How to Preserve Facial Volume and Maintain Your Glow While on GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

Hi everyone, today we are going to talk about facial changes that many patients may experience if they have been prescribed GLP-1 medications like Ozempic,Wegovy or Mounjaro. At The Medi-Shed, we know there’s still stigma attached to using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Many patients worry about being judged for choosing this route, but the truth is... for the RIGHT patient these medications are helping people achieve healthier lifestyles. Just as importantly, you deserve to feel confident while on your journey. That being said, it’s important to be clear - GLP-1 medications are not a quick fix and we are seeing a rise in abuse of the medications for a short term fix. Careful medical monitoring is essential, and without meaningful changes to diet, increasing strength training, and lifestyle changes, the weight can quickly return once you stop the treatment leaving undesirable facial changes. Our role as a clinic is to guide you through not only the medical side but also the holistic aspects of looking and feeling your best inside and out:)

How to Avoid a Hollowed Face During GLP-1 Weight Loss and Restore Your Glow

GLP-1 treatments such as Mounjaro have become a popular and effective option for weight loss. But while the results on the scales can be life-changing, many people are surprised by the effect on their face. Rapid fat reduction can lead to loss of facial fat pads, leaving cheeks sunken and skin sagging and dehydrated. This can create a more aged or gaunt look sometimes called“Ozempic face.” - not a nice phrase in my opinion. The old saying nothing comes easy in life! But the good news? With the right care and treatments, you can protect your skin during weight loss and restore some volume and structure afterwards or during.

Why Does GLP-1 Weight Loss Affect the Face?

When you lose weight quickly, your body doesn’t just shrink fat in the waistline or hips. The superficial fat pads and deep fat pads in the face also reduce, and this tissue is crucial for a youthful, lifted look.

Combined with natural age-related changes such as:

• Collagen and elastin breakdown

• Reduced hydration in the skin

• Changes in fat adhesion and bone support

  
  

The result can be skin laxity, hollowing, and wrinkles that make you look older than you feel... which is can be upsetting for patients.

How to Minimise Facial Volume Loss During Treatment

You can take steps while on GLP-1s to keep your skin as healthy and resilient as possible:

• Maintain good nutrition: Eat enough protein and healthy fats to support collagen and skin repair.

• Stay hydrated: Water is essential for elasticity.

• Protect your skin daily: Use antioxidants, SPF, and a targeted products like Obagi ELASTIderm products - see my blog below about these fantastic products.

• Regular check-ins: Book a consultation to track changes and intervene early if needed.

In-Clinic Treatments to Restore Volume and Tighten Skin

Once your weight stabilises, or if you start noticing hollowing, in-clinic treatments can help. At The Medi-Shed, we offer advanced options that can be used alone or in combination depending on your needs.

Injectable Protocols: Profhilo® & Profhilo Structura®

For deeper rejuvenation, Profhilo® is one of our favourite go-to treatments. Unlike traditional dermal fillers, Profhilo works as an injectable hydrator flooding the skin with hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The result is improved hydration, firmness, and that healthy glow from within.

• Profhilo®: Ideal for overall skin quality, hydration, and radiance.

• Profhilo Structura®: A next-generation injectable designed to restore the superficial fat compartments in the face. developed to address volume loss, especially in the mid-face, by providing subtle structural support while still looking incredibly natural.

When combined, these two treatments form a powerful protocol to maintain facial integrity without an “overdone” look.

• Ideal for patients with fat pad depletion or early sagging

• Can be combined with Profhilo for both volume and skin quality

• Tailored protocols depending on whether you have mild, moderate, or severe laxity

  
  

Morpheus8 or other Inmode technologies

Morpheus8 Burst is a powerful treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency to tighten skin, stimulate collagen, and remodel laxity.

• Improves jawline definition and skin firmness

• Helps counter sagging that appears after fat loss

• Works well in combination with Profhilo Structura and Obagi ELASTIderm products

This lovely patient below started Morpheus8 sessions and Profhilo/Profhilo Structura treaments alongside her GLP-1 journey and looks fabulous:)

Obagi ELASTIderm Range

While injectables and energy devices help restore lost structure, Obagi ELASTIderm products keep skin elastic and youthful.. I would say non negotiable especially if you are using GLP-1 medications.

• The range supports elastin formation through Bi-Mineral Contour Complex (zinc, copper, malonate)

• Clinically proven: up to 46% increase in elasticity and 16% reduction in wrinkles in just 9 weeks

• Range includes eye creams, serums, and neck & décolleté products for a complete at-home regime. See my blog about this range https://www.drdil.co.uk/post/find-out-more-about-obagi-s-elastiderm-range-at-the-medi-shed

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my face go back to normal if I stop GLP-1 treatment?

Not always unfortunately... lost fat pads don’t reliably regenerate, so treatments may be needed to restore some youthful structure.

Should I wait until I finish losing weight before having treatments?

Not necessarily at all ... many patients start a course of treatment eg. Morpheus8 and Profhilo alongside their weight loss journey and preventive care like Obagi ELASTIderm skincare should be started straight away.

Is it safe to combine Profhilo Structura, Morpheus8, and Obagi?

100% yes... fact, combining treatments often gives the best results. We create personalised plans depending on your needs.

How long do results last?

• Profhilo Structura: results build over 2–3 sessions and can last 6–12 months.

• Morpheus8: collagen stimulation continues for months, with results lasting up to a year.

• Obagi: benefits continue as long as you use the products consistently.

Final Thoughts:)

Losing weight with GLP-1s can boost your health and confidence... but you don’t need to accept a gaunt or aged face as a side effect. There is a place for GLP-1 medications for the right patient. With the right combination of at-home care and advanced treatments, you can look as good as you feel. I appreciate that adding medical aesthetic treatments to your weight journey comes at a cost... we can advise a bespoke plan based on your budget.

Ready to restore volume, firmness, and glow? Book a consultation at The Medi-Shed by Dr Dil to discover your personalised plan.

I hope you've found this blog helpful,

With love,

Dil x