Ozempic Face: When the dream of losing weight quickly leaves its mark

You have finally reached your desired weight, but when you look in the mirror you notice sunken cheeks, sagging skin and significantly deeper wrinkles? This phenomenon, also known as „Ozempic Face“, often occurs after rapid weight loss. Especially in connection with weight loss injections containing GLP‑1 receptor agonists. What is behind it and how can you regain your plump and youthful skin? The Swiss Derma Clinic plays a pioneering role in aesthetic medicine in the Zurich area and beyond – it combines specialist knowledge and innovative technology and remains at the cutting edge for you.

What is an „Ozempic Face“?

GLP‑1 receptor agonists were originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Today, GLP‑1 receptor agonistsare used for weight loss. In the form of weight loss injections. These reduce appetite and generally lead to very rapid weight loss. However, it is not only the body silhouette that becomes thinner – but also the face! The result: loss of volume in the cheeks and temples, sagging skin and an aged appearance.

Causes of the phenomenon

Our facial skin is supported by a subcutaneous fat pad that provides youthful fullness and elasticity. With rapid weight loss, this fatty tissue shrinks drastically. At the same time, the skin, especially if it has already lost elasticity, cannot adapt quickly enough and begins to sag. This results in the typical characteristics of the „Ozempic Face“: hollow cheeks, pronounced wrinkles and an overall tired expression.

Treatments at the Swiss Derma Clinic

As stressful as an „Ozempic Face“ can be – there are effective treatments! Minimally invasive, outpatient and without surgery. Die meisten dieser modernen Ansätze bringen schon nach einer kurzen Anwendung sichtbare Frische und Volumen. In der Swiss Derma Clinic in Zürich behandeln wir Sie immer individuell:

Profhilo: The highly effective hyaluronic acid treatment hydrates the tissue and improves elasticity. The skin becomes firmer and plumper. Profhilo stimulates the body’s own hyaluronic acid production and the formation of elastin and collagen – for longer-lasting skin rejuvenation. The first effects are visible immediately after application.
HarmonyCAThe combination of hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite provides volume and also stimulates collagen production. Our dual-action method for naturally youthful skin.
PolynucleotidesThese natural biostimulants promote the regeneration of skin cells and improve skin structure. They have an anti-inflammatory effect and support wound healing and skin renewal. Ideal for atrophic and ageing skin.
Sofwave: The synchronized ultrasound targets the middle skin layer, directly influencing wrinkle formation. The sound waves stimulate elastin and collagen production, and by shortening connective tissue fibers (collagen shrinking), they achieve an intense skin-tightening effect. The skin surface remains protected throughout the process. This technique is one of the latest ultrasound methods and is FDA-approved.
Laser therapy (BioBoost): Our multifunctional laser system (since January 2025) revitalizes the tissue in depth. Coupled with Profhilo and differently cross-linked hyaluronic acids, the skin structure can be impressively improved. Even in the long term!
Radiesse: The modern calcium hydroxyapatite-based filler restores volume to the face. With visible immediate effects. Perfect for treating pronounced wrinkles and defining facial contours.
Liquid facelift with hyaluronic acid: In a liquid facelift, we work with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acids that are injected into the tissue over a large area. This technique enables fine contour modeling and gentle filling of sunken skin areas.

Your way back to youthful freshness – with the Swiss Derma Clinic

Every person is unique, and that’s exactly how the perfect treatment approach should be. At the Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich, we put together a customized aesthetic treatment for you. The focus is on the characteristics of your skin and your wishes for the treatment result. Would you like more information? Then book your personal consultation here.

Our conclusion

Rapid weight loss practically always has undesirable effects on the face, contours and wrinkle depth. With the right treatments, we can effectively counteract the dreaded „Ozempic Face“.

Note: This blog post is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. For individual recommendations, please make an appointment at our practice.

About the author

Dr. Chianese combines outstanding surgical expertise with a clear sense of aesthetics and a deeply empathetic, personable approach. His patients particularly value his calm, approachable demeanor, his attentive listening, and his ability to take individual wishes seriously and guide them with clarity and care.

As a physician, it is especially important to me to bring health and aesthetics into harmony. I take time for my patients, listen carefully, and guide them toward results that are medically precise, natural, and long-lasting in their benefits.

Kevin Sternberg is a physician specializing in aesthetic medicine at Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich. As an aesthetic medicine practitioner, he combines his extensive experience with a compassionate and consistently individualized treatment approach. His focus lies particularly on minimally invasive treatments. With his extensive experience in Germany and Switzerland, along with continuous professional development, Dr. Sternberg stands for the highest quality and professionalism.

Dr. med. Richard Berger is a board-certified specialist (FMH) in Dermatology and Venereology at Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich. With his expertise in dermatology, venereology, and allergology, he is committed to honest consultations, realistic treatment options, and modern methods — always with a focus on the health and well-being of his patients. With his extensive experience in Switzerland and Germany, along with continuous professional development, Dr. Berger stands for the highest quality and professionalism.

Evangelia (Lia) Georgouli is a board-certified specialist (FMH) in Dermatology and Venereology, as well as the Managing Director and Medical Director of Swiss Derma Clinic in Zurich. With her passion for skin health and aesthetic medicine, she offers state-of-the-art treatment methods individually tailored to her patients' needs. With her extensive experience in Switzerland, Germany, and Greece, along with continuous professional development, Georgouli stands for the highest quality and professionalism.