Hi everyone! If you, your loved ones or your patients have been using semaglutide Ozempic to maintain a healthy weight, then you must have heard of the term Ozempic Face which is one of semaglutide side effects. Today I, Anna, the founder of the Good Skin website would like to explain what it is and how to prevent and treat it.

WHAT IS OZEMPIC FACE?

The term “Ozempic face” refers to the facial side effects of the medication semaglutide known by the brand name Ozempic. It is commonly used as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in adults and has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in individuals who are overweight or have obesity.

While Ozempic has shown to be effective in treating these conditions, it is important to note that one of semaglutide side effects is facial lipoathrophy, which have been referred to as “Ozempic face” by cosmetic and celebrity dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank.

WHAT IS SEMAGLUTIDE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

In people with type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells in the body become resistant to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by allowing glucose (sugar) to enter cells for energy.

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications which help to ensure that the pancreas releases enough insulin when blood glucose levels are high. Additionally, semaglutide Ozempic acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, which helps improve glycemic control, prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels. Moreover, it helps individuals feel fuller and delay gastric emptying, leading to the consumption of fewer calories. That, in its turn, leads to rapid weight loss.

All this can be helpful for people who are struggling with chronic weight management. By reducing the number of calories consumed, the medication can help promote weight loss and improve overall health outcomes.

WHAT ARE SEMAGLUTIDE SIDE EFFECTS?

While Ozempic is generally safe to use with a doctor’s recommendation, semaglutide side effects can range from mild to severe, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation, stomach ache, abdominal pain, fatigue, and injection-site reactions. In rare instances, people may also experience serious adverse effects, including vision changes, kidney problems, gall bladder disease, severe allergic reactions, an increased risk of thyroid cancer, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Moreover, rapid weight loss caused by Ozempic may lead to unintended side effects, particularly in the face, due to the loss of fat in the subcutaneous layer. Why? Because facial fat plays a protective function and affects facial aesthetics and elasticity.

Weight loss can cause dermatological changes and shrinking, as the fat that stretches and cushions the skin is no longer in place. Furthermore, the skin of the face may lose its ability to retract after an episode of rapid weight loss due to reduced levels of elastin and collagen, which are essential for structural integrity. These changes can result in increased signs of aging, such as the development of more lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, a loss of fat, a hollowed-out appearance including periorbital hollowing, and lipodystrophy, which affects how the body accumulates and stores fat. The hollowed-out appearance of the face can be particularly noticeable, as the cheeks and temples lose volume and definition, leading to a sunken, tired look. All semaglutide side effects affecting the face are known as the “Ozempic face“.

HOW TO PREVENT SEMAGLUTIDE SIDE EFFECTS?

Not all patients who take Ozempic experience the above listed semaglutide side effects. Moreover, the degree to which they manifest can vary from person to person.

Please note that if you take Ozempic as a prescription medication, you may be unable to prevent Ozempic face. However, if these semaglutide side effects are a cause for concern, a doctor may recommend the following options.

Reduce Dosage

First option is to reduce the dosage of the medication. This may help to mitigate the severity of the side effects while still providing the desired benefits of the medication. Ozempic sold in in this online store is available in three doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg. As a beginner and with the view to minimize semaglutide side effects, start from the lowest dose of 0.25 mg.

Increase Protein Consumption

Another strategy to prevent the facial side effects of semaglutide (Ozempic face) is to focus on improving protein intake. Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sagging and wrinkles. A diet rich in lean proteins like chicken, fish, and legumes can help to support healthy skin and reduce the appearance of facial aging.

Use Dermal Fillers

Finally, use dermal fillers to restore volume and fullness to the face. Dermal fillers can be injected into the cheeks, temples, and other areas of the face to restore lost fat and create a more youthful appearance.

WHAT DERMAL FILLERS TREAT OZEMPIC FACE?

Below are the brands of dermal fillers commonly used to treat Ozempic face, a condition characterized by the loss of fat in the face:

Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic acid): Sculptra is a long-lasting filler that stimulates collagen production, providing gradual and natural-looking results. It helps restore volume and improve skin texture.

Radiesse (Calcium Hydroxylapatite): Radiesse is a filler that contains tiny calcium microspheres. It provides immediate volume and stimulates collagen production for long-lasting results.

Restylane (Hyaluronic acid): Restylane is a versatile filler that can be used to restore volume and contour the face. It comes in various formulations, such as Restylane Lyft and Restylane Defyne, which are suitable for treating Ozempic face.

Juvederm (Hyaluronic acid): Juvederm is another popular hyaluronic acid filler that can be used to restore facial volume. Different formulations, such as Juvederm Voluma and Juvederm Volift, are especially suitable for treating lipoatrophy.

Finally, check out Belotero (Hyaluronic acid). Belotero is a hyaluronic acid filler that integrates well with the skin, providing natural-looking results. It can be used to restore volume in areas affected by the use of Ozempic.

All these dermal fillers are available to purchase from Anna’s Cosmetics, but before doing so, consult a qualified dermatologist or a registered nurse who can assess your specific needs and recommend the most appropriate dermal filler for your situation. They will consider factors such as the severity of facial fat loss, desired outcomes, and your individual circumstances to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Moreover, note that the use of dermal fillers may not be appropriate for everyone and should only be done under the guidance of a qualified medical esthetician.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PREVENT SEMAGLUTIDE SIDE EFFECTS

If none of the above options work, consider two additional things:

– Switching to a different medication that does not have the same side effects such as, for example, dulaglutide Trulicity (also available to purchase from Anna’s Cosmetics)

or

– Making lifestyle modifications to maintain a healthy weight.

If you decide to stop taking Ozempic, it can take about 5 weeks from the last dose for the drug to clear from your system. You may regain any weight they lost and experience increased food cravings and blood sugar spikes, but Ozempic Face will be no longer an issue. In any case, speak with a doctor before you proceed with the changes.

CONCLUSION

While Ozempic has proven to be effective in treating type 2 diabetes and aiding in weight management, always be aware of the potential semaglutide side effects one of which is Ozempic Face. However, keep in mind that not all individuals will experience this side effect and, as you can see from this article, there are quite a few measures that can be taken to mitigate its impact. But before making any decisions regarding treatment options, consult with a qualified medical professional to discuss your concerns as well as explore the available options to ensure the best course of action for your specific needs and circumstances.