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Navigating Body Transformation: You Lose The Weight, Now What?

ACHIEVING OPTIMAL SKINNINESS

Semaglutide medications are revolutionizing weight loss journeys by offering a powerful tool to achieve optimal skinniness. However, the transformative effects of weight loss extend beyond shedding pounds. Individuals using Ozempic may experience changes in their skin, facial volume, and body contours. This requires careful consideration and a personalized approach to regain harmony. In this blog, we’ll explore the multifaceted impacts of Semaglutide medications, shed light on the most affected areas, and the innovative approaches plastic surgeons take to address these changes.

WEIGHT LOSS + UNANTICIPATED CHANGES

The weight loss benefits with Semaglutide medications are undeniable, however the rapid shedding of pounds brings unexpected aesthetic changes. Unlike bariatric surgery patients, those using semaglutide may not undergo extensive psychological testing. This can leave them less psychologically prepared for the transformative effects. The skin and volume changes accompany weight loss, influence skin quality, contours, and facial volume.

Skin Quality and Elasticity: Weight loss can affect collagen and elastin fibers, making them less resilient and resulting in sagging skin. Adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and strength training exercises are recommended to support skin elasticity during weight loss.
Facial Volumetric Shifts: Ozempic causes significant facial volumetric shifts. To counteract these changes, a combination of nonsurgical treatments like Light Therapy and Morpheus8 are employed to help tighten the face.

AREAS MOST AFFECTED BY WEIGHT LOSS WITH SEMAGLUTIDE

The Face: “Ozempic Face”: The loss of facial fat may leave the face looking saggy and aged, commonly referred to as “Ozempic Face.” Facelifts, fillers, and microfat grafts are utilized to restore volume to flat, fat-deficient areas and maintain a youthful appearance.
The Neck: Adequate fat in the neck provides cushioning, preventing the development of a turkey neck. Necklifts and facelifts with volume restoration are often required to address sagging skin and maintain a rejuvenated appearance.
The Butt: “Ozempic Butt”: Weight loss affects the buttocks similarly to the face, causing loose skin, pronounced cellulite, and a loss of volume. Nonsurgical options like Morpheus8 and BodyTite can improve loose skin, but surgical procedures may be necessary for significant laxity.
The Breasts: Women may experience deflation and changes in breast position after weight loss. Breast augmentation and mastopexy are effective solutions for restoring a more youthful appearance by addressing volume loss and skin changes.
The Stomach: Excessive skin draping over the stomach post-weight loss can be addressed with BodyTite, and, in severe cases, a tummy tuck to achieve a flatter-looking stomach without hanging skin.
The Arms: Arms often experience significant weight loss, leading to hanging skin. A brachioplasty combined with treatments like BodyTite, or heat-based therapies can reduce scarring and tighten the skin.
The Knees and Legs: Fat loss in the thighs may cause skin wrinkling above the knees. Skin tighteners can be effective, but liposuction may be required for more significant improvements, potentially leaving a small scar.

Politis Plastic Surgery

Effie Politis, MD, FACS of Politis Plastic Surgery brings both skill and a personalized approach to the care of her plastic surgery patients. She is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.