Maintaining Facial Balance While on GLP-1 Therapies
There’s no question that the introduction of GLP-1 therapies has changed the landscape of weight loss for the better, but in the realm of esthetics and the wellness revolution, there’s a common downside many are talking about: “Ozempic Face.”
While the term gained popularity with the trend of GLP usage, it can be an issue for anyone rapidly losing large amounts of weight, such as bariatric patients, those with certain cancers, and even distance runners (for example).
Weight loss is rarely localized; instead, it’s a metabolic process that reduces fat throughout the body, including the face. When you lose weight rapidly, your skin may have difficulty adapting and tightening at the same pace. On the face, this can lead to an aged appearance, as areas such as the eyes, cheeks, temples, and mouth appear more hollow or sunken.
Thankfully, there are ways to both prevent and restore this using a variety of collagen-stimulating treatments and products.
One of my favorite ways to restore facial volume naturally (or to prevent its loss) is with biostimulators such as HD Radiesse® and Sculptra®. Unlike fillers that simply add volume, these products work by stimulating your body’s own collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep our skin firm, smooth, and youthful.
Both can provide immediate fullness, but Sculptra's is short-lived because most of it is water, which is absorbed within the first few days. However, once that happens, the PLLA (what Sculptra is) gets to work, and over the course of 4-6 weeks, new collagen grows in its place.
HD Radiesse® is similar but has the added benefit of stimulating elastin as well as collagen. Additionally, because it uses a gel, it maintains more overall volume from the start. After injecting, it takes the same 4-6 weeks as Sculptra to produce collagen. Both products are gradual and are performed as a series of 1-3 treatments.
As an injector, my goal is never to make someone look “done.” Instead, I focus on helping patients look like the healthiest, most confident version of themselves. For many GLP-1 patients, that means restoring balance to the face while preserving the amazing results they’ve achieved through their weight-loss journey.
If you’ve noticed changes in your facial volume after weight loss (or for any reason), schedule a consultation with Rejuvalase Medspa so we can create an individualized treatment plan to refresh and restore your skin.
If you're just starting a GLP-1, beginning our prevention program early to maintain your skin’s elasticity and structure will make a dramatic difference as you take this important step toward wellness.
Together, we’ll help you maintain your healthy lifestyle while keeping your appearance refreshed, natural, and beautiful.
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