Ozempic side effects are reportedly leaving people looking like "melted candles", as plastic surgeons are reporting a surge in patients seeking cosmetic procedures after dramatic weight loss from the drugs.
Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro offer significant health benefits, but leave many with sagging skin across their bodies.
The issue isn't a direct side effect of the drugs but occurs because while fat tissues shrink rapidly, stretched skin doesn't simply snap back into place.
One of the most visible effects is dubbed 'Ozempic face', where patients are left looking aged with sunken eyes, gaunt cheeks and hollow temples. Even those in their 30s and 40s can be affected.
While some cases require a full face and neck lift, new non-invasive treatments are emerging.
One promising development involves injections of donated human fat that acts as a scaffold, encouraging the body to build its own fat in treated areas.
Rapid weight loss also causes severe sagging or shrinkage of the breasts, with surgeons seeing an increase in newly slim patients seeking enhancement surgery.
LA-based plastic surgeon Dr Josh Waltzman explains: "With these patients who lose weight extremely quickly the breast skin can be very thin and loose."
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One solution is a mastopexy (breast lift) with GalaFLEX mesh, described as an "internal bra" that provides additional support.
Another option is dermal suspension mastopexy, which repurposes the patient's excess skin to create an internal sling.
Skin changes aren't limited to the face and breasts, with many patients left with excess skin on arms, legs and stomachs.
UK-based plastic surgeon Patrick Mallucci warns about tummy tucks and body lifts: "These are the most dangerous operations we carry out."
"There's a high risk of venous thrombosis, when a blood clot forms in a vein, potentially blocking blood flow. This can be life-threatening if left untreated."
Weight loss can also lead to what's been termed "Ozempic butt" - a deflated, saggy backside.
Experts strongly advise against Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) as a solution, noting they are the deadliest of all cosmetic surgeries with a one in 4,000 chance of death.
Instead, standard buttock lifts or non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency microneedling, which helps tighten skin by transmitting heat through fine needles, are recommended.
Cosmetic device manufacturers are targeting GLP-1 patients with new machines that could offer alternatives to surgery.
Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to improve skin laxity by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Another device, Renuvion, employs heated helium gas to tighten loose skin.
However, experts caution these devices carry risks. Marc Pacifico, former BAAPS president, warns: "Heat-producing devices could cause burns and a host of other complications."
Christine Burch, 57, lost six stone on Ozempic after starting treatment in 2021 when she weighed nearly 15st.
The weight loss left her face looking "skeletal" and her bottom "just vanished". However, rather than surgery, she opted for dermal fillers, Botox and Sculptra to restore facial volume.
For her "Ozempic butt", she chose EmSculpt Neo, a non-surgical treatment.
"Three months in I suddenly stopped and thought, 'I've got my butt back'," she said.
Find Out More...
Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro offer significant health benefits, but leave many with sagging skin across their bodies.
The issue isn't a direct side effect of the drugs but occurs because while fat tissues shrink rapidly, stretched skin doesn't simply snap back into place.
One of the most visible effects is dubbed 'Ozempic face', where patients are left looking aged with sunken eyes, gaunt cheeks and hollow temples. Even those in their 30s and 40s can be affected.
While some cases require a full face and neck lift, new non-invasive treatments are emerging.
One promising development involves injections of donated human fat that acts as a scaffold, encouraging the body to build its own fat in treated areas.
Rapid weight loss also causes severe sagging or shrinkage of the breasts, with surgeons seeing an increase in newly slim patients seeking enhancement surgery.
LA-based plastic surgeon Dr Josh Waltzman explains: "With these patients who lose weight extremely quickly the breast skin can be very thin and loose."
MORE LIKE THIS:
- Ozempic: ‘Alarming’ side effect warning as health expert outlines biggest risk factor
- Benefits crackdown to see obese Britons offered FREE Ozempic weight-loss drug
- ‘Miracle’ fat loss jabs have devastating hidden side effect - fresh warning issued
One solution is a mastopexy (breast lift) with GalaFLEX mesh, described as an "internal bra" that provides additional support.
Another option is dermal suspension mastopexy, which repurposes the patient's excess skin to create an internal sling.
Skin changes aren't limited to the face and breasts, with many patients left with excess skin on arms, legs and stomachs.
UK-based plastic surgeon Patrick Mallucci warns about tummy tucks and body lifts: "These are the most dangerous operations we carry out."
"There's a high risk of venous thrombosis, when a blood clot forms in a vein, potentially blocking blood flow. This can be life-threatening if left untreated."
Weight loss can also lead to what's been termed "Ozempic butt" - a deflated, saggy backside.
Experts strongly advise against Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) as a solution, noting they are the deadliest of all cosmetic surgeries with a one in 4,000 chance of death.
Instead, standard buttock lifts or non-surgical treatments like radiofrequency microneedling, which helps tighten skin by transmitting heat through fine needles, are recommended.
Cosmetic device manufacturers are targeting GLP-1 patients with new machines that could offer alternatives to surgery.
Sofwave uses ultrasound energy to improve skin laxity by stimulating collagen and elastin production. Another device, Renuvion, employs heated helium gas to tighten loose skin.
However, experts caution these devices carry risks. Marc Pacifico, former BAAPS president, warns: "Heat-producing devices could cause burns and a host of other complications."
Christine Burch, 57, lost six stone on Ozempic after starting treatment in 2021 when she weighed nearly 15st.
The weight loss left her face looking "skeletal" and her bottom "just vanished". However, rather than surgery, she opted for dermal fillers, Botox and Sculptra to restore facial volume.
For her "Ozempic butt", she chose EmSculpt Neo, a non-surgical treatment.
"Three months in I suddenly stopped and thought, 'I've got my butt back'," she said.
Find Out More...