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Dr Zand's tips for preventing volume loss while on GLP-1 medications

Ozempic Face: How to Prevent Facial Volume Loss While on GLP-1 Medications

Mill Valley, San Francisco & Marin County

You may have heard the term “Ozempic Face” in the news or on social media. While it is not a medical diagnosis, it’s a commonly used phrase describing the facial changes that can occur with rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Mounjaro®.

As GLP-1s become increasingly popular in Mill Valley, San Francisco, and throughout Marin County, many patients are asking how to lose weight safely without looking tired, hollow, or prematurely aged. Understanding why these changes occur—and how to prevent them—can make a meaningful difference in both confidence and long-term skin health.

What Causes “Ozempic Face”?

When weight loss happens quickly, the face often loses volume at the same pace as the body. This reduction in facial fat and lean tissue can lead to:

Hollowing in the cheeks or under-eye area
Looser skin and reduced elasticity
More noticeable fine lines, folds, or sagging
A gaunt or fatigued appearance

These changes are not inevitable, but they require a proactive approach, especially for patients undergoing significant or rapid weight loss. As a dermatologist, here are my tips for preserving volume alongside rapid weight loss:

For patients using GLP-1 medications in Marin County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, the following evidence-based strategies can help support facial structure and skin quality throughout the weight loss journey.

1. Consume Strategic Fats to Support Skin Health

Healthy fats play a critical role in skin barrier function, hormone signaling, glow and long-term skin resilience.

Overly restrictive or low-fat diets may worsen dryness, dullness, and facial volume loss. Instead, prioritize nutrient-dense fats such as:

Avocados and olives
Nuts and seeds
Omega-3–rich fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies

These fats help nourish the skin from within and support a healthier, more youthful appearance during weight loss.

2. Preserve Muscle to Help Preserve the Face

Rapid weight loss doesn’t only reduce fat—it can also lead to loss of lean muscle mass, which contributes to facial hollowing and a more aged appearance.

Incorporating resistance training two to three times per week can help preserve muscle tone throughout the body and indirectly support facial fullness. This can include:

Weight training
Pilates
Body-weight exercises

Maintaining lean mass is one of the most overlooked—but most effective—ways to minimize “Ozempic Face.”

3. Address Facial Volume Loss Early With Biostimulatory Injectables

Facial changes can begin within three to six months of starting a GLP-1 medication. Addressing volume loss early—rather than waiting until changes are advanced—often results in more natural, subtle outcomes.

One of my preferred treatments is Radiesse™, a biostimulatory injectable that restores facial structure while stimulating the skin’s natural collagen production. Unlike traditional fillers that simply replace volume, Radiesse™ encourages your skin to rebuild its own support over time, creating gradual, long-lasting improvement that evolves with you throughout your weight loss journey.