Worried about “Old Face” While Taking Semaglutide (Ozempic) for Weight Loss?

What is “Old Face” or “Ozempic Face”?

“Old Face” or “Ozempic Face” is a term used to describe the saggy, gaunt appearance of the face due to loss of fat and elasticity following weight loss with Semaglutide (Ozempic). This term was made popular on social media, thanks in part to celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Elon Musk. However, this term is misleading. There is nothing in the medication, Semaglutide (Ozempic), that causes a saggy, gaunt appearance of the face. The cause of “Old Face” or “Ozempic Face” is rapid, large volume weight loss. The same facial findings will occur whether someone rapidly loses large amounts of weight from an illness, a medication, or any weight loss program.

Carrying excess weight for years damages the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin. This makes it harder for your skin to snap back when you lose weight. Sagging skin is more likely to occur when you lose weight too rapidly. Ideally, weight loss should occur at a rate of no more than 1-2 pounds per week.

Your age at the time of weight loss is also a significant factor. As skin ages, it loses two important proteins, collagen, and elastin. Collagen is made of tightly constructed fibers, which help skin maintain its structure and firmness. Elastin gives skin its ability to bounce back when stretched. Both collagen and elastin production decrease with age. This means that our skin naturally loses tone, firmness, and elasticity with time. So, the older you are when you lose weight, the more problems you’ll have with “Old Face” or “Ozempic Face.”

Additionally, sun exposure decreases the collagen and elastin content in our skin. Collagen and elastin are also decreased by environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke, poor nutrition, and drinking alcohol in excess.

So, overweight older people that eat an unhealthy diet, drink, smoke, and sunbathe regularly are going to develop an “Ozempic Face” when they lose weight. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.”

Fortunately, there are effective strategies to help you achieve a firmer, more youthful appearance allowing you to embrace your new body with confidence and radiance.

Here are a few things you can and should do on your own:

Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity. Drinking an adequate amount of water each day helps to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, promoting collagen production and overall skin health. Aim for half your body weight in ounces, so if you weigh 200 pounds, your intake goal is at least 100 ounces of water. You can also incorporate foods in your diet that have a high water content, like cucumbers and watermelon.
Optimize Your Diet: A nutrient rich diet is vital for skin health and elasticity. Include foods that are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support collagen production. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your meals. Avoid crash diets or extreme calorie restriction, as they can lead to further skin laxity.
Exercise and Protein Intake: Ensure that you get adequate amounts of protein in your daily diet. Rapid weight loss is always a combination of muscle loss and fat loss. To maintain muscle mass while you lose weight, it is essential to exercise and eat enough protein. Proper nutrition and exercise are the keys to preventing “Old Face” or “Ozempic Face.”
Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage: Excessive sun exposure can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to further laxity. Protect your skin by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even during cloudy weather. Additionally, wear hats and seek shade when the sun is at its strongest.
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1. Consultation with a Skincare Expert: Begin your journey to combat skin laxity by scheduling a consultation with an experienced skincare expert. At Shea, we believe in a personalized approach to skincare. We evaluate your unique concerns, assess your skin’s condition, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Feel free to review our skin tightening page on the website.

2. Topical Treatments: Various topical treatments can help improve skin elasticity and reduce facial sagging. Look for medical grade products that contain ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides. These ingredients can help boost collagen production, hydrate the skin, increase cellular turnover, and improve its overall appearance. The skincare experts at Shea will help find the best medical grade products for your specific needs.

3. Injectable Fillers: The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends dermal fillers (also known as soft tissue fillers), such as hyaluronic acid-based products. Fillers are excellent for replenishing lost volume from weight loss and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Our skilled injector can restore facial contours and improve the appearance of skin laxity, providing a more youthful appearance. Injectable fillers provide immediate results, as you’ll notice increased volume and diminished sagging in the treated areas right away. The effects can last anywhere from six months to a year or more, depending on the type of filler used and your body’s metabolism. Regular maintenance treatments are required to sustain the desired results.