GLP-1s, Skin Laxity, and Stubborn Fat: What to Know
GLP-1 medications have changed the way many people approach weight loss, and for some patients, the results can be significant.
But as your body changes, you may start noticing concerns that weight loss alone can't address. Loose or lax skin may become more noticeable, certain areas may not bounce back the way you expected, and even after significant weight loss and consistent exercise, small pockets of stubborn fat can remain.
If you're taking a GLP-1 or have recently reached your goal weight, here's what to think about when it comes to your skin and body.
Why can skin look different after weight loss?
When you lose weight, the fat beneath your skin decreases. But your skin doesn't always contract at the same rate.
How well your skin adapts depends on several factors, including:
How much weight you've lost
How quickly you lost the weight
Your age
Genetics
Sun exposure
Skin quality
Collagen and elastin levels
How long your skin was stretched
This can leave some patients with skin that looks or feels looser, particularly around the face, jawline, neck, abdomen, arms, and thighs.
GLP-1 medications aren't necessarily causing the laxity itself. Significant or rapid weight loss can simply make existing skin laxity more noticeable.
What about "Ozempic face?"
You've probably heard the term "Ozempic face" on social media. It isn't a medical diagnosis, and it isn't exclusive to Ozempic or GLP-1 medications.
When facial fat decreases with significant weight loss, there is less underlying volume supporting the skin. This can make hollowness, fine lines, jowling, or laxity more noticeable.
The goal shouldn't be to avoid healthy weight loss because you're worried about your face. Instead, it's about recognizing how changes in volume and skin quality can affect your appearance and choosing treatments based on what your skin actually needs.
Can you prevent loose skin while taking a GLP-1?
There isn't a skincare product or treatment that can guarantee you won't develop laxity after weight loss. However, this is a good time to pay attention to the basics that support overall skin health.
Daily sunscreen helps protect existing collagen from UV damage. A well-designed skincare regimen may include ingredients such as retinoids and antioxidants to support skin quality. Adequate nutrition, including sufficient protein, is also important as you lose weight.
Resistance training is particularly important for maintaining and building muscle mass during weight loss.
But even when you're doing everything right, some changes in skin laxity may still occur.
When skin laxity is the concern
If you've lost volume and are left with skin that doesn't feel as firm as you'd like, treatments designed to support collagen remodeling may be worth considering.
At Clear Aesthetics MD, Quadessy RF Microneedling and Everesse are two treatment options we may recommend depending on the area being treated and your individual goals.
Quadessy RF Microneedling
Quadessy combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to deliver controlled energy deeper within the skin.
This helps stimulate collagen remodeling and can improve the appearance of skin laxity, texture, and overall skin quality over time.
Because the treatment is customizable, we can adjust it based on the area being treated and the degree of correction you're looking for.
Everesse
Everesse uses radiofrequency technology to heat deeper layers of tissue and stimulate collagen remodeling without needles.
It's another option for patients who want to improve the appearance of laxity and support firmer-looking skin as their face or body changes after weight loss.
Which treatment is right for you depends on your skin, treatment area, goals, and how much laxity is present.
What if you've lost the weight but still have stubborn fat?
Weight loss doesn't always happen evenly. You can reach a healthy weight, exercise consistently, and still have localized areas of fat that don't respond the way you'd like.
That's where Onda Pro may come in.
Onda Pro uses patented Coolwaves® technology to selectively target localized fat while also supporting firmer-looking skin. It can be used to address concerns including:
Stubborn abdominal fat
Waist circumference
Submental fat, or a double chin
Cellulite
Onda Pro isn't a weight-loss treatment and isn't a replacement for exercise or healthy habits. Instead, it's designed for localized areas that remain after you've done the work to lose weight and improve your overall health.
Timing matters
If you're actively losing weight, you may not need to treat every concern immediately. Your face and body can continue to change throughout the weight-loss process, which is why we look at where you are in your journey before recommending a treatment plan.
For some patients, it may make sense to begin treatments that support skin quality and collagen while they're losing weight. For others, waiting until they're closer to a stable weight may allow us to more accurately evaluate remaining laxity, volume loss, or stubborn fat.
There isn't one timeline that's right for everyone.
The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications can be an effective tool for weight management, but reaching your goal weight doesn't necessarily mean you'll love every change you see in the mirror. You may be left with laxity that exercise can't address or small pockets of fat that remain despite weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.
The key is identifying what you're actually seeing before choosing a treatment.
If laxity and skin quality are the primary concerns, treatments like Quadessy RF Microneedling or Everesse may help support collagen remodeling and firmer-looking skin.
If the concern is localized stubborn fat or cellulite, Onda Pro may be a better fit.
And sometimes, the right plan includes a combination of treatments.
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
If you're taking a GLP-1, actively losing weight, or have reached your goal weight and aren't sure what to do about the changes you're seeing, we're here to help.
Schedule a complimentary virtual consultation. We'll evaluate your concerns, talk about where you are in your weight-loss journey, and create a personalized treatment plan based on your skin, body, and goals.