What is Ozempic face and how to avoid it?

Is Ozempic – along with its cousins Wegovy and Mounjaro – really the magic weight-loss potion it’s been made out to be in the media recently? Before you run to your closest clinic for these medications – originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes – there is one curious side effect known as “Ozempic face” (when the cheeks appear sunken and hollow after rapid weight loss) to be aware of, says Dr Bernard Tan, Medical Director and Founder of Bay Aesthetics Clinic. Here, he dives into why it happens, plus a few other side effects of these drugs.

But first – how do drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro work?

“Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, belonging to a category of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide works by targeting GLP-1 receptors in your brain, the same ones that control hunger and fullness. By activating these receptors, it helps users feel less hungry and more satisfied after eating,” explains Dr Tan.

It also slows digestion, meaning you stay fuller for longer and may not feel the urge to snack as often. “These effects make it easier to eat less without feeling hungry, helping people lose weight in a more manageable way.”

Ozempic is taken as a weekly injection – usually in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm – to help regulate blood sugar levels while promoting gradual and sustainable weight loss. “Clinical trials have shown that people using Ozempic for weight loss can achieve reductions of up to 15 percent in body weight over a year when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.”

Meanwhile, Wegovy is a higher-dose version of the semaglutide injection, specifically approved for obesity treatment and weight management. According to Dr Tan, it works similarly to Ozempic, with a higher dosage making it more potent in promoting weight loss. Like Ozempic, Wegovy is administered weekly and works best with a healthy lifestyle.

Mounjaro works a bit differently. “Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, while Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a dual-action hormone that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Mounjaro is also administered as a weekly injection and has demonstrated good results in trials. Participants often experience greater weight loss compared to semaglutide-based treatments, with up to 20 percent reductions in body weight. Mounjaro’s dual-action approach provides a safe and effective solution for weight management.”

People in Singapore who are keen to try Wegovy and Mounjaro will have to be patient. Dr Tan tells us that due to a worldwide shortage, stocks of Wegovy and Mounjaro are not yet available in Singapore, with supply expected to become available in 2026.

What exactly is ‘Ozempic face’?

“Ozempic face refers to the excessively skinny, gaunt and aged look often seen in individuals who have recently undergone rapid weight loss. Think a hollow and sunken appearance on the cheeks and temples, accelerated signs of ageing such as loose skin and wrinkles, deeper nasolabial folds (laugh lines), marionette lines and jowls, and more prominent sagging skin around the jawline and neck.”

Dr Tan highlights several risk factors that have been identified in the development of Ozempic face:

• The amount of weight loss. Individuals who experience significant weight loss, defined as over 10 percent of their body weight, are more likely to develop Ozempic face.
• The speed of weight loss. Those who lose too much too quickly (e.g., rapid weight loss within a period of less than six months) are at higher risk. This is because facial fat reduces rapidly, without giving the skin enough time to catch up.
• Age. Individuals in their 40s and 50s, who already have notable collagen loss, are more likely to develop Ozempic face as their skin no longer has the elasticity to “bounce back”.

Thankfully, this sunken appearance can be addressed with a variety of treatments to help restore lost volume. Dr Tan suggests that patients who develop Ozempic face may consider non-invasive treatments such as Ultherapy Prime, Oligio monopolar RF or collagen stimulation with Sculptra injections to tighten and lift the skin.

Other side effects besides Ozempic face

Ozempic face may be one of the most noticeable aesthetic side effects, but it’s not the only one. Dr Tan highlights a few other side effects and risks associated with medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro:

• Gastrointestinal issues. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, reflux and constipation affect 10 to 20 percent of users. These are due to the activation of GLP-1 receptors in the gut. Symptoms are usually mild and resolve within three to four weeks.
• Neurological side effects. Headaches, dizziness and fatigue can also occur in about 10 to 20 percent of patients. These are usually mild and resolve within three to four weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
• Hepatobiliary risks. Gallstone formation and acute pancreatitis are rare but potentially severe adverse effects. The risk of developing pancreatitis was estimated at 0.2 to 0.5 percent during clinical trials.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding risks. Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Women of childbearing potential are recommended to use contraception with taking these medications.
• Overdosage. The maximum weekly dosage of Ozempic is 2mg per week, while the maximum weekly dosage of Wegovy is 2.4mg per week. Overdosage of up to 4mg per week has been reported in clinical trials, with patients experiencing nausea.

Is there any way to minimise or avoid these side effects?

“Only medical doctors experienced in weight management and diabetes treatment should prescribe Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, with close supervision and regular monitoring,” emphasises Dr Tan. “The key is to start at a lower dosage, gradually increasing after four to six weeks. This gives the body time to acclimatise and helps reduce common side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Before starting the medication, patients should undergo a detailed medical consultation to ensure no contraindications.”

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, Dr Tan and his fellow Medical Director Dr Hoe Ying Min have over 20 years of combined experience and have treated thousands of patients with successful outcomes. Their treatment philosophy focuses on natural-looking results and takes a holistic approach to patient wellness and health. Contact them to schedule a medical consultation and learn more.

Bay Aesthetics Clinic is at #B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard.
8428 7811 | bayclinic.sg

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