GLP-1 Related Skin Changes and Laser Therapy: Addressing Ozempic Face

An estimated 15.5 million adults have used a GLP-1 weight-loss drug. A national Gallup poll finds about 75% of Americans are familiar with GLP-1 therapies, and more than half view these treatments as a strong option for obesity or weight-related health challenges. In practice, patients report rapid weight loss followed by skin changes often described as Ozempic face, including hollowing in the cheeks, under-eye depressions, laxity along the jawline and neck, and a decline in overall skin quality. Aesthetic providers are seeing these changes early and applying laser- and light-based strategies to support patients through their weight-loss journey.

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

• Flattened cheeks
• Deepened folds
• A tired or hollowed facial appearance
• Dull, lackluster skin
• New wrinkles or sagging
• Texture changes

The problem: Why GLP-1 skin behaves differently

• Hollowing of the anterior face, under-eye area, and jowls
• Increased laxity in the face, neck, arms, and abdomen
• Loose, redundant skin after facial volume loss
• Dull, dehydrated skin tone
• Decline in skin elasticity and radiance
• Skin aging appearance older than the patient’s chronological age

Clinicians describe GLP-1–related changes as more than volume loss, indicating a restructuring of skin architecture. Changes include accelerated shifts in collagen integrity, elastin fiber networks, and dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT), which influence skin quality, texture, and structural support. When weight loss reaches 20–30% in a year, these multi-layer shifts require a thoughtful, multi-depth intervention approach.

In this context a multi-depth laser strategy is valuable. HALO TRIBRID provides a single-pass, multi-wavelength approach that combines 2940, 1927, and 1470 nm wavelengths to address superficial, mid-dermal, and deeper tissue changes. MOXI targets early pigmentation and brightness; HALO supports dermal remodeling; and Erbium resurfacing addresses deeper wrinkles and texture irregularities. The depth of energy delivery can be adjusted to match a patient s skin condition, enabling a customized, layered treatment.

Providers can also integrate pigment and vascular correction with treatments such as BBL HERO ic for improved radiance, plus SkinSmooth and SkinTyte filters for texture and tightening. The result is a systems-based strategy that addresses multiple tissue layers affected by rapid weight loss, rather than isolated concerns.

Clinical insight from practitioners highlights the value of combining MOXI, BBL, and HALO in GLP-1–affected skin. This integrated approach can support patients through surgical planning by addressing internal deficits related to GLP-1 changes while maintaining a natural appearance.

Clinical perspective notes that GLP-1–related skin changes differ from those seen with other weight-loss methods, and research supports a nuanced treatment approach. A study in the Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering indicates that gradual weight loss tends to preserve skin integrity better than rapid GLP-1–driven weight loss, though nutrient gaps such as vitamin D, B12, and protein may persist and affect skin resilience even with supplementation. In parallel, a 2024 dermatology analysis documented a sharp rise in online interest in Ozempic face, underscoring demand for corrective strategies as GLP-1 use grows.

Guiding patients through GLP-1–related skin changes

As GLP-1 use expands, patients seek reassurance and a plan to address skin changes while continuing weight loss. A staged, proactive approach with proven tools can deliver progressive improvement and help patients feel supported throughout their journey.

Practices are adapting by using a layered framework that combines MOXI, BBL HERO ic, and HALO TRIBRID, with the option to add deeper resurfacing as changes become more noticeable. This approach supports continuity of care and positions the clinician as a long-term partner in wellness and aesthetics.

In practice MOXI, BBL, and HALO together provide a versatile toolkit for GLP-1–affected skin, with the ability to tailor depth and energy to each patient s needs. This flexibility helps address changes in a range of tissue layers during accelerated weight loss.

The approach: How to support GLP-1 patients

Patients want a plan that evolves with their weight-loss journey. A staged approach with clear milestones helps manage expectations and demonstrates ongoing value.

• Set expectations through early conversations about potential skin changes and preventive strategies before they become visible.
• Align treatments with injection schedules to simplify care and improve adherence by pairing sessions with existing follow-ups.
• Customize plans as patients progress from prejuvenation with MOXI and texture/tonal improvements with BBL HERO ic for pigment and radiance, to deeper resurfacing with HALO TRIBRID and advanced resurfacing as changes become more noticeable.

Sciton treatments that support Ozempic-era skin

HALO TRIBRID is a triple-wavelength resurfacing laser that combines 2940, 1470, and 1927 nm in a single synchronized pass. The system enables multi-depth treatment without device changes. Energy delivery is adjustable by density, ensuring consistent results. The wavelengths work together or independently to address superficial, mid-dermal, and deeper tissue changes, supporting GLP-1–related remodeling and texture improvement.

BBL HERO ic targets redness, pigmentation, and overall radiance and can be integrated with other modalities for year-round maintenance in GLP-1 patients.

ClearSilk provides a gentle, no-downtime entry point for patients new to laser or preferring milder treatment. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG platform reduces fine lines, improves texture, and diminishes redness and pigmented lesions.

Erbium resurfacing offers precise ablation and coagulation control to smooth crepiness around the eyes, mouth, and jawline, particularly when GLP-1–related changes vary across the face.

Combining these modalities supports healthier-looking skin during rapid weight loss and helps patients maintain a natural appearance aligned with their wellness goals.

The results: Helping patients look like themselves again

With consistent support, patients can achieve improvements that extend beyond appearance to confidence and comfort with aging in a natural way, reinforcing continuity of care and patient trust.

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

GLP-1 patient care benefits from ongoing knowledge of evolving trends. UP Xchange is Sciton`s leadership-development program designed to help providers select the right technologies for specific demographics, design treatment plans, and create compelling value propositions. It also emphasizes consultations, including how to discuss skin changes, set expectations early, and guide patients through long-term plans with confidence. The program delivers practical leadership skills and ROI over two intensive days of training and peer discussion.

Providers interested in UP Xchange can participate in Sciton events to engage with the program and related session tracks.

Original: https://sciton.com/blog-what-providers-are-noticing-about-glp-1s-and-skin-how-laser-treatments-can-help/