Weight Loss Jabs Trigger Demand for Facelifts
Injections have become the latest craze in the world of weight loss. Semaglutide, more commonly known by the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy, is helping people to shed the pounds. However, as many are now discovering, these jabs can leave you with saggy and wrinkly skin.
This unwanted side effect, often referred to on social media as ‘Ozempic face’, is leading to more people seeking facelift procedures. Here, we’ll explore the connection between these weight loss injections and the demand for cosmetic procedures.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an FDA approved drug developed for adults living with type 2 diabetes. The medication, which is administered through a weekly injection, helps to reduce blood sugar levels by encouraging the pancreas to produce more insulin.
It imitates a hormone our bodies naturally produce. As levels of this hormone increase, it sends signals to the brain that our stomach is full. It also has a slowing effect on digestion, lengthening the time it takes for food to be processed and excreted.
This mechanism is somewhat comparable to the results of bariatric surgery. A notable side effect when using Ozempic for diabetes treatment is weight loss, and it is intended for prolonged use.
Why Are Weight Loss Jabs Triggering Demand for Cosmetic Surgery?
While the weight loss effect of Ozempic seems beneficial, it comes with an unexpected outcome: it can cause significant changes in facial appearance, particularly sagging skin around the jowl and jawline regions. This is down to the rapid loss of facial fat, inadvertently speeding up the signs of ageing.
As the medication works its magic in regulating blood sugar and promoting feelings of fullness, it simultaneously reduces the fat pads in the face. These fat pads play a crucial role in maintaining a youthful and plump appearance. With their reduction, the skin lacks the underlying support it once had, leading to sagging.
The face is a significant part of your identity, and such pronounced changes can be a blow to your self-esteem and confidence. Suddenly, after rejoicing in your weight loss results, you are now confronted with a tired, hollow, and older appearance. This can lead to an increased interest in cosmetic surgery.
A facelift can be seen as a solution to resuspend these facial tissues and restore facial volume, counteracting the unexpected side effects of this weight loss medication. Fat grafting to the face, using your body’s own fat, can be performed to add volume to the face as well as fill out any lines. This can be done in addition to a facelift for optimal results.
Treating Ozempic Related Cosmetic Issues
While there are a few different types of procedures that can help tackle these unwanted side effects, facelifts remain the most popular. A facelift provides long-lasting results that can stay with you for up to 10 or even 15 years.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a well-balanced diet and regular exercise, can help you to achieve weight loss more naturally. But, if you are left with sagging skin, a facelift is an ideal solution.
Discover more about the procedure and how it may be able to help rectify the signs of ageing by booking a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley.
