Lose the weight, keep the glow

The rise in GLP-1 medications has transformed the weight-loss landscape. The drugs have helped millions of people achieve significant weight-loss, leading to healthier lifestyles and improved overall health. But as with every successful treatment, unwanted side effects can occur. If GLP-1s are here to stay, what can be done about “Ozempic face?” 

“When you lose weight, you want to look as radiant as you feel,” double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Yerukhim says. “A consequence of rapidly losing fat in the body is you lose volume in the face, resulting in sagging skin and a gaunt appearance.”

Let’s find out why “Ozempic face” happens, and what can be done about it. 

GLP-1 Medications and the Face

Mohamed Shahed, MD, utilizes GLP-1 medications as part of a weight-loss program for many of his patients at his clinic Signature Meds in Fairview Park.

“GLP-1 medications are powerful tools in the management of obesity and metabolic diseases,” Dr. Shahed says. “While their benefits are substantial, it is equally important to understand how these therapies influence muscle mass and skin elasticity, especially when they yield rapid weight-loss. At Signature Meds, we utilize GLP-1 treatment as part of a comprehensive weight loss management protocol tailored to each patient.”

Dr. Shahed’s approach to GLP-1 includes a baseline assessment of lean body mass and muscle strength, along with targeted nutritional guidance, resistance and strength training and follow-up visits. 

“We also integrate skin-health strategies right from the beginning of treatment,” Dr. Shahed says. “These include nutritional support for the skin, such as adequate hydration, sufficient protein and micronutrients that support collagen along with strength training to build underlying muscle and support skin appearance.”

When needed, Dr. Shahed refers patients to Dr. Yerukhim, of Cleveland Aesthetics Center, for aesthetic options for the face and body. 

“Rapid fat loss can sometimes outpace the skin’s ability to contract and adapt, which may result in loose or sagging skin,” Dr. Shahed says. “Dr. Yerukhim offers treatments to combat these changes.”

Treating the Facial Effects of GLP-1s 

At his private practice Cleveland Aesthetics Center in Middleburg Heights, Dr. Yerukhim offers procedures, both non-surgical and surgical, to combat the facial effects of GLP-1s and help you regain that full, youthful, radiant appearance. 

“Every person and every face ages differently and responds to GLP-1 medications differently,” Dr. Yerukhim says. “With my experienced and trained eye, I take all components into consideration, and we make a plan that includes customized options that fit your goals and lifestyle.”

Dr. Yerukhim has many of the latest techniques at his disposal that target issues like wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone and skin texture, firmness and elasticity. Harmony (by Alma) is a versatile, multi-technology platform featuring upgraded non-ablative lasers used individually or in combination to treat wrinkles, fine lines, acne and surgical scars, spider veins, rosacea, melasma, sun and age spots, uneven skin tone, texture and skin firmness and laxity.

“Harmony lasers offer a wide range of applications for the various layers of skin, and with no downtime,” Dr. Yerukhim says.

Hybrid (by Alma) combines two powerful fractionated lasers—an ablative CO2 laser and a non-ablative 1570 nm laser. This unique combination allows for customized skin resurfacing treatments that offer the most powerful options to treat scars, acne, deep wrinkles and heavy discoloration.

“The most powerful Hybrid treatments offer the best results but require the most downtime. However, we can completely customize the treatment settings to suit individual needs and available downtime, even if it’s minimal,” Dr. Yerukhim says. 

IQ (by Alma) is a state-of-the-art skin analysis tool that uses 10 distinct light sources to scan multiple layers of the skin in just 10 seconds, providing Dr. Yerukhim a detailed understanding of the skin’s health and concerns. 

“IQ helps to analyze the condition of the skin, Harmony offers a broad range of no-downtime treatment options, and Hybrid provides a deeper, more targeted approach to skin resurfacing and rejuvenation,” Dr. Yerukhim says.

With GLP-1 medications proving to be successful as part of an overall wellness plan, skin care has also advanced to offer aesthetic treatments to patients wanting to look as good as they feel. 

Cleveland Aesthetics Center is located at 7215 Old Oak Blvd., Suite A-414, in Middleburg Heights. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Yerukhim, call or text 440-816-2776 or clevelandaestheticscenter.com.

Signature Meds, LLC is located at 19050 Lorain Rd. in Fairview Park. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mohamed Shahed or the weight loss clinic please call 216-252-8000.