Facial Changes and Skin Conditions in Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

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Kristen McGahey

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Has anyone observed alterations in facial appearance or skin condition—such as facial fullness, skin texture changes, or other dermatological effects—in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly) or Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5 mg to 2 mg weekly)? I’ve heard reports of such effects and am trying to understand if they are common with Wegovy as well.

If you have treated patients with these medications, have you noticed any facial or skin-related side effects? If so, could you share your clinical observations and any relevant details regarding the onset and severity?

Thank you!

Kristen McGahey

Nutrition Student
 
I mean weight loss in general causes changes like that. My dad lost 50 lbs naturally without a. GLP1 and he looks different. What are you noticing in particular?
 
My friend who's a doctor has patients who mentioned this. I have personally experienced it as well. It's very subtle for me but very noticeable to others.

I've heard that people using semaglutide, such as Wegovy or Ozempic, can look younger and have clearer skin (for some) because some believe the drugs may slow down or even reverse the glycation process of the proteins in our bodies.
 
imo, because my body's inflammation has gone down ( lower A1C, BP, cholesterol, etc), I am now giving my body energy to heal itself, to do what it does best. Like reducing psoriasis, etc. Eating Doritos, cheap chocolate, junk food with fillers and additives messes up your skin. You cut the junk, and you look healthy again, less of a greyish skin, without glp1.

I have not read any studies where glp1 improves the skin or generates collagen. Its the weight reduction. A lot of anecdotes are written by folks trying to get you onboard their peptide programs. ChatGPT reads those posts and repeats them, making folks think its gospel. A recent NIH study said "extreme weight reduction often leaves patients with excess skin, reduced facial volume, and an overall appearance of premature aging"... "The skin's ability to retract and conform to a new body shape is limited by factors such as age, genetics, and the rate of weight loss". Lots of junk info out there. Its tempting to think there is a quick fix to every problem.
 
peptidepower77 said:
I mean weight loss in general causes changes like that. My dad lost 50 lbs naturally without a. GLP1 and he looks different. What are you noticing in particular?
Just this alone is why I hate the term ozempic face
 
Kristen McGahey said:
Has anyone observed alterations in facial appearance or skin condition—such as facial fullness, skin texture changes, or other dermatological effects—in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly) or Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5 mg to 2 mg weekly)? I’ve heard reports of such effects and am trying to understand if they are common with Wegovy as well.

If you have treated patients with these medications, have you noticed any facial or skin-related side effects? If so, could you share your clinical observations and any relevant details regarding the onset and severity?

Thank you!

Kristen McGahey

Nutrition Student
I have not personally experienced facial changes while taking Wegovy. I will say that my skin has improved significantly in terms of redness, acne, and overall texture since starting this medication. I would be curious to know if other people are having similar experiences!
 
"Facial fullness"? That’s a new one for me as a GPL side effect, I wish! That would be a great bonus. I’ve only ever heard of the opposite, like a thinner, more hollow-looking face 🙁
 
lemon lady said:
"Facial fullness"? That’s a new one for me as a GPL side effect, I wish! That would be a great bonus. I’ve only ever heard of the opposite, like a thinner, more hollow-looking face 🙁
Right... Less fullness everywhere... All four cheeks!

( | )
 
I have less acne. Is it the diet changes because I don't crave sugar as much? Is due to menopause (I am 53)? I don't know .. but I'm not complaining.

I started with 2 months of Wegovy from the pharmacy at 0.25mg per week.

I switched to research quality and am currently taking 1mg per week.
 
I have noticed in Friends who've done 'Ozempic' ... A LOSS of Skull size (their skull is shrinking). While we all lose bone density as we age, this is like 'Dramatic' --- causing the face too look 10yrs older.

Not sure if this is reversible ...?

The Ozempic Side Effect That No One’s Talking About

Doctors explain how to protect yourself.

www.womenshealthmag.com
 
Kristen McGahey said:
Has anyone observed alterations in facial appearance or skin condition—such as facial fullness, skin texture changes, or other dermatological effects—in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly) or Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5 mg to 2 mg weekly)? I’ve heard reports of such effects and am trying to understand if they are common with Wegovy as well.

If you have treated patients with these medications, have you noticed any facial or skin-related side effects? If so, could you share your clinical observations and any relevant details regarding the onset and severity?

Thank you!

Kristen McGahey

Nutrition Student
Yes! My face has become much oilier overall, and I’ve developed three cystic pimples on my cheeks—something I’ve never experienced before. I have not started Wegovy yet, but I’ve read about similar effects from others and am currently planning to begin at the appropriate starting dose. I’m also seeing some mild breakouts along my jawline, but those aren’t as bad. If these skin issues occur after starting, I may consider discussing with my doctor whether switching to Ozempic would be an option.
 
@Kristen McGahey, @MatRod

Wegovy and Ozempic are the same thing, Semaglutide.

Mounjaro and Zepbound are the same thing, Tirzepatide.
 
Niwalski said:
I have not personally experienced facial changes while taking Wegovy. I will say that my skin has improved significantly in terms of redness, acne, and overall texture since starting this medication. I would be curious to know if other people are having similar experiences!
I’ve been having some trouble finding a consistent supply of Ozempic lately. Has anyone else experienced this kind of difficulty, and how did you handle it?
 
OhMaya79 said:
I’ve been having some trouble finding a consistent supply of Ozempic lately. Has anyone else experienced this kind of difficulty, and how did you handle it?
I got my most recent pens from Slimvive. Previously I got them through Noom meds but their service has become too expensive for me.
 
Sam Smagegy said:
I have noticed in Friends who've done 'Ozempic' ... A LOSS of Skull size (their skull is shrinking). While we all lose bone density as we age, this is like 'Dramatic' --- causing the face too look 10yrs older.

Not sure if this is reversible ...?

The Ozempic Side Effect That No One’s Talking About

Doctors explain how to protect yourself.

www.womenshealthmag.com
Dude. No one's skull is shrinking. Bone density does not alter the overall size of the bone.
 
The only thing shrinking here besides my fat is my wallet from buying to much peptides 🙂
 
Niwalski said:
I got my most recent pens from Slimvive. Previously I got them through Noom meds but their service has become too expensive for me.
I haven’t heard of Slimvive before. Do they require a prescription, or is it more of an online pharmacy setup?
 
I was on Ozempic a few years ago but only for about 6 months. Insurance started to deny it and I couldn’t afford the out of pocket cost. One mistake I made was not researching what vitamins and minerals my body needed.

Eating poorly already depleted my body of much needed vitamins and then eating less food only made things worse.

I truly think that some of the negative changes in the face are due to this. Like a gaunt look and hair loss.

This time I researched for a long time and I take a lot of vitamins at certain times of the day. I take collagen daily. Probiotics daily. Chia seeds daily and the aches and pains have merely diminished.
 
MatRod said:
Yes! My face has become much oilier overall, and I’ve developed three cystic pimples on my cheeks—something I’ve never experienced before. I have not started Wegovy yet, but I’ve read about similar effects from others and am currently planning to begin at the appropriate starting dose. I’m also seeing some mild breakouts along my jawline, but those aren’t as bad. If these skin issues occur after starting, I may consider discussing with my doctor whether switching to Ozempic would be an option.
Get yourself some isotretinoin from India! It’s an amazing drug for acne. It’s about 12 cents a pill and one per day will make your skin look great. It’s known to remove fine lines over time as well.
 
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