.
In more severe cases, the surgeon highlights the recommended procedures:
- to lift Face (laughsYouDuplostIa): It aims to reposition deep tissue, remove excess skin, and reshape the facial contour.
- to lift cervix (NortheastRaise the skewer): theSagging of the neck edge and jaw area, often associated with rapid weight loss.
- LipwinxArtia’s faceto: is usedthe He goesPurified self-firming to restore volume to areas such as cheeks, temples and chin.
“In advanced cases of sagging, plastic surgery remains the option with greater predictability of results and greater durability, especially when repositioning of deeper structures is needed,” explains the surgeon.
Durability of treatments
According to the surgeon, among non-surgical methods, biostimulants tend to provide the longest results, lasting up to two years. Surgical operations such as raisesa job face, neck Fat tightening and grafting provides long-lasting results, subject to weight stability and adequate post-operative care.
The plastic surgeon concludes by highlighting that the phenomenon known as “Ozempic face” has been increasingly observed in users experiencing rapid weight loss, and given this, early identification of changes and professional monitoring are relevant strategies to reduce the aesthetic impact.