Aesthetic changes after considerable weight loss

The use of GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide or tirzepatide can in certain circumstances help people to reduce weight. A rapid and marked loss of weight can, however, lead to visible changes in the face and on the body. These effects – colloquially described as ‘Ozempic face’ or ‘Ozempic body’ – do not arise from the medicine itself, but from the rapid loss of fat and muscle mass.

At the Kuzbari Centre for Aesthetic Medicine we increasingly see patients who, after such a loss of weight, seek support in order to compensate for loss of volume, slackening of the skin and changes in proportion.

Why do these changes occur?

Unlike with a Liposuction , the body does not lose the fat in a targeted way at problem areas, but also in regions that are important for a youthful, harmonious appearance – in the face in particular.

Possible consequences:

In the face (‘Ozempic face’):

• flatter or sunken cheeks
• more pronounced nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• visible transitions between eyelid and cheek
• a less defined chin and neck line
• an altogether ‘more tired’ or older-looking facial expression

On the body (‘Ozempic body’):

• slackening of the skin on the arms, belly or thighs
• loss of volume on the breast or buttocks
• less firm body contours

These effects are not dangerous, but they may affect the overall aesthetic appearance and can be at odds with the original wish.

How can these changes be treated?

At the Kuzbari Centre various medically well-founded therapies, which can be combined individually, are available in order to restore volume and firmness.

1. Dermal fillers – gentle build-up of volume in the face

Hyaluron fillers are ideally suited to:

• building up the cheeks harmoniously again
• softening deeper wrinkles
• emphasising the chin and jaw line more strongly again

Advantages:

• immediately visible effects
• a natural result
• a short downtime

2. Autologous fat (‘fat grafting’) – natural, long-term build-up of volume

Autologous fat is especially suitable for patients who:

• have already lost a great deal of weight
• wish for a lasting solution
• prefer a material that is as natural as possible

Typical areas of application:

• cheeks
• the transition between lower eyelid and cheek
• temples
• breast or buttocks (within defined possibilities)

Advantage:

• The transplanted fat can grow in permanently and looks very natural.

3. Skin tightening & tissue tightening (e.g. Renuvion, ultrasound, but also surgical)

Where the skin has slackened – in particular after rapid weight loss – energy-based procedures can visibly improve the quality of the skin:

• tightening on the neck
• upper arms (‘bingo wings’)
• Abdomen
• Thighs

Renuvion combines radiofrequency energy with helium plasma in order to tighten tissue precisely and to stimulate the formation of collagen. For slighter slackening, non-invasive ultrasound treatments can also be used. In more pronounced cases, surgical tightening can also be resorted to. 

4. Combined treatment plans – for a harmonious result

Since rapid weight loss mostly affects several regions, a holistic analysis is decisive. A combination of the following often proves its worth:

• fillers or autologous fat for volume
• skin tightening to improve the contours
• boosters for skin quality (e.g. microneedling or laser-assisted procedures)

Scientific background – what is established?

• Studies show that considerable or rapid weight loss leads to a decrease in subcutaneous fatty tissue – especially in the face.
• Muscle mass can also decrease, which influences the firmness of the skin.
• The elasticity of the skin depends on age, genetic factors, sun damage and the speed of the weight loss.
• GLP-1 medicines are not directly responsible for the slackening of the skin – the loss of volume is the decisive factor.

Whom are these treatments suitable for?

• People after considerable or rapid weight loss
• Users of GLP-1 whose weight is now stable
• Patients who would like to restore a harmonious, fresh appearance
• People who prefer a natural look

Your way to a harmonious, natural result

At the Kuzbari Centre we accompany you from the initial consultation to the individual planning of your therapy. The aim is a result that looks fresh, balanced and authentic – without overcorrections.