A surge in plastic surgery procedures is underway, fueled by a surprising source: weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. Doctors are reporting a rise in patients seeking "quick fix" solutions to address sagging skin and altered facial features after rapid weight loss.
The phenomenon, dubbed "Ozempic face" by some, involves hollowness in the cheeks and a drooping jawline. "Ozempic body" is another term describing loose, crepey skin across the body. This is happening as Ozempic and similar medications see record usage, with over 13 million prescriptions filled in the US last year.
Surgeons are adapting, offering procedures like awake body contouring to address skin laxity. Dr. Meegan Gruber notes that while these drugs are effective for weight loss, they don't account for the skin's ability to retract. Rapid weight loss can leave skin stretched and less elastic, leading patients to pursue cosmetic interventions.
The trend highlights a growing intersection of medical weight loss and cosmetic surgery, prompting discussions about realistic expectations and comprehensive patient care.
