Best Skin Tightening Treatments Post Ozempic Weight Loss

The world has turned to GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, celebrated for their efficacy in weight loss. In the United States alone, approximately 12% of adults report having used these medications, a figure that rises to 43% among those diagnosed with diabetes. However, this rapid weight reduction often brings an unintended consequence: the emergence of what's colloquially termed "Ozempic face." This phenomenon manifests as facial volume loss, skin laxity, and a gaunt appearance, prompting a surge in demand for corrective aesthetic treatments. On social media and in clinics alike, it’s become one of the most talked-about side effects of medical weight loss.

Tara Jackson, Senior Aesthetic Medical Practitioner at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, observes, "The surge in Ozempic use for weight loss has undoubtedly transformed many patients’ bodies—but often at a cost to facial aesthetics. Rapid weight loss can leave clients with volume loss, skin laxity, and a gaunt appearance, commonly referred to as 'Ozempic face.'"​

Addressing these aesthetic concerns necessitates a multifaceted approach. Debbie Thomas, a renowned skin and laser expert and founder of D Thomas clinic, emphasizes, "It is not loose skin that happens from weight loss; it is the loss of volume that holds the skin up or taut that goes. This would happen with any notable weight loss, not just the weight loss triggered by Ozempic or other similar weight loss medications."​

Dr. Matthew Jarvie-Thomas, Cosmetic Doctor at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, further explains, "One of the biggest drivers of facial ageing is volume loss, particularly in the deep structural fat pads. These fat pads act as the scaffolding that supports the skin and connective tissue. When they shrink—especially with significant weight loss—the lower face can start to look lax, hollow, or saggy, an effect some call 'Ozempic face.'"​

In this article, we delve into the most effective treatments to combat the effects of "Ozempic face," exploring options from bio-stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse to energy-based devices such as Potenza and Thermage FLX. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the path to facial rejuvenation, ensuring you look as vibrant and youthful as you feel.

GeniusLift

Using the world's most advanced radiofrequency microneedling device, the Genius Lift works to tighten and lift the skin on the body to visibly combat signs of ageing. Results start to show 4-8 weeks post-treatment and continue to populate up to 6 months, with multiple sessions having an accumulative effect.

The Genius Lift is an innovative medical treatment that harnesses Lutronic’s revolutionary radiofrequency microneedling technology to resolve a variety of skin concerns, ranging from cellulite, scarring, wrinkles, sagging and volume loss. Designed specifically to tighten, lift and plump the body and face through natural collagen production,  it achieves excellent results.

Available to book with Natasha Clancy at KICHI from £1,000

T-Shape 2

The T-Shape 2 treatment is a non-invasive, multi-technology body contouring and skin-tightening solution, increasingly popular among individuals experiencing sagging skin after rapid weight loss, such as from Ozempic use. It combines radiofrequency to stimulate collagen production and firm loose skin, cold laser therapy to target and reduce stubborn fat deposits with minimal discomfort, and vacuum aspiration to perform a lymphatic drainage-style massage that enhances blood circulation and detoxification. This three-phase process works synergistically to improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of sagging, and contour areas such as the stomach, thighs, arms, buttocks, and neck.

Available at EF Medispa.

Potenza​

Potenza is an FDA-approved radiofrequency (RF) microneedling treatment that combines ultrafine needles with RF energy to stimulate the body's natural healing process, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. This minimally invasive procedure creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, encouraging regeneration and addressing various skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin laxity. Potenza's versatility allows it to treat all skin types, anywhere on the body, at any time of the year. The device offers both monopolar and bipolar RF modes, enabling customized treatments tailored to individual needs. Patients typically experience minimal downtime, with common side effects including temporary redness and swelling that subside within a few days. Initial improvements may be observed within two weeks, with optimal results developing over two to six months as collagen remodeling continues.

Bookable at Thérapie Clinic from £225.

Thermage FLX

​Thermage FLX is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen production, thereby enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles. During the procedure, a specialized device delivers controlled RF energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, prompting immediate collagen contraction and initiating new collagen synthesis over time. To ensure patient comfort, the device incorporates vibration and cooling mechanisms; patients typically experience a brief heating sensation followed by cooling as the device touches the skin. The treatment is versatile, addressing areas such as the face, neck, arms, abdomen, and thighs, and typically requires only a single session to achieve noticeable results. Post-treatment, patients can expect gradual improvements in skin tightness and texture over the following two to six months, with effects lasting up to two years, depending on individual skin condition and aging processes. Common side effects are minimal, including temporary redness or swelling that usually subsides within 24 hours, allowing most individuals to resume regular activities immediately after the procedure.

ThermageFLX is available at 111 Harley St. for £2,500.

Bio-Stimulators

Bio-stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse have emerged as a compelling solution for addressing facial volume loss associated with rapid weight reduction, such as that experienced with GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic. Unlike traditional dermal fillers that provide immediate volume by physically filling spaces beneath the skin, bio-stimulators like Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) and Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) work by stimulating the body's natural collagen production. This process gradually restores facial volume and improves skin elasticity over time, leading to a more natural and enduring rejuvenation. ​

The effectiveness of bio-stimulators lies in their ability to address the underlying causes of facial aging rather than merely masking symptoms. By promoting collagen synthesis, they enhance skin structure and firmness, resulting in a subtle, progressive improvement that can last up to two years. This makes them particularly suitable for treating larger areas of volume loss, such as sunken cheeks or hollow temples, offering a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation

Dr Meyer, founder of Dr Meyer Clinic comments how Radiesse can be used in conjunction with other skin tightening treatments for best effects “My preferred approach is natural and two-pronged, a Radiesse Wash as a biostimulator and Ultherapy to tighten the skin.  The Radiesse Wash is a calcium-based injectable filler, which is diluted, allowing for superficial injections that focus on stimulating collagen production and improving skin quality rather than adding volume to the skin.  Ultherapy utilises ultrasound therapy to penetrate the skin at different depths in order to stimulate collagen and elastin production and encourage regeneration.  It also incorporates traditional ultrasound imaging, which allows practitioners to see the layers of tissue they are treating, ensuring the treatment energy is delivered to where it will be most effective to combat loose skin.”

Book Sculptra at The Cosmetic Skin Clinic and Radiesse at Dr Meyer Clinic.

Pure Impact by Sofwave

Pure Impact by Sofwave is an innovational device for electric muscle stimulation (EMS) that firms up the body and tones muscle. The system is designed is to stimulate multiple muscle groups and body areas simultaneously.

“Due to the rapid change in diet and reduced nutrient intake - particularly protein - many patients are not only losing fat but also needed muscle tissue” comments Dr Munir Somji, CMO at Dr Medispa. “This can lead to decreased muscle definition and body composition, contributing to looser skin, and a less toned appearance, and of course, decreased strength. 

From a dietary perspective, it’s crucial to maintain proper nutrition by consuming enough protein and essential nutrients. Incorporating protein shakes, vegetables, and smaller but nutrient-dense meals can help ensure your body continues to function optimally.

For those looking to maintain muscle definition and strength, we also recommend using an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) device such as Sofwave’s Pure Impact, an FDA-approved device which strengthens, tones, and firms the abdomen, buttocks, thighs. By combining all of these, it can help those on their weight loss journey and also those who are coming off of these medications."

HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) works by delivering focused ultrasound energy into the deeper layers of the skin, specifically targeting the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS)—the same foundational layer that is tightened during a surgical facelift. This energy bypasses the skin surface and creates thermal coagulation points at controlled depths, typically 1.5mm, 3.0mm, and 4.5mm below the surface, depending on the treatment area. The heat generated at these focal points causes immediate collagen contraction and triggers a wound healing response, which in turn stimulates neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen) and elastin remodelling over the following weeks to months. This biological cascade leads to progressive tissue lifting, improved skin elasticity, and firmer contours—making HIFU particularly effective for skin laxity that occurs following rapid weight loss, such as with Ozempic. Because it is non-invasive and does not damage the epidermis, HIFU offers a compelling alternative to surgical intervention with minimal downtime and a high degree of precision.

Available at D Thomas Clinic.