By Lauren Mayo, DNP, FNP | Refine Aesthetics
Alright—if you’re here, there’s a good chance you’ve recently lost weight (first off, congrats!), and now you’re noticing your face feels… a little different.
Maybe a little more hollow. Maybe your jawline is softer. Maybe you’re seeing sagging in places that were never an issue before. And maybe someone casually mentioned “Ozempic Face” on TikTok or Instagram Reels and you spiraled a bit.
Hi—I’m Lauren. I’m a board-certified nurse practitioner, and I specialize in aesthetic medicine and have extensive experience in facial plastic surgery. I also care a lot about looking and feeling good in a way that’s real—not overdone or cookie-cutter. So let’s break this all down together.
So… What Is “Ozempic Face,” Really?
The term “Ozempic Face” sounds dramatic, but it’s essentially just a name people are giving to the facial volume loss and skin laxity that can happen when you lose weight quickly—whether it’s from GLP-1 meds like Ozempic® and Wegovy® (aka: Semaglutide), or Zepbound (Tirzepatide), or just lifestyle changes.
And to be clear: this isn’t a flaw. It’s just how the body works.
When we lose fat, we don’t get to choose where it comes off. And unfortunately, facial fat pads are often the first to go. What that means is:
- Your cheeks may flatten
- Your jawline can soften or sag
- Smile lines or marionette lines show up more
- You might look “tired” or older, even though you feel amazing
You’re still you. But sometimes, it’s just hard when your reflection doesn’t match how vibrant and energized you actually feel.
Why It Happens (Especially After 30)
The real MVPs of youthful skin are fat, collagen, and elastin. And after age 30, we naturally start producing less of all three. Combine that with rapid weight loss, and your face may not have the structure or elasticity to bounce back the way it used to.
This isn’t just about appearance. For a lot of people, it’s about identity and confidence—especially when you’ve worked so hard to prioritize your health. Luckily there is good news! There are safe, effective ways to support your skin after weight loss that don’t involve surgery or downtime.
My Go-To Combo: Sculptra® + Sofwave™
When patients come in asking what they can do about facial volume loss or sagging, two treatments I consistently reach for again and again are Sculptra and Sofwave.
Sculptra®: Collagen in a Syringe (Kinda)
Sculptra isn’t your typical filler. It’s a collagen stimulator made with poly-L-lactic acid. It works with your body to gradually rebuild lost structure. So instead of “filling” the face, it helps your skin restore itself naturally over time.
Here is why I love it:
- It creates subtle, long-lasting volume
- Softens lines and improves texture
- Looks natural (read: no puffiness or pillow face, no looking over-filled)
This is ideal for mid-face hollowness, temple volume, and even jawline contouring– especially after weight loss.
Sofwave™: Skin Tightening Without the Downtime
Sofwave is one of my favorite treatments for lifting and tightening loose skin—especially when filler alone isn’t enough.
It uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen in the dermis (without hurting the surface of your skin), which helps tighten and firm areas like:
- Jawline
- Brows
- Neck
- Under the chin
What makes it so great? It’s non-invasive, requires zero downtime, and it’s 100% summer-safe. No peeling, no redness, no hiding from the sun. Seriously, you can hit the beach afterwards (as long are you’re wearing your SPF of course).
“Wait, Can I Actually Do This in the Summer?”
YES. This is one of the biggest myths in aesthetic medicine—that you have to wait until fall or winter to start skin treatments.
Both Sculptra and Sofwave are safe to do year-round, even during peak sunshine. That means no canceled lake days, no hiding out at home, and no skipping skincare just because it’s swimsuit season.
Let’s Keep It Real
Taking care of your skin after weight loss isn’t vain. It’s part of feeling like yourself again. You’re evolving—your skin deserves to evolve with you.
I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in. Everything I do in clinic is based on science, anatomy, and results. But I also know how personal this stuff is. If your reflection feels unfamiliar right now, you’re not alone—and there are options that can help you feel more like you again.
Ready to Chat?
If you’re noticing changes in your face after weight loss—whether it’s from weight loss medication or not—let’s talk. We’ll build a plan together that’s tailored to you, your goals, and your lifestyle. No pressure, no judgment, just real solutions that work.
Lauren Mayo, DNP, FNP
Facial Plastics-Informed Aesthetic DNP
