Despite the many benefits of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, such as appetite suppression and anti-inflammatory properties, they do not prevent the inevitability of sagging skin associated with rapid weight loss. With the rise in popularity of these drugs, there is an increasing demand for effective treatments targeting skin laxity.
Surgeons like Macrene Alexiades, based in New York, have specialized in addressing this issue. “I have successfully treated and reversed GLP-1 sagginess in my patients with radiofrequency treatments for skin laxity reduction, combined with PRP plus artful strategic filler placement to restore key areas of atrophy,” Alexiades stated. “Usually two treatment sessions, a month apart, is enough to achieve a full correction and restoration.”
Dermatologist Simon Ourian emphasizes the importance of restoring collagen and muscle mass, which often diminish during rapid weight loss. He noted, “We use our proprietary [hyaluronic acid-based] Neustem regenerative protocol to rebuild structural support, enhance muscle tone, and restore vitality to the face and body without the risk of overfilling. For the body, we combine regenerative solutions with energy-based skin tightening and contouring to address loose skin and improve definition in areas like the abdomen, arms, and thighs.”
Another treatment option is recommended by Paul Jarrod Frank, who utilizes a technique called Ellacor fractional micro-coring to address crepey skin across various body parts, including the face, neck, and abdomen. “Unlike microneedling, which punches holes in the skin and delivers heat, Ellacor punches holes and literally cores out just under a millimeter of skin, done thousands of times over each area to remove a significant percentage with each treatment,” Frank explained. “The advantage is that you are removing, lifting and tightening skin without having to do a more aggressive surgical intervention. Holes close in 24 hours, with full recovery in five days.”
Beverly Hills dermatologist Rhonda Rand, notable for her celebrity clientele including Angelina Jolie, combines facial fillers with radiofrequency microneedling and high-intensity focused ultrasound to tighten the skin and stimulate deeper collagen production. She remarked, “In severe cases of facial wasting, even a facelift would be appropriate. When the skin is sagging so much, noninvasive procedures may not be enough.”
Additionally, the rise of GLP-1 medications has led to the development of new skincare products. Chicago plastic surgeon Julius Few, known for his partnership with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, has launched a $300 topical DermaReverse serum specifically for GLP-1 users facing what is termed “GLP Face,” along with a $195 Skin Tightening + SPF 30 with Dermatight to combat sagging skin. Image Skincare has also introduced the $134 Vol.U.Lift, created by a co-founder surgeon to tackle volume loss and other issues stemming from GLP-1 use.
These solutions signal the emergence of a new industry, reflecting the extensive effects of weight loss on skin health.
