We can’t deny that Ozempic has turned everything around. Being the most popular choice because of its quick results, it obviously became everyone’s go-to for weight loss.
But while you often see the glamourised version of the ‘before and after,’ what many don’t tell you is the inevitable effects it carries post-usage. Meet the Ozempic face and body, the less glam counterpart.
If you ever get a hand on Ozempic, when used, you’ll experience rapid weight loss. Which means your skin doesn’t always keep up, resulting to skin sagging, hollowness and an overall deflated look (and vibe), thus resulting into the Ozempic face and body.
“When weight loss happens too quickly, your skin doesn’t have enough time to retract, especially in areas with naturally less collagen,” explains Dr. Fadi Hamadani, a plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeon.
Sharing the reali-tea, Cosmo Me spoke with Dr. Fadi about what actually happens to your skin post-Ozempic and what you can do to prevent it. From treatments like non-invasive solutions, skin-tightening procedures, and collagen-boosting skincare to help bring back elasticity, Dr. Fadti breaks everything down.
Cosmo Me: What causes extreme loose skin after rapid weight loss with ozempic and similar weight loss jabs?
Dr. Fadi: When medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 are taken, it causes quick and sometimes extreme weight loss, and the skin doesn’t always have time to adjust. Over time, your skin stretches to accommodate excess fat, and if that fat disappears quickly, it can be challenging for it to shrink back to its original shape, leaving loose, sagging skin. How severe this is depends on age, genetics, the amount of weight lost and how long the skin has been stretched for.
Cosmo Me: How does rapid fat loss affect collagen and skin elasticity?
Dr. Fadi: Collagen and elastin are the two main proteins that keep skin firm and flexible. When fat is lost too quickly, the skin will not usually have time to gradually retract, and collagen production can also be slower. As you get older, collagen levels naturally decline, which makes it harder for the skin to adapt to extreme changes of weight. Think similarly to when women have babies; some people are left with stretch marks, whereas others are not. This is why people who lose weight over an extended time tend to have better skin retraction compared to those who lose their weight rapidly.
Cosmo Me: Are certain age groups or body types more prone to sagging skin after weight loss injections?
Dr. Fadi: Yes absolutely! Specific individuals are more likely to experience sagging skin than others. People around 40+ are at a higher risk because, as mentioned, collagen and elastin production slows down with age. Those who have been overweight for a long time may also experience more severe skin laxity, as the skin would have been stretched for a longer amount of time. Also, people with thinner skin or lower collagen levels may struggle more with sagging after weight loss.
Cosmo Me: What are the most effective surgical procedures for removing loose skin post-weight loss?
Dr. Fadi: There are so many great options out there! For those with a high severity of skin laxity, surgery is often the best and most effective solution. The best procedure will depend on the area of concern. For example, a tummy tuck removes excess skin around the stomach area and tightens the underlying muscles. A body lift will address loose skin around the stomach, thighs, and bum. An arm lift tightens all excess skin in the upper arms, and a thigh lift removes excess skin from the inner or outer thighs. If people have experienced volume loss in the breasts, leaving them with a less defined shape, a breast lift can reshape and lift the tissue. Many people combine this with implants to create a fuller, even shape.
Cosmo Me: Are there any risks or downsides to these surgeries?
Dr. Fadi: There are some but this is the same with any surgical procedure. Scarring is inevitable, but your surgeon will try to strategically place any incisions to minimize their visibility and size. Recovery can take several weeks, depending on the treatment, with swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort; there will be some tasks or activities that you will be advised not to do, so make sure your surgeon discusses all of these with you. Other less likely risks can include infection, slow or poor wound healing, and asymmetry. Surgeries are also expensive, so this is something to consider.
Cosmo Me: What non-surgical treatments can help tighten the skin?
Dr. Fadi: For people who are looking to avoid surgery or have a more moderate amount of loose skin, non-invasive treatments can help boost collagen, remove fat and improve the skin firmness. For example, InMode’s BodyTite Turbo is a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to tighten skin while reducing fat. A small cannula is inserted under your skin. The RF energy heats and melts the fat while also tightening the skin and the fat is sucked out through a small liposuction cannula. QuantumRF is another option, this uses fractional bipolar radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin tissue.
Other treatments like Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound energy, or CO2 laser resurfacing, which stimulates collagen, can also improve loose skin. While these options won’t give the same dramatic results as surgery, they can make a huge difference for those with less sagging skin.
Cosmo Me: Can skincare or supplements help improve skin firmness after weight loss?
Dr. Fadi: Skincare and supplements can support the overall health of your skin and are great for this, but they won’t drastically tighten loose skin on their own. However, some ingredients will help improve texture and elasticity. Retinol and high-strength retinoids will help enhance collagen production, and they also improve skin elasticity over time. Collagen supplements can support skin firmness when combined with a well-balanced diet. Hyaluronic acid will also help to keep the skin hydrated and plump. These are all good options to help, and if they are combined with tailored in-clinic treatments they will be even better.
Cosmo Me: Are there any preventative measures people can take while losing weight to minimise skin sagging?
Dr. Fadi: Yes, losing weight gradually will give your skin more time to adjust and reduce the chances of severe sagging. Staying hydrated is also key, as well-hydrated skin is more flexible. A diet high in protein provides what your body needs for collagen production and also helps maintain muscle mass, which can improve the skin’s appearance. Doing weight-based exercises will also help you maintain and build muscle.
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