A plastic surgeon has highlighted what he calls the “absolute hallmark of the Ozempic face” and explained why noticing it early may matter.
As GLP-1 medications continue to be used by growing numbers of Americans for weight management, many of their better-known side effects have become familiar to the public. The medications — which include brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound — work by reducing appetite and promoting weight loss.
But specialists say one facial change linked to rapid weight loss deserves particular attention, especially before it becomes more pronounced.
Dr. Terry Dubrow, a California-based plastic surgeon known for appearances on shows including Botched and The Real Housewives of Orange County, pointed to a specific sign he says stands out.
And it’s known as ‘temporal hollowing’.
“It takes your face out of its youthful balance,” the expert said, speaking with USA Today.
“When you look at a youthful face – when you look at kids, babies – the temple area is very full.”
Temporal hollowing refers to fat loss around the temples, an effect that can become more noticeable in people who lose weight quickly while taking GLP-1 medications. Doctors say temporal hollowing is primarily linked to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself.
Because that part of the face is usually soft and rounded, losing volume there can make someone appear older or more drawn. The condition is becoming increasingly common as GLP-1 medications grow in popularity among Americans seeking weight loss.
Experts also note that temporal hollowing is the loss of fat in the temples — the areas on the sides of the forehead. Because that region is typically full and rounded in a youthful face, volume loss creates a more aged appearance and can make a person look disturbed or suddenly older.
Doctors also caution that trying to fix the issue too aggressively can create a different cosmetic problem.
According to Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon at Blechman Plastic Surgery, moderation is important when treating facial volume loss.
“You don’t want to necessarily overfill the face with fat, because that results in other problems that may not be as aesthetic,” he said, speaking with the outlet.
“Certain areas of the face you want to accentuate. Other areas you want to enhance.”
There are several approaches that may be used to address temporal hollowing before the look commonly described as Ozempic face becomes more advanced. Dermal fillers are the most common and frequently used treatment option. Fillers made from hyaluronic acid can be carefully injected to restore lost volume and recreate a smooth contour. However, physicians must use caution because the temple area contains important blood vessels and nerves. In rare cases, injection complications can be serious and may even lead to vision loss.
Some people may choose procedures such as fat transfer surgery, which involves removal of fat from other areas of the body and injection into the temples. Some patients may opt for surgical intervention like facelifts, particularly if they are experiencing volume loss in other areas of the face as well. Larger volume fillers such as Sculptra are also being used and may offer longer-lasting improvement than hyaluronic acid fillers for addressing the global loss of volume associated with rapid weight loss.
Still, Dubrow has warned that the temple area is considered especially delicate for filler treatment because of its proximity to veins and arteries. He cautioned that improper treatment could result in serious complications.
Offering broader advice on preventing temporal hollowing, experts emphasize that the best approach is to lose weight gradually. The condition is more likely to occur when patients lose weight too quickly or do not follow a personalized treatment plan. Experts say the best way to reduce the risk of temporal hollowing is to lose weight gradually and follow a physician-prescribed dosing schedule while taking GLP-1 medications.
Dubrow has warned that the temple area is considered especially delicate for filler treatment because of its proximity to veins and arteries. He emphasized that it is essential to only seek filler or any medical intervention from a legitimate medical professional.
Experts also recommend eating plenty of protein and maintaining proper nutrition to help prevent muscle loss during weight loss, which can contribute to more pronounced facial changes. Using skincare products that encourage collagen production, such as retinoids, may also help reduce wrinkles and sagging.
Offering broader advice on Ozempic use, he said people should avoid rushing the process.
“Don’t go too fast. Don’t try to go up in the dose too quickly. Do exactly what you’re supposed to do.
“[People] who are getting them online − TikTok influencers, gym bros, chiropractor, they’re sort of DIYing their GLPs.
“They don’t really understand that it’s designed to slowly build up and get to a point where your food noise is gone, and you are in control of your appetite, rather your appetite being in control of you.”