The Ozempic Effect: Navigating the Impact of Weight Loss Medications on the Aesthetics Industry

The popularity of GLP-1 and GIP medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, have significantly reshaped the aesthetics industry. As these medications become more widely adopted and accessible, more patients than ever are experiencing rapid weight loss—and its accompanying aesthetic changes. This widespread use has given rise to what experts call the "Ozempic Effect," a phenomenon in which weight loss medications have profoundly impacted the entire beauty and aesthetics landscape.

Today, the aesthetics industry is evolving to meet the needs of a growing population experiencing weight loss-induced changes to their face, body, and skin. Many patients are planning post-weight loss aesthetic treatments to address excess skin, facial volume loss, decreased muscle tone, and localized fat deposits. As a result, aesthetic providers are seeing a surge in demand for customized treatments tailored to this demographic. Addressing these concerns requires an understanding of both invasive and non-invasive options and their respective roles in achieving optimal results.

Aesthetic Challenges of Significant Weight Loss

GLP-1 and GIP medications promote rapid weight loss, which is undoubtedly life-changing for patients, especially those who have struggled with traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise. However, rapid or substantial weight loss can lead to:

• Sagging skin on the face, neck, and body due to a loss of subcutaneous fat and reduced skin elasticity.
• Facial volume loss, often resulting in a gaunt appearance termed "Ozempic face."
• Localized fat deposits in areas resistant to weight loss, such as the lower abdomen, thighs, or arms.
• Muscle loss, which occurs when lean mass decreases along with fat.

Invasive Procedures: Comprehensive and Long-Lasting Results

In plastic surgery, procedures like the Mommy Makeover have long been popular for effectively treating multiple concerns within a single procedure. For patients with more severe skin laxity or significant volume loss, invasive procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. Compared the Mommy Makeover, the rise of "Ozempic Makeovers" offers comprehensive solutions such as skin tightening procedures, fat transfer for volume restoration, and body contouring to help patients achieve their ideal look post-weight loss.

Body Contouring with LipoAI: Precision Laser Lipolysis & Skin Tightening

Liposuction is a popular procedure designed to remove stubborn fat pockets from targeted areas, enhancing body contours and achieving a more refined silhouette. LipoAI is a laser-based technology that targets stubborn fat pockets while promoting skin tightening. It is particularly effective for contouring areas like the abdomen, arms, flanks, and thighs. LipoAI’s dual-action capability makes it a go-to option for patients looking to refine their silhouette after significant weight loss.

Facelifts and Fat Grafting

Patients experiencing extreme facial sagging or "Ozempic face" may require a surgical facelift or neck lift. These procedures provide dramatic and long-lasting results by repositioning tissue and tightening underlying muscles. Additionally, fat grafting is a popular option to restore facial or body volume. By harvesting fat from other areas of the body, practitioners can provide a natural and durable solution to address hollowness and restore youthful contours. LipoAI has also been incorporated into fat grafting procedures.

Body Lift or Tummy Tuck

For those with extensive skin laxity on the abdomen or lower body, procedures such as a tummy tuck or lower body lift can effectively remove excess skin and contour the body. These surgeries are often combined with liposuction to enhance the final result.

Non-Invasive Solutions: Advanced Technologies for Targeted Results

For patients who are seeking minimal downtime and gradual, natural-looking results, non-invasive procedures are often the first choice. With the advent of cutting-edge technologies, non-invasive options are more effective than ever.

PHYSIQ 360: Comprehensive Body Contouring to Target Muscle & Fat

PHYSIQ 360’s three-modality platform and customizable treatment parameter offers an effective solution for non-invasive muscle stimulation and fat reduction. Its LZR laser energy provides precise, uniform, and deep penetration to effectively target fat. Meanwhile, EMS electrical muscle stimulation activates fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers, ensuring comprehensive muscle re-education. In the long run, building muscle has the added benefit of helping your body burn more fat, making it a sustainable adjunct for weight loss patients. This device is ideal for patients struggling with localized fat deposits, which are commonplace as weight loss medications are not targeted to specific areas. Additionally, PHYSIQ 360 treatments are comfortable and require no downtime.

EVERESSE: Needle-Free Skin Lifting, Volumizing, & Tightening

For patients hesitant about surgical procedures but seeking facial volume restoration, EVERESSE offers a minimally invasive solution. This cutting-edge advancement in RF technology is designed to lift, volumize, and tighten the skin with superior comfort and without the fear of needles. By triggering double-depth collagen production, EVERESSE effectively counters the hollowed-out look of "Ozempic face” by restoring youthful facial volume and contours.

Virtue RF: Microneedling with Radiofrequency

VirtueRF combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) to tighten skin and improve texture. This treatment creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, making it an excellent option for addressing sagging skin and uneven texture. The first-of-its-kind RF microneedling platform, VirtueRF has three handpieces to fully address the face, delicate areas such as the eyes, and the body. Weight loss patients may benefit from VirtueRF’s ability to revitalize skin and restore its elasticity.

Tetra PRO: Advanced CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Lasers have continued to evolve and modern CO2 lasers such as Tetra PRO can be used to help improve wrinkles, tone, and texture with minimal downtime. Providers can choose the intensity and modality of the treatment to create tailored solutions for precise results. While CO2 lasers are traditionally associated with facial treatments, more and more providers are using the Tetra PRO on the body as well to help with stretch marks, scars, lax skin, and more. By improving overall skin quality, the Tetra PRO presents a great complement to other modalities for the face and body.

Creating Customized Treatment Plans

By tailoring treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs and preferences, practitioners can ensure higher satisfaction and long-term results. When determining whether to recommend invasive or non-invasive procedures, practitioners should consider several factors:

• Patient Goals and Expectations: What kind of enhancements are they looking for? Are they expecting one and done treatments or are they okay with improvements over time? How many concerns are they looking to address at once?
• Severity of Concerns: Mild sagging or volume loss may respond well to non-invasive treatments, while severe cases might be better suited for surgery.
• Downtime Tolerance: Patients with demanding schedules may prioritize non-invasive treatments with minimal recovery periods.
• Budget Considerations: Pricing will vary significantly between invasive and non-invasive treatments, as well as by provider and by geography.

Timing is important as well. Instead of waiting until the patient has completed their weight loss treatment to begin discussing aesthetic treatments, successful providers have found it beneficial to address this topic at the beginning of the weight loss program; by setting expectations early and beginning treatments early, you can address issues along the process versus waiting until the end, when the patient has gone through a change so dramatic that they must resort to the most extreme measures. 

The Future of Aesthetics in the GLP-1 Era

As GLP-1 and GIP medications continue to transform the weight loss landscape, aesthetic practitioners must stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. Devices like PHYSIQ 360, EVERESSE, VirtueRF, Tetra PRO and LipoAI offer innovative solutions for addressing the challenges posed by rapid weight loss. By creating tailored treatment plans, which may involve multiple technologies, practices can meet the diverse needs of this growing patient population.

By adopting a holistic approach and leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, you can help your patients feel confident in their new bodies—both inside and out. Contact us today if you're interested in learning more about how our technologies can help your weight loss patients.