Dramatic weight-loss results from drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro are joining a less-desired outcome: a deflation in the face, The New York Times reported Jan. 24.
Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a New York City dermatologist, told the Times he coined the term "Ozempic face" to describe the condition, which is characterized by facial aging and sagging.
Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, another New York City dermatologist, told the Times it's appearing in middle-aged patients. Dr. Frank said older patients taking these newer drugs will usually follow up with volume-restoring filler.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are diabetes drugs, and Wegovy is a weight-loss treatment. All three cost hundreds of dollars each for a month's supply, but the price tag isn't curbing the high demand for them. For months, Ozempic has been in shortage, and presentations of Wegovy recently became "available" after being in short supply since March 2022, according to the FDA.
TikTok's algorithm helped push Ozempic into viral status, and Coral Gables-based Baptist Health South Florida said in November its diabetes patients were struggling to fill their prescriptions.
"Everybody is either on it or asking how to get on it," Dr. Frank told the Times. "We haven't seen a prescription drug with this much cocktail and dinner chatter since Viagra came to the market."