Is the Emergence of Ozempic Leading to a Surge in Cosmetic Surgery? "#OzempicFace" — The "Miracle Weight Loss Drug" and the Boom in Cosmetic Procedures

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its main component, semaglutide, works by promoting insulin secretion to lower blood sugar levels. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity among people aiming for weight management due to its secondary effect of weight loss.

1. The Miracle Injection and Unexpected Side Effects

Since around 2021, Ozempic, a leading GLP-1 receptor agonist, has been reputed as a "weight loss injection." … (omitted: brief explanation of the drug's mechanism and approval history) …. However, a phenomenon where facial fat rapidly diminishes has been reported, and the situation was highlighted when CNN featured comments from cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank.amp.cnn.com

2. What is #OzempicFace?

Dr. Frank coined the term "Ozempic Face" to describe a condition where the skin becomes loose, resembling a "deflated balloon," due to the loss of fat in the cheeks, temples, and under the chin. It is said to be more noticeable in individuals over 45 who lose just 5 kg, and almost unavoidable with a weight loss of over 20 kg.

3. The "Gold Rush" in Cosmetic Surgery

According to statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in 2024, 40% of GLP-1 users considered cosmetic surgery, and 20% had undergone procedures. The number of facelifts increased by 8% from 2022 to 2023, and hyaluronic acid fillers doubled from 2017 to 2023.

Additionally, a 55-year-old woman from New Jersey, Kimberly, featured in a CNN interview, confessed to spending over $80,000 on a full-body lift after losing 45 lbs with Wegovy.amp.cnn.com

4. The "Cosmetic Loop" Fueled by Social Media

On TikTok, derivative tags like "#OzempicFace," "#OzempicMakeover," and "#OzempicBody" have emerged. As of March, there were over 300,000 Ozempic posts on Instagram, most of which were personal experiences shared by users without medical qualifications, as reported by a German study.SpringerLink

• Proponents: "For the first time in my life, I have a defined jawline! Happier being thin, even if I look older" (TikTok beauty influencer with 120,000 followers)

• Skeptics: "Lost weight but look 20 years older... starting to save for a lift" (X user post with 30,000 likes)

• Celebrity Insights: Elon Musk self-deprecatingly referred to himself as "Ozempic Santa" on X, and actress Christina Applegate warned on a podcast that "being too thin makes you look older."People.com

5. The Reality in Medical Settings

… (discussion of Dr. Williams' points, the "#OzempicBody" issue of muscle mass decline, skin effects during rebound, etc.) …amp.cnn.com

6. Challenges and Prospects

1. Quality of Information: On social media, fake drug ads and AI-edited "before and after" images are rampant, distorting treatment decisions with misinformation.

2. Risk Explanation: The long-term effects, including muscle and bone mass decline due to rapid weight loss, remain unknown.

3. International Spread: In Japan, GLP-1 is now available through online consultations, and a similar increase in cosmetic surgery demand is expected.

7. Conclusion

While Ozempic is a boon for the public health issue of obesity, the gap in appearance caused by rapid body changes has created a new cosmetic market. To break the cycle of "losing weight, looking older, and then seeking rejuvenation surgery" in the age of social media, a weight loss plan based on medical evidence and a comprehensive approach to protect skin and muscles are essential.