GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Can Change Your Appearance — Dermatology and Aesthetics Can Help

GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Can Change Your Appearance — Dermatology and Aesthetics Can Help

by Margaret Kontras Sutton, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist

GLP-1 weight loss medications have taken the world by storm, with about 12% of U.S. adults reporting they’ve used one. While these medications can be effective for weight loss and improving metabolic health, patients should understand that rapid or significant weight reduction can trigger noticeable changes in hair, skin, and overall appearance.

Hair Changes and Shedding
Some patients experience increased hair shedding, often due to the physical stress of rapid weight loss or reduced nutrient intake. This shedding typically appears 6 to 12 months after beginning the medication, rather than immediately.

Although usually temporary, the hair loss can be distressing. Gradual weight loss is recommended to reduce stress on the body and help minimize abnormal hair shedding. Certain topical and oral medications can help during this period, as can platelet-rich plasma (PRP) scalp injections. Maintaining adequate protein intake and supplementing with key vitamins also support hair health and recovery.

Facial and Body Volume Loss
Rapid weight loss can also lead to loss of fat volume in various areas of the body. The term “Ozempic face” refers to the hollow or gaunt facial appearance that results from loss of the fat layer supporting the skin. Similar effects can appear elsewhere, leading to what some have called “Ozempic butt” or “Ozempic vulva.”

This volume loss can cause looser, more sagging skin, and a less toned appearance. Though primarily cosmetic, these changes can affect confidence and self-image. Gradual weight loss combined with maintaining muscle through strength training can help maintain firmness and muscle tone.

For patients looking to enhance their muscle-building efforts, our procedure CoolTone® offers a cutting-edge approach to improving muscle tone. This advanced aesthetic procedure stimulates muscle development by inducing powerful contractions that surpass the capabilities of conventional workouts.

Beyond muscle toning, enhancing your appearance can also involve addressing skin concerns. Collagen-stimulating fillers offer a solution for restoring volume and youthful plumpness to areas such as the face, neck, décolletage, and hands. Additionally, radiofrequency microneedling is an innovative procedure that tightens the skin, promoting a revitalized and youthful look.

Together, these procedures provide a comprehensive approach to achieving both your aesthetic and wellness goals.

Expert Guidance

GLP-1 medications can be transformative, but they’re only part of the picture. By addressing the changes in your skin, hair, face and body contour, we help ensure your appearance reflects the health and vitality you’ve worked hard to achieve.

Schedule a consultation with Sutton Dermatology + Aesthetics to learn how our board-certified dermatologists and aesthetics providers can help you look and feel your best at every step of your weight loss journey. 

Margaret Kontras Sutton, MD, is a contributing author to the Sutton Smart Skin Blog. Dr. Sutton is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Sutton Dermatology + Aesthetics, with a special interest in skin cancer prevention and treatment, as well as promoting healthy skin at every age.