May 10, 2024 | Body Contouring
5 minute read
Semaglutide injections like Ozempic® and Wegovy® have increased in popularity due to their success rates for weight loss in obese patients. While this treatment can be physically transformative, a common side effect is loose, sagging skin on the face and body. Fortunately, cosmetic procedures can help patients achieve smooth, firm skin and attractive body contours.
5 Min Read:
What Is Ozempic®?
Ozempic® is a weekly injection-based medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. It causes weight loss and lowers blood sugar by helping the pancreas release insulin. Ozempic® and medications like it can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Wegovy® is a similar medication that is FDA-approved for weight management in individuals above a body mass index (BMI) of 30.
These medications have promising results for weight management, causing dramatic weight loss in as little as four to eight weeks.
What Do “Ozempic®Face,” “Ozempic Body,” and “Ozempic Butt” mean?
You may have seen the terms “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt” trending online, but what exactly are they referring to?
The “Ozempic face” is best recognized by its characteristic fat loss. Subcutaneous fat gives our faces a youthful bounce and provides a firm but cushiony structure underneath the skin. Fat loss can lead to loose, sagging skin, resulting in a hollowed-out appearance and increased signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles.
The rapid weight loss triggered by Ozempic® and similar medications can cause excess saggy skin anywhere on the body, including the face, buttocks, and arms. Depending on its elasticity, which decreases as we age, it can take a year or more for the skin to tighten naturally.
Fortunately, various cosmetic procedures that tighten the skin and contour the face and body can resolve this.
When Should You Get Plastic Surgery After Ozempic® Weight Loss?
Shedding a significant amount of weight may get you to a number on the scale you’re happy with, but it can leave you with a body image you’re not proud of. As you consider your options for plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Maintain a stable weight. Some patients regain weight after discontinuing medication. This could negatively affect the results of a cosmetic procedure. Make sure you can keep the weight off for an extended period before undergoing elective surgery.
- Be in good health. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will improve your surgery and recovery experience.
- Have realistic expectations. Talk to your surgeon about your goals and expectations for your procedure and understand the general risks involved with any surgery.
What Is the Best Cosmetic Surgery After Ozempic® Weight Loss?
Many surgical and non-surgical body contouring and aesthetic procedures are available to help you achieve the tighter, firmer skin and sculpted appearance you desire after rapid weight loss.
Tummy Tuck
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck contours the midsection by tightening the abdominal muscles, removing loose skin, and contouring the area. The result is a slim and sculpted physique.
Sometimes liposuction is incorporated into a tummy tuck, but fat removal is not the primary goal, making this procedure a top option for Ozempic® patients. A tummy tuck can also correct diastasis recti, or abdominal muscle separation, which is a common condition in obese patients.
Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation
You can imagine how fat loss and sagging tissues might affect the breasts. Think flat, deflated, and droopy, with a loss of volume and suboptimal skin resilience.
A breast lift raises the breast, removing excess skin and tightening the tissue to reshape and support a new breast contour. Asymmetries and large areolas can also be addressed. The result is lifted perky breasts.
If volume is a concern, a breast lift can be combined with a breast augmentation, where a saline or silicone implant is used to increase the fullness, change the projection, and manipulate the shape of the breasts.
Facelift
A facelift is an excellent solution to the dreaded “Ozempic face.” This surgical procedure lifts and tightens the deeper tissues in the face, resulting in smoother skin, a more youthful neck and facial contour, and a more defined jaw.
A facelift can be combined with facial fat grafting to reverse signs of aging in the face—restoring the cushion caused by Ozempic® fat loss, plumping sunken areas, and combating fine lines and wrinkles.
Non-surgical Procedures
There are several non-surgical procedures available that can treat unwanted side effects of Ozempic® weight loss, including:
- CoolSculpting Elite® is a revolutionary non-invasive treatment that reduces fat in the body. This procedure uses cryolipolysis to freeze, destroy, and remove fat cells without surgery in places where you may still have stubborn fat after Ozempic®.
- Microneedling uses tiny needles to create a controlled injury response in the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. This minimally invasive procedure can be used anywhere on the face or body.
- Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling creates micro-injuries with tiny needles and uses RF energy to achieve long-lasting skin tightening.
- Injectables work to restore volume to the face and enhance hydration in cheeks, jawline, lips, and temples, resulting in plumper, more youthful skin.
- Chemical peels address signs of aging with a chemical solution applied to the skin to remove the outer layers, eliminate wrinkles, and improve skin laxity.
Interested In Post-Ozempic® Body Contouring in Reno, NV?
If you’ve experienced rapid weight loss lately and want to review your options for cosmetic body sculpting, we can help you determine what procedures best suit your goals. Schedule a consultation by filling out our online contact form, or give us a call at (775) 828-7400 today!
