Article Overview
- Understanding GLP-1 Face: GLP-1 face refers to changes in facial appearance, such as hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes, and wrinkles, that can occur due to rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
- Facial Manifestations of GLP-1 Face: The rapid loss of facial fat can lead to a hollowed or gaunt appearance, sagging skin, more pronounced smile lines, jowling, and increased visibility of fine lines and wrinkles due to diminished underlying support and skin elasticity.
- Professional Interventions for GLP-1 Face: Strategies to address GLP-1 face include injectable bio-stimulators (like Sculptra and Radiesse) to promote collagen production and restore volume, and various skin tightening procedures such as ultrasound (Ultherapy), radio frequency (Thermage), microneedling, and thread lifts. In more severe cases, plastic surgery options like facelifts or fat grafting may be considered.
- Skincare Solutions and Integrated Approach: Targeted skincare products, such as SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, and A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles, can help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and diminish dark circles. An integrated approach combining professional treatments with a consistent skincare routine is key to mitigating the effects and restoring a more youthful appearance.
How GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Impact the Face
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have transformed the weight loss landscape, offering a new avenue for individuals seeking to manage their weight. However, with rapid weight loss comes a potential side effect that's been dubbed "GLP-1 face" or "Ozempic face." This refers to the changes in facial appearance that can occur due to the loss of facial fat, resulting in a more aged or gaunt look. We talked to board certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu to understand about the effects of GLP-1 on the skin and learn about solutions to tighten the skin of the face.
What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone in your body that plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. GLP-1 medications mimic the actions of this natural hormone. This medication class was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes but has since been recognized for its effectiveness in promoting weight loss. GLP-1 drugs work by stimulating insulin release, slowing down gastric emptying, and reducing appetite, leading to significant weight reduction.
Facial Side Effects of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
While GLP-1 drugs can be highly effective for weight loss, they can also lead to undesirable changes in facial appearance. The face is one of the first places where fat loss becomes noticeable. Unlike other parts of the body where fat loss may be welcomed, losing facial fat can result in a less youthful and more aged appearance.
What GLP-1 Face Looks Like (Reduced Facial Contours)
"GLP-1 face" is characterized by a reduction in facial volume, leading to several distinct changes in appearance:
Hollow Appearance:
The loss of fat in the cheeks and temples can lead to a hollowed appearance, making the cheekbones more prominent and the face appear gaunt. This hollowing effect can cast shadows that accentuate signs of aging.
Sagging Skin:
As facial fat diminishes, the skin loses its underlying support, resulting in sagging. The skin's elasticity may not be able to keep up with the rapid volume loss, causing it to droop and wrinkle.
Smile Lines:
The nasolabial folds, or smile lines, can become more pronounced as the cheeks lose volume and the skin sags. This can create deeper creases that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Jowling:
The jawline can lose definition as the skin and fat pad along the jaw begin to sag, leading to the formation of jowls. This sagging can obscure the natural contours of the lower face and contribute to an aged appearance.
Increased Wrinkles:
With less fat to plump the skin, fine lines and wrinkles can become more visible. The skin may appear thinner and less resilient, making it more susceptible to creasing and wrinkling.
How To Fix GLP-1 Face
Fortunately, there are several strategies to address and mitigate the effects of "GLP-1 face."
Injectable Bio-Stimulators:
Injectable bio-stimulators are substances that promote collagen production in the skin. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. Bio-stimulators, such as Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) and Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite), can help restore volume and improve skin texture over time.
Skin Tightening Procedures: Ultrasound, Radio Frequency, Microneedling, Thread Lifts:
Non-invasive or minimally invasive skin tightening procedures can help improve the appearance of sagging skin and restore a more youthful contour. Ultrasound treatments like Ultherapy, radio frequency treatments like Thermage, and microneedling can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. Thread lifts can also provide immediate lifting and support to sagging tissues.
Plastic Surgery:
In more severe cases, surgical options such as a facelift or fat grafting may be considered. A facelift can tighten the underlying facial muscles and tissues, while fat grafting involves transferring fat from other parts of the body to restore volume to the face.
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Skincare Products to Improve GLP-1 Face Appearance
While professional treatments can provide significant improvements, a targeted skincare routine can also play a crucial role in addressing the effects of "GLP-1 face."
A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum:
This serum is designed to combat the visible signs of aging caused by advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s). It helps improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and restore a more youthful complexion.
A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced:
This cream targets collagen decline and helps repair thin, aging skin. The formula also helps correct visible signs of aging and improves skin elasticity.
Tripeptide-R Neck Repair:
Since weight loss can impact the neck area, this product is formulated to firm and tighten the skin on the neck.
A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles:
This formula is designed to diminish dark circles under the eyes and improve crepiness, which helps reduce the look of sunken eyes due to GLP-1 face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about "GLP-1 face":
Can I prevent GLP-1 face?
While it may not be possible to completely prevent the facial changes associated with rapid weight loss, you can take steps to minimize their impact. Gradual weight loss, a balanced diet, and a consistent skincare routine can help maintain skin elasticity and volume.
Do GLP-1 drugs age your face?
The rapid loss of facial fat can lead to a more aged appearance. However, with the right interventions, such as injectable bio-stimulators, skin tightening procedures, and targeted skincare, you can mitigate these effects and restore a more youthful look.
Will GLP-1 face go away?
In some cases, the facial changes may improve over time as the skin adapts to the new contours. However, for more significant improvements, professional treatments and a dedicated skincare routine may be necessary.
Take An Integrated Skincare Approach to Treat GLP-1 Face
"GLP-1 face" is a real concern for individuals undergoing rapid weight loss with GLP-1 drugs. However, with a combination of professional treatments and a targeted skincare routine, you can effectively address the facial changes and maintain a youthful, radiant appearance. By incorporating strategies such as injectable bio-stimulators, skin tightening procedures, and products like SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum, A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, Tripeptide-R Neck Repair, and A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles, you can mitigate the effects of facial volume loss and restore a more youthful contour.
To discover the best routine for adult acne and address your unique concerns, use our online Routine Builder, or schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals Skincare Professional for a one-on-one consultation.
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Jenny Liu, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities. Her interests include ethnic dermatology, complex medical dermatology, and medical education. Online, Dr. Liu shares beauty advice, educates on skin and haircare ingredients, and skin safety.
