What Is “Ozempic Face” and Why Does It Happen?

You feel healthier. Lighter. More in control of your body than you have in years.
Yet when you look in the mirror, something feels off.

Your face looks thinner, but not refreshed.
Softer where the definition once sat. More tired than you feel.

This disconnect is increasingly common with medical weight-loss injections and is often labelled Ozempic face. A term that oversimplifies a complex biological process.

Understanding why this happens, and how it can be corrected without overfilling or distortion, requires a medically led approach grounded in anatomy, collagen biology and long-term tissue behaviour.

A Doctor-Led Innovation Developed at Dr Ana – The Skin Clinic

At Dr Ana –  The Skin Clinic, clinicians observed a clear pattern of facial ageing following rapid weight loss long before it became a mainstream discussion point.

In response, Dr Ana developed an original, medically structured rejuvenation protocol, designed in-clinic and grounded in facial anatomy, collagen biology and long-term tissue behaviour. The protocol was created to restore structure before volume, prioritising skin quality, strength and longevity over short-term cosmetic fixes.

Due to its originality, clinical logic and consistently natural outcomes, the protocol was later featured in HELLO! Magazine as an example of how leading aesthetic doctors are responsibly addressing facial ageing associated with rapid weight loss.
It is important to clarify that the protocol was not adopted from the media. It was recognised after successful clinical implementation.

The Dr Ana Weight-Loss Facial Rejuvenation Protocol

Phase 1: Sculptra® – Reactivating Collagen Production

The protocol begins with Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid), a collagen biostimulator.

Rather than providing instant volume, Sculptra® works by activating inactive fibroblasts, encouraging the skin to rebuild its own collagen gradually. This is a critical first step following rapid weight loss, when the skin is often thinner, weaker and less resilient.

By restoring dermal density and strength in areas such as the cheeks, temples and lower face, Sculptra® creates a stable biological foundation for lifting and refinement in later stages.

Phase 2: Sofwave® – Synergistic Tightening and Lifting

Several weeks later, once collagen stimulation is underway, treatment progresses to Sofwave®  (Tissue Regeneration Technology).

Sofwave® uses non-invasive ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen and elastin within the mid-dermal layer. Applied at this precise stage, it works synergistically with Sculptra®, enhancing tissue tightening, lifting and firmness.

This phase is particularly effective for addressing laxity, jowls and soft tissue descent that often follow rapid weight loss.

Phase 3: Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers – Final Precision Volumisation

Only once weight loss has stabilised does the protocol move to hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.

These are used conservatively and strategically to restore volume in key areas such as the cheeks, jawline or under-eye region. Because collagen strength and skin tension have already been addressed, less filler is required, resulting in refined, natural-looking contours without heaviness or distortion.

Why This Protocol Delivers Superior, Long-Term Results

Many approaches to ‘Ozempic face’ focus solely on replacing volume. Without restoring collagen and skin integrity first, filler-only treatments often appear unnatural or fail to last.

Dr Ana’s protocol is deliberately phased, biological and medically led. It prioritises regeneration before enhancement, which is why it has gained recognition beyond the clinic and was later featured in HELLO! Magazine as a forward-thinking solution to a modern aesthetic concern.

Preventing “Ozempic Face”: Tips for Those Considering or Currently Using GLP-1 Drugs

Gradual Weight Loss and Nutrition (Protein + Hydration)

To protect facial structure:

• Aim for slow, steady weight loss
  
• Prioritise protein intake
  
• Stay well-hydrated
  

These habits support healthy collagen and skin elasticity.

Skin Care and Maintenance Treatments

Medical-grade skincare helps maintain skin strength. Popular options include:

• Retinoids
  
• Antioxidants
  
• Peptides
  
• Hydrating serums
  

Preventive treatments like microneedling.

Final Thoughts

‘Ozempic face’ is neither inevitable nor irreversible.

When addressed with a structured, doctor-led approach, facial ageing following rapid weight loss can be corrected in a way that looks natural, elegant and enduring. The original protocol developed by Dr Ana – The Skin Clinic, and later featured in HELLO! Magazine, represents a gold standard in modern aesthetic medicine. One built on expertise, innovation and long-term skin health.

If you are concerned about changes to your face following weight loss, a personalised consultation allows us to assess your skin, structure and tissue health in detail. From there, a medically appropriate plan can be discussed with clarity and care.

Click here to begin your journey with us.

Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Face

1. What exactly is Ozempic face?

‘Ozempic face’ is a term used to describe facial ageing that can occur after rapid weight loss. It typically presents as hollowing, sagging, loss of firmness and a tired appearance. The cause is not Ozempic® itself, but the speed of fat loss in the face combined with age-related collagen decline.

2. Does Ozempic face go away on its own?

In most cases, no. Once facial fat and collagen support are lost, the skin rarely restores structure on its own, particularly after the age of 30. Medical treatments that stimulate collagen and improve skin integrity are usually required to achieve meaningful, lasting improvement.

3. What is the best treatment for Ozempic face?

The most effective results come from a structured, medical approach that addresses collagen loss, skin laxity and volume in the correct order. Protocols that rely on fillers alone often fail to deliver natural or durable outcomes. Treatments such as Sculptra®, SofWave® TRT, and carefully placed hyaluronic acid fillers are commonly used in combination for optimal results.

4. Can dermal fillers alone fix ‘Ozempic face’?

Fillers alone can help restore volume, but without improving collagen quality and skin strength first, results may look unnatural or short-lived. A collagen-first strategy ensures that any volumisation sits on healthy, resilient tissue and ages well over time.

5. How long do results from ‘Ozempic face’  treatments last?

When collagen regeneration is prioritised, results can last several years, particularly with maintenance. Treatments that stimulate your own collagen, such as Sculptra® and Sofwave® offer longer-lasting structural improvement compared to volume replacement alone.