GLP-1 agonist-induced weight loss frequently causes midface volume loss, skin laxity, and stubborn fat, requiring aesthetic treatments.
Background
The advent of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has revolutionized obesity and type 2 diabetes management, driving significant weight loss. However, this rapid and substantial reduction in body mass can lead to unintended aesthetic consequences, particularly a noticeable loss of facial fat, resulting in a gaunt appearance often termed "Ozempic face." Additionally, patients frequently experience generalized skin laxity across the face and body, along with persistent pockets of subcutaneous fat that resist diet and exercise. Addressing these aesthetic concerns is crucial for patient satisfaction and adherence to long-term weight management strategies, highlighting a gap in comprehensive care protocols.
Study Design
Researchers conducted an electronic survey targeting healthcare professionals (HCPs) from three large, opt-in databases. Eligibility required HCPs to have experience treating patients with aesthetic concerns following GLP-1 agonist-associated weight loss. The survey aimed to identify the most prevalent aesthetic issues and current nonsurgical treatment trends. The respondent pool included 100 dermatologists, 100 plastic surgeons, 105 physicians from other specialties, and 101 nurses/physician assistants, totaling 406 participants. Data collected focused on the types of aesthetic concerns observed and the nonsurgical interventions employed.
Results
The survey of 406 HCPs revealed a substantial increase in patients seeking aesthetic treatments post-GLP-1 agonist weight loss, with HCPs reporting a mean increase of 137% in such patients from 2023 to 2024. On average, HCPs treated 1,249 cosmetic patients annually. The primary aesthetic concerns perceived by HCPs included midface volume loss, face/neck skin laxity, and loose or sagging body skin. Patients also frequently expressed concerns about stubborn pockets of fat. For facial concerns, hyaluronic acid fillers were considered the best treatment option for an average of 47% of patients. This highlights a significant shift in the aesthetic landscape driven by the widespread adoption of GLP-1 agonists. > Midface volume loss, face/neck skin laxity, and loose body skin were identified as the most impacted aesthetic changes due to GLP-1 agonist-associated weight loss.
Key Findings
- HCPs reported a mean increase of 137% in patients receiving GLP-1 agonists from 2023 to 2024.
- The 406 surveyed HCPs treated a mean of 1,249 cosmetic patients per year.
- Midface volume loss, face/neck skin laxity, and loose/sagging body skin were top aesthetic concerns.
- Patients also expressed concern about stubborn pockets of fat after GLP-1 agonist weight loss.
- Hyaluronic acid was considered the best treatment for facial concerns for an average of 47% of patients.
Why It Matters
This survey underscores the growing need for integrated aesthetic management alongside GLP-1 agonist therapy. Clinicians and patients must be prepared for potential aesthetic side effects like facial fat loss and skin laxity, which can impact body image and treatment adherence. The findings suggest that nonsurgical interventions, particularly hyaluronic acid for facial concerns, are becoming standard practice. For peptide users and biohackers, this implies that achieving significant weight loss with GLP-1s may necessitate considering complementary aesthetic treatments to maintain a desired appearance. Proactive discussion of aesthetic outcomes should be part of the initial consultation for GLP-1 agonist users, potentially influencing treatment planning and patient expectations.
glp-1-agonist
weight-loss
aesthetics
facial-fat-loss
skin-laxity
hyaluronic-acid