GLP-1 medications have opened up a new path in weight-loss management. Drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are delivering significant results for millions, but the weight loss isn’t targeted. That means if you’re taking a GLP-1, you may notice changes in your face just as quickly as elsewhere on your body. Experts say there are six areas of the face that are most commonly affected. Ahead, two plastic surgeons explain what those areas are—and the treatments and procedures that can help address them.
Featured Experts
- Steven Curti, MD, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA
- Kristy L. Hamilton, MD, is a plastic surgeon in Houston, TX
How GLP-1s Affect Facial Features
GLP-1 medications drive fat loss throughout the body, including in areas where volume plays a role, such as the face. “It doesn’t discriminate against different types of fat and can affect facial fat, which is necessary for structural support and a youthful look,” says California-based facial plastic surgeon Steven Curti, MD.
As a result of rapid weight loss, the face can begin to hollow and look deflated. In many cases, the face looks “downward pulled rather than soft and slim,” says Dr. Curti—an effect many now call “Ozempic face.”
Beyond volume loss, there may be longer-term changes as well. According to Houston plastic surgeon Kristy L. Hamilton, MD, GLP-1 medications can also indirectly affect collagen production, which may make facial hollowness more noticeable over time.
6 Areas Commonly Affected
Temples
You may not think your temples have much fat to lose, but they do. Dr. Curti says this area contains a thin fat pad that can become affected with GLP-1–related fat loss. When that tissue becomes depleted, the upper face can collapse inward, creating a concave, hollowed appearance.
Midface
This is often the most noticeable area of change because it’s “central to facial balance,” says Dr. Hamilton. Fat loss in the middle of the face can lead to flattening and hollowing of the cheeks, deepening of the nasolabial folds and downward migration of facial tissues.
Under-Eyes
Fat loss in the midface can also affect the under-eye area, causing it to appear sunken. “It occurs when supportive tissue under the eyes is lost, resulting in deepening of the natural orbital hollow,” says Dr. Curti. Dr. Hamilton adds that this can create a tired appearance, thin the skin and accentuate dark circles.
Jawline
The jowls are another area commonly affected by GLP-1 weight loss. According to Dr. Curti, fat loss along the jawline can unmask skin laxity that was previously supported by volume. For patients who lose weight quickly or later in life, Dr. Hamilton notes that jowling in this area can be particularly distressing and may contribute to a “turkey neck.”
Neck
“The neck is especially vulnerable to rapid weight loss because reduced fat support combined with thinner skin can reveal platysmal banding, crepiness and laxity,” says Dr. Hamilton. Often referred to as “Ozempic neck,” this occurs when volume disappears quickly and the skin isn’t able to retract.
Lips
With GLP-1 use, the lips can appear thinner. More importantly, Dr. Curti notes that the fat and collagen surrounding the lips may begin to deflate. As a result, lines around the mouth become more visible, making the face appear more aged.
Treatments to Try
Fortunately, there are several ways to address these concerns, many with minimal downtime. Injectables are often part of that conversation. “Strategically placed dermal fillers and biostimulators such as Sculptra are ideal for bringing volume back into the middle of the face and can also treat hollowness in the temples,” says Dr. Curti.
While these treatments can be used under the eyes, Dr. Hamilton advises caution. Instead, she recommends a combination approach that treats each concern individually. “A CO2 laser can improve thin, crepey skin, while microneedling with topical application of a biostimulatory medication is also helpful,” she says.
The experts agree that the neck and jawline usually require more in-depth procedures, such as a face and necklift. “When combined with strategic fat transfer, it’s the gold standard for addressing volume loss, jowling and neck laxity,” says Dr. Hamilton.
“It’s possible to restore a taut jawline with skin tightening treatments such as Morpheus8 or Ultherapy, but these modalities can also melt additional fat,” says Dr. Curti. He adds that the neck also needs deep collagen scaffolding and more than just tightening. If you’re not ready for a full necklift, he says Radiesse and PRF or exosome therapy can be useful to firm up slack skin and stimulate tissue regeneration.
