Doctors Warn Of Cosmetic Side Effects of Popular Weight Loss Drugs
As Ozempic and Mounjaro use soars, medical experts reveal the facial and body changes patients should prepare for
Weight loss medications have become a talking point everywhere, from doctor’s offices to social media feeds. Millions are turning to these drugs hoping to finally achieve their weight loss goals, and for most, the results have been remarkable. But as more people share their journeys online, a new conversation is emerging about the unexpected changes these rapid transformations can bring.
In the last year alone, weight loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro racked up 8.6 million searches globally, with countless users documenting their experiences throughout 2025. While the scale might be showing lower numbers, many are noticing unwelcome changes in the mirror, from a hollowed-out face to sagging skin that wasn’t there before.
“We’re seeing more patients coming in with concerns about how their face and body have changed after using these weight loss medications,” says Dr. Kevin Hayavi, Medical Director and Managing Partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, a premier medical group offering comprehensive beauty and wellness services across Southern California. “The weight comes off quickly, but that rapid loss can leave people looking older or gaunt, which isn’t the result they were hoping for.”
The Cosmetic Side Effects No One Warns You About
When weight loss happens too quickly, the skin and underlying tissues don’t have time to adapt. Dr. Hayavi explains that these medications work by suppressing appetite and slowing digestion, leading to significant weight loss in a short period. While this is the intended effect, the body’s appearance can pay the price. Dr. Hayavi lists examples of how this happens.
Sunken Face and Loss of Volume
One of the most talked-about side effects is what’s become known as “Ozempic face”, a gaunt, hollow appearance that makes people look older or unwell. This happens when facial fat diminishes rapidly, particularly under the eyes, in the cheeks, and around the temples.
“Fat in the face provides structure and youthfulness,” Dr. Hayavi explains. “When you lose weight quickly, you’re losing both body fat and facial fat. This creates a sunken look, especially in areas like the tear troughs under the eyes and the mid-face, which can add years to your appearance.”
Loose and Sagging Skin
Skin is elastic, but it needs time to adjust to changes in body size. When weight drops off rapidly, the skin doesn’t have the opportunity to contract at the same pace, leaving behind loose, sagging tissue on the body.
“This is particularly noticeable on the abdomen, arms, thighs, and buttocks,” says Dr. Hayavi. “Patients tell me they’ve lost the weight they wanted to lose, but now they’re dealing with excess skin that makes them feel self-conscious.”
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Rapid weight loss can accelerate the appearance of ageing. When facial volume disappears, the skin has less support underneath, which can make wrinkles and fine lines more pronounced.
“Without that underlying cushion of fat, the skin can start to sag and fold, creating deeper lines around the mouth, forehead, and eyes,” Dr. Hayavi notes.
Dry Skin
Some patients also report increased skin dryness while taking these medications. Changes in nutrition and hydration, combined with the body’s metabolic shifts, can leave skin looking dull and feeling rough.
Jawline and Chin Changes
While some people expect weight loss to sharpen their jawline, rapid fat loss can actually have the opposite effect. When facial fat that supports the lower face disappears too quickly, the skin may not tighten at the same pace.
“In some patients, the jawline can initially look sharper,” explains Dr. Hayavi, “but over time, loss of supporting fat and skin elasticity can lead to sagging, jowling, or a chin that appears less prominent, especially in those over 35.”
Treatments That Can Help
The good news is that these side effects don’t have to be permanent. Dr. Hayavi lists several treatments that can restore volume, tighten skin, and help patients achieve the appearance they were hoping for when they started their weight loss journey.
Facial Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are one of the most effective solutions for restoring lost facial volume. These injectable treatments use substances like hyaluronic acid to plump areas that have become hollow or sunken.
“Fillers can be placed in the tear troughs, cheeks, temples, chin, and jawline to rebuild structure and create a more youthful, healthy appearance,” Dr. Hayavi explains. “The results are immediate, and patients often tell me they finally look as good as they feel after their weight loss.”
Botox
While Botox is typically associated with preventing wrinkles, it can also help smooth out fine lines that have become more noticeable after weight loss.
“Botox works by relaxing the muscles that create wrinkles, which can soften lines on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the brows,” says Dr. Hayavi.
Skin Tightening and Body Contouring
For sagging skin on the body, non-surgical skin tightening treatments use energy-based technology to stimulate collagen production and firm the skin. For more significant cases, surgical options like a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and create a smoother, more toned appearance.
“Non-surgical treatments work well for mild to moderate skin laxity, but for patients with a lot of excess skin, surgery might be the better option,” Dr. Hayavi notes.
Skin Boosters
Skin boosters are injectables that contain hyaluronic acid, designed to hydrate and improve skin quality from within. Unlike fillers that add volume, skin boosters focus on improving texture, elasticity, and overall radiance.
“These are great for patients dealing with dry, dull skin after weight loss,” says Dr. Hayavi. “They help restore that healthy glow and improve skin quality over time.”