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A growing number of celebrities are turning to weight-loss injections, but experts are warning of a concerning side effect – a gaunt, aging appearance dubbed “Ozempic face.” The rise in popularity of these injections, initially developed for diabetes management, is now prompting a surge in demand for cosmetic procedures to counteract the visible effects of rapid weight loss.
The pursuit of a dramatically slimmer physique has become a defining trend, visible from Hollywood red carpets to UK television studios. Stars like Serena Williams have openly discussed using weight-loss injections, while others have fueled speculation with their rapid transformations. However, as the pounds drop, a less-discussed consequence is emerging: the impact on facial structure.
“Everyone rushed to celebrate the weight-loss revolution,” one leading aesthetic specialist explained, “But nobody stopped to think about the aftermath. Skin doesn’t always bounce back, especially when weight drops quickly.”
The Rise of ‘Ozempic Face’
Roy Cowley, founder of 3D Aesthetics and a sought-after specialist who has worked with celebrities including Christine McGuinness, Amy Childs, Olivia Bowen, and Danielle Lloyd, is witnessing a significant increase in patients presenting with what’s become known as “Ozempic face.” This is characterized by a hollowed appearance, sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, sagging skin, and more prominent wrinkles.
“It’s the gaunt appearance — sunken cheeks, hollow eyes, sagging skin and more prominent wrinkles. That’s really what defines it,” Cowley stated. “The key thing to understand is that it’s caused by rapid weight loss. Any form of fast weight loss can create the same effect.”
Recent admissions from singer Robbie Williams about experiencing serious health concerns after using weight-loss jabs, coupled with public worry over the increasingly thin appearances of stars like Meghan Trainor, have brought the issue into sharper focus. While many celebrities remain tight-lipped about their methods, the trend is undeniable.
Beyond Fat Loss: The Impact on Facial Volume
Weight-loss injections work by suppressing appetite, leading to significant weight reduction. However, according to Cowley, the speed of this loss is the critical factor. The NHS recommends a weight loss of around 1–2lbs per week, cautioning that faster loss increases the risk of muscle loss and loose skin.
“When weight comes off too fast, you don’t just lose fat,” Cowley explained. “You lose muscle and volume in the face. That’s why people can reach their dream weight but feel older, tired and unrecognisable.” The emotional toll can be substantial, with some clients experiencing distress over their altered appearance. “I’ve had clients in tears. They’re slimmer than they’ve ever been, but they don’t like what they see in the mirror. That can be devastating.”
A Shift in the Aesthetics Industry
The demand for solutions to combat the effects of rapid weight loss has dramatically reshaped the aesthetics industry. Cowley notes a significant shift in his clinic’s bookings. “Two or three years ago, fat-loss treatments were huge. Then everything flipped to injections. Now clinics are flooded with people asking how to fix loose skin, sagging faces and what’s being called Ozempic face.”
He observed this trend emerging approximately a year before it became widely recognized. This foresight led him to develop 3D ReFIRM, a non-invasive treatment combining radiofrequency skin tightening with electromagnetic muscle stimulation. “It’s like a pillow and a pillowcase,” Cowley explained. “You shrink the pillow, but the case stays the same. You have to treat both.”
Clinical trials suggest 3D ReFIRM can improve skin firmness by up to 80 percent, with increases in collagen and elastin production over six months. Treatments start from £1,000, depending on the protocol.
Prevention and a Holistic Approach
While treatments like 3D ReFIRM offer a potential solution, Cowley emphasizes the importance of prevention. “Gradual weight loss, balanced nutrition, enough protein, hydration and exercise all help reduce the risk,” he said. “Aesthetic treatments can support the process, but they work best alongside healthy habits — not as a last resort.”
He believes a more honest conversation is needed around weight-loss trends. “The injections did what they were supposed to do,” Cowley stated, “But people deserve to feel confident at the end of their journey, not disappointed by what they see.”
And, in a playful nod to the celebrities driving this trend, he added, “If Robbie Williams is reading this — I’m here to help. Let me entertain you.”
