GLP-1 Medications and Skin Changes: Laser Treatments for Ozempic Face

Rapid adoption of GLP-1 medications for weight management has created new aesthetic considerations. An estimated 15.5 million adults have used a GLP-1 drug, and awareness is high: about 75% of Americans are familiar with GLP-1 therapies, and more than half view them as a strong option for obesity-related health management. Patients often achieve substantial weight loss but report unexpected changes in facial skin, prompting demand for aesthetic interventions to support their journey.

In clinical practice, providers describe a common sentiment: weight loss is welcome, but the face can look older. Leading dermatology and plastic surgery experts note hollowing in the cheeks and under the eyes, laxity along the jawline and neck, and an overall decline in skin quality, terms often associated with Ozempic face.

Clinicians emphasize that GLP-1 patients may require a different skin care strategy, with skin quality affected not only by volume loss but also by changes in collagen, elastin, and dermal adipose tissue. This may entail a broader, multi-depth intervention rather than a single-treatment approach.

Early experience with Sciton's treatment suite shows potential: a combined HALO TRIBRID approach, along with pigment and vascular correction, can address multiple tissue layers in a single pass, supporting both texture and tone as patients progress through rapid weight loss.

Dr. Saami Khalifian notes that GLP-1–related weight loss can restructure skin architecture, with accelerated changes in collagen integrity, elastin fibers, and dermal white adipose tissue, which contributes to skin quality and support. When 20–30% of body weight is lost in a year, changes extend across dermal layers and require thoughtful intervention.

Early multi-depth intervention can address the broad changes these patients experience and reduce the perceived disparity between weight loss and skin condition.

Recent evidence aligns with clinical observations. A study in the Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering indicates that gradual weight loss preserves skin integrity more effectively than rapid GLP-1–associated loss, and nutrient gaps common with reduced intake—such as vitamin D, B12, and protein—can further compromise skin elasticity and hydration.

Public interest in Ozempic face has risen sharply, with analyses showing a substantial increase in online searches for related terms since GLP-1 therapies gained prominence, mirroring prescribing trends and underscoring the demand for corrective options.

Guided conversations and proactive skin strategies are increasingly essential as GLP-1 use grows, enabling aesthetic providers to support patients through their weight-loss journey.

The GLP-1 patient: Why more are turning to aesthetic providers

• Flattened cheeks
• Deepened folds
• A fatigue-tinged, hollowed look
• Dull, lackluster skin
• New wrinkles or sagging
• Texture changes

The problem: Why GLP-1 skin behaves differently

Clinicians observe not only volume loss but also structural changes in the skin. Rapid weight loss appears to alter collagen integrity, elastin fiber networks, and dermal white adipose tissue, all contributing to changes in skin quality and support. When weight loss is substantial—20–30% of body weight in a year—the impact extends across multiple dermal layers, requiring a strategic, multi-depth treatment approach.

Dr. Khalifian describes that the rapid changes go beyond surface-level concerns and involve broader shifts in skin architecture, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions rather than isolated treatments.

Early multi-depth intervention can address the broad changes these patients experience and reduce the perceived disparity between weight loss and skin condition.

Recent evidence aligns with clinical observations. A study in the Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering indicates that gradual weight loss preserves skin integrity more effectively than rapid GLP-1–associated loss, and nutrient gaps common with reduced intake—such as vitamin D, B12, and protein—can further compromise skin elasticity and hydration.

A 2024 analysis found that online interest in Ozempic face has surged, with more people seeking before-and-after results and corrective options as GLP-1 therapies gained prominence, paralleling prescribing trends.

Guiding patients through GLP-1–related skin changes requires early discussions, expectations management, and a proactive treatment strategy aligned with their weight-loss journey.

Guiding patients through GLP-1–related skin changes

Patients pursuing GLP-1 therapies often seek reassurance and a plan to manage skin changes. Early conversations help set expectations and introduce preventive skin-health strategies, while aligning treatments with ongoing injection schedules to maintain engagement through the care plan.

Clinicians are adopting staged approaches that begin with skin renewal and texture improvement and progress to deeper resurfacing as changes become more noticeable. A well-designed plan fosters continuity of care and positions the provider as a long-term partner in wellness and aesthetics.

“I have found the combination of MOXI, BBL, and HALO from Sciton invaluable in supporting GLP-1–affected skin,” a leading practitioner notes, describing how integrated laser technology can compensate for internal changes during facial aging.

The approach: How to support GLP-1 patients

Patients want a clear plan, not just answers. A staged approach can deliver visible improvements for Ozempic face while supporting patients through their weight-loss journey.

• Set expectations through early conversations: outline what to anticipate and introduce a preventive skin-health strategy before changes are visible.
• Align treatments with injection schedules: pairing laser sessions with GLP-1 dosing can improve consistency and engagement.
• Customize treatment plans as patients progress: start with prejuvenation options and tonal/texture improvements, then progress to deeper resurfacing as needed to address more pronounced changes.

Sciton’s treatment portfolio provides clinically proven tools to enhance skin renewal, improve texture and tone, and restore a natural, refreshed appearance, supporting patients throughout their weight-loss journey and facilitating continued care within the same practice.

Sciton treatments that support Ozempic-era skin

HALO TRIBRID is a triple-wavelength resurfacing system that combines 2940 nm, 1470 nm, and 1927 nm in a single synchronized pass. This enables multi-depth treatment without device changes. For GLP-1 patients, MOXI targets superficial pigmentation, HALO promotes dermal remodeling, and Erbium resurfacing addresses deeper wrinkles and textural irregularities. Energy delivery is adjustable to patient needs within one pass, and each wavelength can be utilized together or independently as required.

BBL HERO ic targets redness, pigmentation, and overall radiance decline. It can be performed year-round and integrates with other Sciton treatments, making it suitable for maintenance throughout the weight-loss process.

ClearSilk offers a gentle, no-downtime entry point for patients new to lasers or preferring a lighter approach. Known as the lunchtime facial, it softens fine lines, improves texture, and reduces redness, pigmented lesions, and flushing that can become more evident as facial volume shifts during weight loss.

Erbium resurfacing provides precise ablation and coagulation control to smooth crepiness around the eyes, mouth, and jawline, with customization to patient skin condition, which is critical given the variability of GLP-1–related changes.

Collectively, these modalities support a comprehensive, personalized strategy to help patients maintain a natural look as they navigate rapid physiological change.

The results: Helping patients look like themselves again

Consistent, preventive skin care throughout the GLP-1 journey can improve skin quality and help patients age gracefully with a natural appearance. For practices, this approach fosters ongoing engagement and builds long-term trust when wellness and aesthetic care are coordinated.

The next step: Learning, leading, and staying ahead at UP Xchange

Addressing GLP-1–era aesthetics requires more than technology; it requires leadership and ongoing education. UP Xchange is Sciton’s leadership development program designed to unlock Unfiltered Potential for providers. In two immersive days, participants learn to select technologies for specific patient demographics, design comprehensive treatment plans, and develop packages that drive measurable ROI. The program also deepens discussions around consultations and guiding patients through long-term plans with confidence, focusing on practical leadership development and strategies for patient engagement in aesthetic care.

UP Xchange provides a framework to build a consistent, long-term care strategy aligned with patients’ GLP-1 journeys and to stay at the forefront of metabolic-skin care.