Scrolling through social media, it’s hard to miss the dramatic before-and-after photos tied to Ozempic (semaglutide). Rapid weight loss, striking body transformations, and glowing testimonials dominate the conversation. But beneath the celebration of shrinking waistlines, physicians say another change is emerging — one that affects the face.
Experts have begun referring to it as “Ozempic mouth,” a term describing accelerated aging around the mouth linked to sudden fat loss.
What Doctors Are Observing
According to dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, the trend is no longer occasional — it has become routine in her New York practice. Patients who lose weight quickly are also losing facial volume. That depletion can lead to sagging skin, pronounced wrinkles, and drooping around the mouth. Lines deepen at the corners, vertical creases appear around the lips, and lax skin can gather under the chin. The cumulative effect can make individuals appear significantly older than before their weight loss.
Why “Ozempic Mouth” Develops
Semaglutide promotes weight reduction by decreasing appetite and caloric intake, but the fat loss is not selective. When subcutaneous facial fat diminishes rapidly, the structural support beneath the skin weakens.
New York plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Weintraub explains that losing this fat makes skin appear thinner and more fragile. As facial volume declines, the skin can collapse inward, creating fine lines often referred to as “lipstick lines.” The overall impression is a deflated appearance, with looser, more wrinkled skin.
Public Figures Highlight the Shift
Several celebrities who have openly discussed using weight loss medications — including Sharon Osbourne, Rebel Wilson, and Whoopi Goldberg — have drawn public attention to visible facial changes following significant weight loss.
The phenomenon is not limited to women. Actor Harvey Fierstein credited Zepbound, a medication similar to Ozempic, with helping him shed 120 pounds. However, such dramatic weight reduction can also result in loose or sagging skin that alters facial contours.
More Than Just the Mouth
“Ozempic mouth” is often described as part of a broader “Ozempic face” pattern. Rapid fat loss may contribute to hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes, and a gaunt look overall. Some users also report changes elsewhere in the body — including thinner-looking feet and loss of fullness in the buttocks — reinforcing that the medication reshapes fat distribution systemically, not just on the scale.
Widespread Use, Growing Impact
Roughly one in eight Americans has reportedly tried weight loss injections, though experts believe actual usage may be higher due to stigma and compounded prescriptions not reflected in official data. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications are now widely prescribed for weight management. As adoption increases, so do reports of aesthetic side effects.
The Cost of Correction
Dr. Green notes a rise in patients seeking dermal fillers to restore lost volume around the mouth. These injectable treatments replace diminished fat beneath the skin, softening wrinkles and improving contour. However, the financial burden is considerable. Each syringe typically ranges from $700 to $2,000, and multiple syringes are often required per session.
Other patients turn to skin-tightening technologies such as Thermage, a radiofrequency-based procedure that stimulates collagen production. While a single session lasts around 30 minutes, full results may take four to six months to appear and can last approximately 18 months. Costs generally range from $1,500 to $3,500 per treatment.
Prevention Strategies
Medical professionals emphasize prevention over correction. Dr. Green advises patients to discuss adjusting their dosage to encourage gradual weight loss rather than rapid drops. Slower reductions give the skin more time to adapt and contract naturally.
Dr. Ramer Bass from Mount Sinai recommends prioritizing fiber- and protein-rich meals to support skin health and hydration. She also encourages proactive dermatological consultations before visible volume loss becomes advanced.
The Broader Financial Reality
Beyond the monthly cost of prescriptions, additional cosmetic procedures can add thousands of dollars annually. Many individuals require repeat filler sessions or maintenance treatments, and some combine multiple interventions for optimal results.
For those considering weight loss injections, physicians suggest factoring in not only the metabolic effects but also the potential aesthetic and financial consequences. Dramatic physical transformation may come with equally significant long-term maintenance costs.
