'Ozempic made our arms, bums and legs look like MELTED CANDLES': the terrifying new side effects rapidly emerging in young people taking weight-loss drugs

Leading plastic surgeons globally are observing a significant rise in patients seeking drastic and potentially risky cosmetic procedures. This surge is linked to individuals experiencing substantial weight reduction through the use of slimming injections, such as Ozempic. These weight loss medications, while offering health advantages, are also creating a new demand within the cosmetic surgery industry as patients address resultant physical changes after dramatic weight loss.

The benefits of these medications are extensive, including not only weight loss for obese individuals but also a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and potential fertility improvements, as indicated by research. However, the physical alterations accompanying rapid weight loss are a less discussed consequence.

Users on social media platforms, sharing experiences with Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, frequently report concerns about facial hollowness, loose skin resembling ‘melted candle’ wax on limbs and abdomens, reduced breast volume, and sagging buttocks.

These bodily issues are not direct adverse reactions to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), the active component of these drugs, but rather stem from significant and rapid weight reduction.

As fat deposits diminish, the skin, previously stretched, often lacks the elasticity to retract fully. In response to this, cosmetic surgeons are rapidly advancing their techniques to offer corrective solutions.

Last week, insights into these developments were shared at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery annual meeting in Austin, a major global event showcasing advancements in cosmetic surgery. This industry-only event provided a platform for surgeons to openly discuss the impact of weight-loss injections.

Dr. Johnny Franco, a plastic surgeon based in Austin, described GLP-1s as a ‘new entry point into aesthetics,’ coining the term ‘Ozempification.’ He noted, ‘We are observing a novel patient demographic presenting with skin concerns at a younger age.’

Some surgeons have proactively established weight-loss injection clinics, prescribing these medications to individuals considering cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Bradley Calobrace, a cosmetic surgeon from Kentucky, remarked on the transformative impact of these drugs: ‘Previously, when faced with an overweight patient unsuitable for surgery, we would advise weight loss and a subsequent consultation, often without seeing them again. Now, we offer a program, a viable solution.’

However, these surgical interventions, seldom available through public healthcare systems, are substantial undertakings. Procedures ranging from breast and buttock lifts to arm and thigh lifts, chin contouring, and abdominoplasty carry considerable risks.

Experts emphasize the critical need for patients to choose highly skilled and experienced surgeons for these complex procedures.

The following sections outline some of the latest techniques for addressing facial and bodily changes resulting from Ozempic use.

Non-Surgical Solutions for ‘Ozempic Face’

The most noticeable and unwanted consequence of rapid weight loss from these injections is the phenomenon known as ‘Ozempic face.’

Patients, despite weight loss, may appear older due to features such as sunken eyes, gaunt cheeks, jowls, and hollowed temples.

This affects individuals even in their 30s and 40s. While some cases necessitate a full facelift and neck lift, a range of non-invasive treatments, recently showcased, offer potential alternatives.

One promising development involves injections of processed human fat tissue from donors.

This purified tissue forms a ‘matrix’ that, once injected, acts as a framework, stimulating the body to generate its own fat in the treated area.

This method aims to gradually restore facial volume, avoiding the overfilled ‘pillow face’ appearance sometimes associated with traditional dermal fillers. It is considered a less invasive option than a surgical facelift. However, these biostimulatory treatments are not easily reversible, stressing the importance of selecting a qualified and experienced injector, according to experts.

Dr. Nora Nugent, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), noted that biostimulatory or energy-based treatments (using heat, sound waves, or light) can induce scar tissue in the deeper layers of skin, potentially complicating future facelifts.

Addressing Breast Sagging Post Weight Loss

Another significant drawback of weight-loss injections is breast deflation and sagging. Many surgeons report an increase in patients seeking breast enhancement surgery following weight loss, presenting unique surgical challenges.

Dr. Josh Waltzman, a plastic surgeon in LA, explained, ‘Patients experiencing rapid weight loss often have very thin and loose breast skin. This necessitates a modified surgical approach compared to typical patients.’

One surgical option is mastopexy, or breast lift, utilizing GalaFLEX mesh, described as ‘an internal bra.’ This mesh is implanted to provide additional support and reinforce breast tissue to maintain shape. It can be combined with breast augmentation for added volume.

Dr. Waltzman emphasized the necessity of this mesh to prevent future breast tissue stretching.

Another post-weight loss breast lift technique is dermal suspension mastopexy with parenchymal reshaping. This method uses the patient’s own excess skin to create an internal support sling instead of mesh. The underlying breast tissue is also reshaped, though this procedure carries a significantly higher risk of complications compared to standard breast augmentation.

Dr. David Turer, a plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, recommends this procedure for significant breast drooping.

Breast lifts are often an initial step for GLP-1 patients seeking post-weight loss cosmetic procedures. Dr. Turer stated, ‘We often begin with a breast lift, but many patients proceed with multiple procedures to address other body areas.’

Tummy Tucks: A Major Undertaking

Skin laxity extends beyond the face, breasts, and buttocks, affecting arms, legs, and the abdomen.

Patients are often distressed by ‘melted candle’ body appearances, but these issues are not merely aesthetic. Excess skin folds can impede movement and are prone to chafing, leading to infections and sores.

‘Abdominal skin reduction is the most frequent post-GLP-1 procedure we perform,’ stated Dr. Waltzman. ‘Fat reduction occurs, but skin retraction is not always sufficient.’

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, addresses this by surgically removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening abdominal muscles.

Similar procedures can remove excess skin from arms and inner thighs. A more extensive option is a body lift, or circumferential body lift, combining multiple procedures in a single operation, with costs potentially reaching £35,000.

UK consultant plastic surgeon Patrick Mallucci cautioned, ‘These procedures are among the most dangerous we perform.’

He emphasized the high risk of venous thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening condition involving blood clots in veins.

Dr. Mallucci reiterated the importance of an experienced surgeon, stating, ‘This type of treatment is not an area to cut corners on cost.’

Avoiding Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs)

Beyond ‘Ozempic face’ and breasts, ‘Ozempic butt’—characterized by deflation and sagging—is also a concern.

Experts advise against Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) as a solution. BBLs involve liposuction to extract fat from areas like hips and abdomen, which is then injected into the buttocks.

While intended to enhance buttock volume and perkiness, BBLs carry a significant risk, with a reported mortality rate of one in 4,000, making it among the most hazardous cosmetic surgeries.

Fat injected into buttock muscle can migrate, stretching and rupturing blood vessels, leading to complications.

Doctors suggest BBLs might worsen ‘Ozempic butt’ appearance.

Dr. Franco explained, ‘Volume addition isn’t always the solution for skin laxity. Overfilling can lead to future sagging, similar to over-augmented breasts.’

A standard buttock lift, involving skin removal and muscle repositioning, may be more suitable for GLP-1 weight-loss patients. Non-surgical options include radiofrequency microneedling for skin tightening.

Skin Firming Heat Treatments

Cosmetic device manufacturers at the recent industry event showcased new technologies aimed at providing quick solutions for GLP-1 patients, potentially avoiding surgery.

A company representative stated, ‘Patients using weight-loss injections are currently our primary target market.’

Promising innovations include Sofwave, which uses ultrasound energy to improve skin laxity and lift and tone the face and neck. This heat energy boosts collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin firmness and elasticity.

Renuvion, another device, employs J Plasma, a heated helium gas, to tighten loose skin.

Mr. Mallucci reported increased demand for Renuvion in his practice over the past six months, noting that it is suitable for Ozempic patients with moderate skin laxity not severe enough for surgery.

However, experts cautioned about the narrow margin for error and limited regulation of such devices in the UK. Marc Pacifico, a UK plastic surgeon and former BAAPS president, warned that improperly used heat-producing devices can cause burns and other complications.