Ozempic-Related Cosmetic Surgery Boom: Patients Seek Solutions
The rise in popularity of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which facilitate significant weight loss, is leading to an increase in cosmetic procedures among users. Notably, patients are grappling with a phenomenon dubbed “Ozempic face,” characterized by sagging skin and a hollowed appearance due to fat loss. This trend has prompted many to seek surgical and non-surgical solutions to counteract the aesthetic side effects of weight loss.
About two years ago, Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York, observed a significant uptick in patients reporting unwanted changes in their appearance after using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. These drugs, while effective for weight management, can lead to facial volume loss, particularly for those aged 40 and above. Frank noted, “Once you start losing 10-plus pounds, you can get this kind of deflated look,” which can exacerbate with further weight loss.
According to health policy non-profit KFF, approximately 1 in 8 adults in the United States has used a GLP-1 drug, with around 40% of those individuals doing so primarily for weight loss. As more patients integrate these medications into their weight management regimens, Frank reports that over 20% of his clientele are seeking cosmetic treatments to restore facial volume and address other aesthetic concerns.
Surge in Cosmetic Procedures
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has found that 40% of its members’ patients using GLP-1s are considering cosmetic surgery, with 20% already having undergone such procedures. One patient, Kimberly Bongiorno, a 55-year-old land use administrator from Mount Arlington, New Jersey, experienced dramatic changes in her appearance after losing weight with Wegovy.
Bongiorno described the transformation as “horrifying,” noting that she felt she looked much older due to loose skin. After consulting with Dr. Anthony Berlet, she decided to undergo a deep plane facelift and neck lift to rejuvenate her appearance. “People I haven’t seen in a while say, ‘You look so healthy and happy,’” she remarked, reflecting her satisfaction with the results.
As of 2023, ASPS data indicates an 8% increase in facelifts performed in the United States compared to the previous year. Additionally, the usage of hyaluronic acid fillers has surged from 2.6 million in 2017 to over 5.2 million, demonstrating the growing demand for aesthetic enhancements linked to weight loss.
Understanding the Changes
The term “Ozempic face” encapsulates the visible consequences of weight loss, but it is not a new phenomenon. The decrease in subcutaneous fat leading to a gaunt appearance has long been a concern for those who experience significant weight loss. Dr. Steven Williams, a board-certified plastic surgeon and former ASPS president, noted that cosmetic surgeons have always treated the effects of weight loss, emphasizing that while GLP-1 medications provide effective weight management solutions, they can also lead to muscle loss throughout the body.
Younger patients, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, appear to fare better in avoiding the signs of aging due to weight loss. In 2023, only 2% of facelift procedures were performed on individuals aged 20 to 39, although that number is rising. One such patient, Gabriela Vasquez, 29, has lost approximately 50 pounds since starting Ozempic. She has sought preventative measures, including Botox and microneedling, to maintain her youthful appearance.
As the trend of “Ozempic makeovers” emerges, patients are increasingly seeking a variety of procedures, including tummy tucks and breast lifts. Bongiorno, for instance, plans to invest around $80,000 in cosmetic enhancements, emphasizing the desire to feel comfortable in her skin rather than to conform to societal beauty standards.
The long-term implications of GLP-1 medications on aesthetic procedures remain uncertain. While the expectation was that these medications might reduce the demand for surgeries like liposuction, ASPS data shows that liposuction remains the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S., with a 1% increase in popularity last year.
Experts are also cautioning against the potential for “Ozempic rebound,” a situation where patients regain weight after discontinuing the medication. Research from the University of Oxford indicates that many users stop taking the drugs within a year, with a tendency to return to their original weight within ten months. This highlights the necessity for a comprehensive approach to weight management that includes lifestyle changes.
Dr. Williams stresses the importance of supporting patients throughout their weight loss journey. He advocates for collaboration between cosmetic surgeons, dietitians, and fitness professionals to promote sustainable health outcomes. “We want it to be a temporary bridge to a healthier lifestyle,” he stated, underscoring the responsibility cosmetic professionals have in guiding their patients beyond just cosmetic results.
As the demand for cosmetic procedures linked to weight loss continues to rise, the conversation surrounding the impact of GLP-1 medications on personal health and appearance remains crucial for patients and healthcare providers alike.
