Medications for managing type 2 diabetes, such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®, are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss. Injections of these medications help people with obesity and weight-related health problems lose weight quickly. These drugs belong to a class known as semaglutides. They are effective but do have side effects including nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and dizziness. Another side effect is becoming evident in some patients – changes in skin quality.
What is the problem?
Some plastic surgeons have been noticing significant issues with skin quality in patients who have had rapid weight loss using a semaglutide vs patients who have not taken those drugs. The layer of subcutaneous connective tissues that support the face is thinner and weaker than would have been expected. Skin seems to have lost elasticity, and the ability to retain its shape is diminished. This muscle layer is an essential foundation for patients desiring a facelift. Loss of elasticity leads to excessive sagging around the cheeks and jawline, as well as overall facial aging. The skin quality becomes more like the skin of a much older person.
The term “Ozempic face” is often used to describe the sunken appearance and accelerated aging. Unfortunately, this is not just happening in the face. Some physicians are observing skin changes on the arms, legs, stomach, breasts, and hips. These patients with rapid weight loss have more skin laxity, wrinkles, stretch marks, and crepiness than those who have not used semaglutides. People who lose weight at a slower rate give their body more time to adapt to changes in body shape.
What can be done about these skin changes?
A rising number of younger people who have lost weight using semaglutides are now seeing plastic surgeons for skin tightening procedures. Dr. Cristina Keusch suggests several non-surgical procedures that can help tighten loose skin and stimulate the body’s own production of elastin and collagen.
- Radiofrequency microneedling (Vivace®) – The microneedling device contains gold-plated needles that conduct and emit radiofrequency energy without heating or burning the skin. The process promotes collagen production for tighter skin, fewer wrinkles and fine lines.
- Exilis® – A non-invasive treatment using radiofrequency technology for skin tightening and body contouring. Controlled heating is delivered to targeted areas to stimulate collagen production and tissue remodeling.
- Ultherapy®– Ultrasound technology is used to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin. Can be used on the face, neck, and upper chest. A non-surgical alternative to a facelift.
Surgical Procedures
Some patients will need more skin tightening than can be accomplished with non-surgical treatments. Dr. Keusch can perform the following surgeries, depending on patient needs.
- Face lift – Targets sagging skin in the mid-to-lower face. Repositions facial muscles and addresses marionette lines, jowls, and loose skin in the neck.
- Neck lift – Recontours the neck and jawline.
- Arm lift – Tightens and tones flabby upper arms.
- Breast lift – Lifts and contours deflated breasts.
- Thigh lift – Tightens and tones lower body; addresses skin laxity of the inner thighs.
Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center
Dr. Cristina Keusch is a Board Certified plastic surgeon who has been in practice since 1990. She is committed to providing the highest standards in patient care. Contact us to schedule a consultation.