Embracing Change: How to Maintain Your Facial Glow While Using GLP-1 Medications
Updated: Sep 8
Hi everyone! Today, I want to chat about something that’s been on many minds: the facial changes some patients experience when prescribed GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. At The Medi-Shed, we understand that there’s still a stigma around using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Many worry about being judged for choosing this route. But here’s the truth: for the right patient, these medications are helping people achieve healthier lifestyles. You deserve to feel confident on your journey!
That said, it’s crucial to clarify that GLP-1 medications are not a quick fix. We’re noticing an increase in misuse of these medications for short-term results. Careful medical monitoring is essential! Without meaningful changes to diet, strength training, and lifestyle, the weight can quickly return once you stop treatment. This can lead to undesirable facial changes. Our role as a clinic is to guide you through both the medical and holistic aspects of feeling your best inside and out.
How to Avoid a Hollowed Face During GLP-1 Weight Loss and Restore Your Glow
GLP-1 treatments like Mounjaro have become popular for weight loss. While the results on the scales can be life-changing, many are surprised by the effects on their face. Rapid fat reduction can lead to loss of facial fat pads, causing cheeks to appear sunken and skin to sag and become dehydrated. This can create a more aged or gaunt look, sometimes referred to as “Ozempic face.” Not the best phrase, right? The old saying goes, nothing comes easy in life! But here’s 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 even during treatment.
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. 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. This can be upsetting for many 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 targeted products like Obagi ELASTIderm. Check out 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? 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. It addresses 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 treatments 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’d say they are 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.
The range includes eye creams, serums, and neck & décolleté products for a complete at-home regime. Check out my blog about this range here.
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! Many patients start a course of treatment, e.g., Morpheus8 and Profhilo, alongside their weight loss journey. Preventive care like Obagi ELASTIderm skincare should be started straight away.
Is it safe to combine Profhilo Structura, Morpheus8, and Obagi?
Absolutely! In fact, combining treatments often yields 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 understand 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
Comments