‘Ozempic Face’ Fixes in 2025: What Actually Works (Fillers, Fat Grafting, Skin Tightening)

By Dr. Cosentino

Published: Mon, Oct 20/2025

Educational illustration of facial layers and fat compartments relevant to volume loss and skin laxity treatment planning.

Introduction

Summary: Rapid weight loss with GLP-1 medications (e.g., semaglutide) can unmask facial volume loss and laxity—dubbed “Ozempic face.” Here’s an evidence-based guide to what works, how to stage treatments alongside GLP-1 therapy, and realistic timelines.

GLP-1 receptor agonists accelerate weight reduction, and while the term “Ozempic face” isn’t a medical diagnosis, clinicians are seeing more patients with midface deflation, deeper folds, and early jowling after rapid loss of facial fat. The right plan depends on severity (mild volume loss vs. advanced laxity), timing (ongoing vs. stabilized weight), and goals (subtle refresh vs. comprehensive lift). Below is a clinical decision tree grounded in current data and surgical/aesthetic best practices, with before/after education you can use in consults. Recent industry data confirm demand is surging in direct response to GLP-1 use.

Trend signal: why “Ozempic face” is showing up in your chair

Summary: AAFPRS’ 2024 Trends Survey (released Feb 4, 2025) reports rising consults for GLP-1–related facial changes; media coverage mirrors the surge.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) attributes increases in fat grafting, facelifts, and injectables partly to GLP-1–associated deflation/laxity—an observation echoed across national coverage of the survey.

Evidence snapshot:
• Search and survey data describe a sharp rise in “Ozempic face” interest and treatment demand. Journal of Pediatric Surgery
• FDA labeling for semaglutide documents known adverse effects but (appropriately) does not list facial sagging—supporting that the phenomenon is largely a weight-loss–mediated aesthetic change, not a direct drug toxicity.

External resource: Read the AAFPRS 2024 Annual Trends Survey for the full industry picture.

Pathophysiology: what’s actually changing in the face?

Summary: Rapid weight loss reduces deep and superficial facial fat and can degrade skin support, revealing folds and laxity—similar to post-bariatric facial aging patterns.

Systematic reviews of massive weight loss show predictable soft-tissue deflation, deepened nasolabial folds, and cervicofacial laxity—patterns now appearing sooner in GLP-1 patients who lose weight quickly. Emerging dermatology reviews describe “Ozempic face” as facial fat loss with hollowing and sagging after semaglutide-associated weight reduction.

Clinical takeaway: treat volume loss and skin laxity as partially independent problems; most patients need a combination approach.

Treatment decision tree (2025): match the fix to the severity

Summary: Start with weight-trajectory, then choose minimally invasive options for mild changes and escalate to structural solutions for advanced laxity.

Step 1 — Timing with GLP-1 therapy

Summary: For injectables/devices, you can treat during weight loss; for surgery or large fat grafts, prefer ≥3–6 months of weight stability when feasible.

During active weight loss: safe to proceed with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, biostimulatory fillers, and energy-based tightening; expect to recalibrate as the face continues to deflate.
Before surgical lifting or larger-volume fat grafting: many surgeons prefer stable weight for several months to reduce revision risk—an approach extrapolated from post-weight-loss facelift literature.

Pro tip for clinicians: Align expectations early; explain that staging (e.g., device now, filler touch-up at goal weight, surgery later) often yields the most natural result.

Mild volume loss, good elasticity (early hollowing; minimal jowl)

Summary: First-line: targeted HA fillers (+/- biostimulatory) with conservative volumes; reassess at weight milestones.

What to use

Hyaluronic acid fillers (midface, piriform/apical support, prejowl sulcus): immediate lift with reversibility; prospective case series and systematic reviews support safety and efficacy for midface augmentation at ~12 months.
Biostimulatory fillers (PLLA, CaHA) to improve skin quality and gradual volumization; consider for temples, lateral face, jawline camouflage.

Timeline & touch-ups:

Visible improvement immediately (HA); biostimulators develop over 6–12 weeks, peaking by ~3–6 months. Plan micro-dosing while weight is still trending down, with re-balance at goal weight.

Risks/pearls:

Vascular events are rare but serious; ultrasound-guided mapping and cannula techniques improve safety in high-risk zones.
For patients with ongoing deflation, avoid “chasing” with large boluses— layer lighter, more frequent corrections.

Ready to sharpen your injection planning for GLP-1 faces? Explore Empire On-Demand for comprehensive virtual training designed for licensed professionals.

Mild–moderate laxity, mild volume loss (early jowl/neck, fine wrinkles)

Summary: Combine energy-based tightening (ultrasound or RF microneedling) with conservative filler; collagen remodeling continues for months.

Evidence to know

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU/microfocused ultrasound) shows measurable lifting and wrinkle reduction across multiple clinical studies and cohorts in a 2024–2025 systematic review.
Radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN) improves texture and laxity; recent reviews and controlled trials support efficacy and favorable safety.

Timeline & staging:

Expect incremental tightening over 12–16 weeks, with continued gains through 3–6 months. Many protocols schedule 1–3 sessions depending on device and baseline laxity. (Timing inferred from device trials and review cohorts.)

How to combine:

Treat scaffold first (device), then fine-tune volume 4–6 weeks later.
Consider biostimulatory filler along mandibular border for contour while collagen matures.

Moderate volume loss + moderate laxity (noticeable hollowing, early jowl, neck banding)

Summary: Hybrid approach—device for scaffold + strategic filler now; consider small-volume fat grafting once weight stabilizes.

Why fat grafting here?

Autologous fat transfer (AFT) restores larger volumes and may improve skin quality; however, retention is variable. A systematic review and meta-analysis reports ~47% average volume retention long-term, emphasizing the need for conservative planning and possible staged sessions.

Timeline:

Early filler during GLP-1 titration → AFT after ≥3–6 months weight stability → fine-tune with HA or biostimulator at 3–6 months post-AFT as graft settles. (AFT timing and staging principles drawn from facial fat graft outcomes literature and post-weight-loss practice patterns.)

Risks/pearls:

Overcorrection risks if weight rebounds; counsel on maintenance weight.
Use micro-aliquots and layered planes; anticipate asymmetry touch-ups.

Want deeper mastery of collagen stimulators for deflation + laxity? See Sculptra® Aesthetic Injection Training (On-Demand) for advanced planning and injection strategy.

Advanced laxity, deflation + platysmal descent (persistent jowl, neck, deep folds)

Summary: Surgical lifting (SMAS/deep-plane approaches) ± fat grafting provides the most predictable correction; non-surgical adjuncts refine results.

Evidence to know

Reviews of facelift techniques confirm SMAS-based lifts address lower-face/neck laxity more reliably than injectables/devices alone; post-weight-loss cohorts require technique modifications and careful vector control.

Timeline & staging:

Aim for stable weight before surgery; graft for volume in the same setting or delayed.
Return to device + filler at 3–6 months for texture/fine-tuning.

Counseling point: For GLP-1 patients planning continued weight loss, a staged pathway (device → temporary filler now; lift later) avoids an overfilled look during active deflation.

Realistic timelines you can quote in consult

Summary: Set expectations by modality; emphasize that ongoing weight change may require tune-ups.

HA fillers: immediate effect; peak at 1–2 weeks; typical longevity 6–12+ months depending on product/plane/metabolism.
Biostimulatory fillers (PLLA/CaHA): collagen response begins 6–8 weeks, matures by 3–6 months; effect often >18 months depending on dosing/area. (Supported by biostimulator literature and manufacturer-referenced clinical programs.)
HIFU / microfocused ultrasound: lifting visible by 8–12 weeks, continues up to ~6 months.
RF microneedling: texture/tightening accumulates over 8–16 weeks; often 2–3 sessions.
Autologous fat grafting: early swelling resolves by ~ 4–6 weeks; settled volume becomes apparent by 3–6 months; plan for possible secondary touch-up.
Facelift/neck lift: social downtime 2–3 weeks; scar maturation 6–12 months; final contour evolves with ongoing weight maintenance.

Before/After education: setting patients up for success

Summary: Photograph consistently, sequence treatments, and educate that “after” evolves as weight and collagen change.

Capture: standardize angles, chin position, expression, and lighting; add profile + oblique to track jowl/neck.
Sequence:

Device (if planned) →
Initial volume (HA/biostim) →
Re-balance at weight milestone →
Surgery/AFT when weight stabilizes →
Polish (laser/RF, fine HA) at 3–6 months.
Consent talk: clarify that facial changes are weight-responsive; outcomes may shift if GLP-1 dosing or weight trajectory changes.

Safety notes you should cover (every visit)

Summary: “Ozempic face” is an aesthetic consequence of weight loss; counsel on medication safety separately and stick to evidence.

Reiterate that facial sagging isn’t an FDA-listed adverse reaction; it’s a byproduct of rapid fat loss, similar to post-bariatric changes.
Verify authentic GLP-1 sources and proper prescribing; counterfeit/compounded products have prompted FDA cautions and media alerts.
For procedures, screen for nutritional deficits common with aggressive weight loss (protein, iron, vitamin D) that can affect healing (optimize with PCP).

Sample combo plans by presentation

Summary: Three evidence-aligned templates you can adapt quickly.

A. 38-year-old on semaglutide, 20 lb to goal

Device: 1 session microfocused ultrasound to lower face/neck.
Volume: 1–2 mL HA midface support; 1 mL prejowl sulcus.
Recheck at 12 weeks; add 1–2 vials PLLA for mandibular contouring if still deflating.

B. 52-year-old, weight stable x 4 months, pronounced hollowing

Small-volume AFT to malar/temple with conservative overcorrection recognizing ~ ~47% mean retention; plan touch-up at 6 months.
Adjunct: RF microneedling series (2 sessions) for texture/tightening.

C. 60-year-old, advanced jowl/neck + deflation

Lower facelift/neck lift with selective SMAS manipulation ± simultaneous micro-fat grafting; device or fractional laser at 3–6 months for skin quality.

Build your full algorithm and patient education toolkit in the Autologous Fat Transfer (On-Demand) course —complete technique videos, planning checklists, and complication pearls.

Bottom line for 2025

Summary: Treat the scaffold and the volume, sequence around weight stability, and educate relentlessly.

If elasticity is good: start with fillers; layer devices as needed.
If laxity is the driver: HIFU/RFMN can delay surgery but won’t replace a lift in advanced cases.
For big volume deficits: AFT is the workhorse once weight stabilizes—expect variability and plan staged refinement.
Demand and awareness are rising; staying current with technique and staging will differentiate your outcomes.

Call to action

Level up your GLP-1 aesthetic playbook— Empire On-Demand gives you structured, evidence-based training you can implement immediately, from collagen stimulators to fat grafting workflows. Start building your “Ozempic face” protocol today with expert-led courses and case libraries tailored for licensed clinicians.

FAQs (SEO-optimized)

What exactly is “Ozempic face”?

A descriptive term for facial hollowing and laxity after rapid weight loss (often GLP-1–assisted). It reflects volume and support loss— not a direct facial toxicity of semaglutide per FDA labeling.

Can I treat patients who are still losing weight?

Yes—favor reversible HA fillers and devices; avoid large permanent changes until weight stabilizes. For surgery/AFT, many surgeons prefer several months of stable weight.

Do skin-tightening devices really lift jowls/neck?

Evidence supports microfocused ultrasound and RF microneedling for modest lifting and texture improvement; results build over weeks to months and are best combined with volume strategies.

Filler vs. fat grafting—how do I choose?

Use filler during weight change for precision and reversibility. Choose AFT after stabilization when larger volumes are required, recognizing ~47% average retention and possible touch-ups.

Is “Ozempic face” permanent?

No; with targeted volume restoration and scaffold tightening, the appearance improves markedly. Ongoing weight shifts may necessitate maintenance.

Will a facelift fix everything?

A lift corrects laxity predictably; you’ll still need volume restoration (filler/fat) for hollowing and skin-quality treatments for texture.

When will patients see results?

Immediately with HA; 6–12 weeks for biostimulators and devices; 3–6 months to judge fat graft settling; lift results refine over months.

Any medication safety counseling I should add?

Confirm legitimate GLP-1 prescribing and warn against counterfeit/DIY compounded products flagged by FDA communications. Coordinate with the prescribing clinician.

Do I need to stop GLP-1s before procedures?

Coordinate with the prescribing clinician for systemic considerations (e.g., peri-anesthesia gastric emptying). For in-office injectables/devices, most patients do not require discontinuation.

What about Sofwave and other branded devices?

Device selection is practice-dependent; look for peer-reviewed data in similar patient phenotypes and set expectations for gradual improvement.

By Stephen Cosentino

Mar 04, 2025

What is a non-surgical facelift?

Most of us have experienced that slightly sinking sensation when we look in the mirror and spot the signs of aging. Whether it's the appearance of new or deepening wrinkles, loose skin, or the loss of your jawline, aging is a natural process (even if its effects aren't always welcome!)

Dealing With the Signs of Aging

At Empire Medical Training, we believe it's important to celebrate your natural beauty and be confident in yourself. Aging is a gift in so many ways, but we also understand that not everyone feels their best when their appearance changes.

And, if you've not always applied your SPF, eaten well, slept deeply, or generally invested in your self-care, you may find that the signs of aging are hitting a little faster than you'd like!

The Challenge of Modern Life and Aging

We all live busy and stressful lives, and it shows in our faces, especially when this stress is combined with other environmental factors such as pollution, UV (not just from the sun, but also from digital devices), and second-hand smoke, even if we don't smoke ourselves.

Embracing Aging... Your Way

The good news is, that there are so many ways to tackle the signs of aging, whether you're interested in lip augmentation, a cheek lift, or jawline contouring. Search for 'fillers near me' and you'll find so many options.

But it's vital that you choose a highly skilled and accredited aesthetics practitioner who knows how to integrate surgical and non-surgical practices to deliver the best, tailored results for your unique needs, preferences, and situation.

We'll cover this more shortly, but for now, let's take a look at the fascinating topic of nonsurgical facelifts. Firstly, what is a nonsurgical facelift, and how is it different from a traditional plastic surgery facelift?

Why plastic surgery facelifts are less popular

A lot of people reach an age where they feel that the signs of aging are coming thick and fast, and what they see in the mirror doesn't reflect how they feel inside!

But at the same time, the risks of traditional plastic surgery - correctly called a rhytidectomy - can be significant, and this type of aesthetic work can also be very expensive.

Let's be honest too, most of us have seen people who have received a traditional plastic surgery facelift and the results are very obvious, especially if they have had more than one facelift.

Traditional plastic surgery facelifts are permanent but they tend to need renewing every few years as the effects of age continue. They are medical procedures with clear risks and if they are carried out poorly, they can leave side effects such as physical scarring (or worse.)

The rise of non surgical facelifts

Because many people were concerned about the dangers of traditional plastic surgery facelifts, and the many risks associated with a 'facelift gone wrong' (from unnaturally taut results that change the individual's appearance to medical complications), aesthetics industries have developed an alternative, which is generally known as the non surgical facelift.

If you love the thought of minimally-invasive aesthetics procedures, tailored for jawline contouring, cheek lifting, or lip augmentation, the non surgical facelift might be the aesthetics treatment for you!

What is a non surgical facelift in aesthetics?

A nonsurgical facelift is an aesthetic procedure that is only very minimally invasive. However, it delivers excellent results that are comparable to traditional plastic surgery, and it can be tailored or combined with other services, such as fillers, to deliver clear and desired effects (lip augmentation, a cheek lift, or jawline contouring, for example.)

Nonsurgical facelifts are also less expensive than plastic surgery facelifts, they have shorter recovery times and they also have fewer side effects overall. However, because this kind of aesthetic treatment is non-surgical, it is temporary.

How long does a nonsurgical facelift last?

A non surgical facelift will usually last from around 3-4 months to perhaps two years, depending on the treatment, the patient, and the individual factors involved.

For most people though, especially anyone already searching for 'fillers near me' the prospect of a nonsurgical facelift is highly appealing. Let's take a closer look at what you need to know.

How effective are nonsurgical facelifts?

Non surgical facelifts are an aesthetic treatment that can be used to achieve specific results for problem areas. For example, your aesthetic practitioner might combine a thread lift, or cheek lift, use Botox for lip augmentation and jawline contouring, and inject dermal fillers to add volume back into areas of your face for a youthful, plump finish.

Can nonsurgical facelifts be used for all aesthetic goals?

No, these 'light touch' procedures are less effective for more serious aesthetic complaints, or situations where the client wants a permanent change to his or her face.

If you are concerned about widespread sagging skin (perhaps for example if you have lost a lot of weight, or have sun damage), or if you have very deep facial creases (perhaps from stress, genetics, smoking, or other underlying factors), traditional plastic surgery may be the best route.

In all instances, the first point is to discuss your concerns and the possibilities for aesthetic treatment with a skilled aesthetics professional with the right qualifications, training, experience, and certification.

Why you must use highly skilled aesthetics practitioners

The skill of the aesthetics practitioner will very much determine the results of a nonsurgical facelift, as this combination treatment requires expertise, professional judgment, experience, and deep knowledge of the various aesthetics procedures that can be applied for the best possible results.

For this reason, at Empire Medical Training, we never recommend simply searching for 'fillers near me', or 'Botox near me', to find your nearest beautician without establishing their professional credentials, certifications, and insurance.

As a leading national provider of CME for the aesthetics industry, we can provide you with information on highly skilled and certified aesthetics professionals in your area.

Please contact us for more information or find out more about the courses we offer to see the quality of our offer and the credentials of our faculty. After all, when you're dealing with your face, you can't leave anything to chance!

Why Are Nonsurgical Facelifts Less Risky than Traditional Plastic Surgery Facelifts?

Traditional plastic surgery facelifts require a general anesthetic. This is inherently risky but it is required because the surgery involves deep incisions. These incisions are also riskier because, as surgical sites, they will require full healing and there is always a risk of infection.

Why Are Non Surgical Facelifts Less Expensive than Traditional Plastic Surgery Facelifts?

Nonsurgical facelifts are cheaper than surgical facelifts for a number of reasons:

Plastic surgery facelifts must be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Nonsurgical facelifts can be performed by aesthetics professionals.
Nonsurgical facelifts don't require an operating suite or an overnight stay. They can be performed in your aesthetic practitioner's offices, and you can go home immediately afterward.
Nonsurgical facelifts do not require a team of support staff to aid the procedure or recovery
Nonsurgical facelifts have a shorter recovery team and require less of a follow-up than a traditional plastic surgery facelift.

Is There One Type of Nonsurgical Facelift?

No, and this is the beauty of this aesthetic procedure! When you work with a skilled practitioner, you can combine treatments to achieve the effect of a full facelif, but with different minimally or non-invasive procedures to achieve your desired looks.

For example, you might have hyaluronic acid to achieve a cheek lift, and Botox for lip augmentation and jawline contouring, with a chemical peel for a completely refreshed and rejuvenated appearance across your entire face.

You also can (and most likely will) have different procedures done at different times, so that the effects are gradually layered for the best results. This also creates a more subtle finish that doesn't surprise people with a sudden severe change in your appearance!

What Are the Most Popular Types of Nonsurgical Facelift?

From botox to fat injections, a good aesthetics practitioner will have various tools and techniques on offer to deliver that look you hope for.

At Empire Medical Training we constantly invest in the latest training for all current and emerging aesthetics protocols and technologies, so our graduates are at the cutting edge of this exciting industry.

The three types of nonsurgical facelifts are typically the most popular:

Thread Lifts for a Cheek Lift and Jawline Contouring

If you have loose skin in your cheeks, eyes, forehead, or chin, a thread lift (also known as a barbed thread lift or PDO thread lift depending on the medical thread used), can be highly effective. This procedure will stimulate elastic and collagen production whilst simultaneously tightening the treated area.

The production of new collagen and elastin will work over the course of a few months to restore lost volume naturally and gradually, and the overall effects of the thread lift will typically last for 1-2 years.

Because of the gradual improvement, clients who have aesthetics thread lifts usually say that friends, colleagues, and loved ones ask them what their secret is because the results are effective but subtle and gradual.

Botox Injections (Neuromodulator Injection)

Search for 'Botox near me' and you will find endless local listings because Botox is so incredibly popular! Botox and other branded neuromodulation drugs relax overactive muscles to smooth out fine lines.

This is a quick and simple in-clinic procedure with low risks, so long as it is performed by a skilled and certified aesthetics professional.

The results don't last as long as with a thread lift, but it's very easy to get targeted Botox touch-ups when you need them, with minimal downtime (many people nip in to get a Botox session on their lunch break!)

Botox is also affordable and skilled practitioners can even use it to change the contours of a person's face, for example, to straighten a nose, or for jawline contouring, as well as to soften laughter lines and frown lines.

Dermal Filler Injections

Dermal fillers are also called soft tissue fillers, and these highly popular aesthetic procedures restore volume to hollow or sagging areas of the face. For example, they can be used for lip augmentation or to create fuller cheeks. Hyaluronic acid is the most common type of dermal filler, but other types include PMMA and calcium hydroxylapatite and PMMA.

When delivered by a skilled dermal filler practitioner, the results can be superb, and depending on the filler chosen, can last for six months to several years.

Again, as with thread lifts and Botox, dermal fillers have low risks and side effects. However, because they involve injections, it's important to choose a certified provider who has completed an accredited dermal filler training course, and who continues to invest in their CME.

At Empire Medical Training, our aesthetic graduates are committed to becoming the finest practitioners in their chosen fields. Fully certified, highly skilled, and trained by incredibly respected faculty, our students undertake comprehensive training to offer their clients the best possible results. Why not browse our course list to find out more?

Speak to the Aesthetic Training Experts

Our friendly team is always here to answer any questions you might have about aesthetic training, aesthetic procedures, and the industry in general. Whether you're looking for a trusted practitioner or considering an aesthetic career yourself, talk to us for advice you can trust.