The 'Weygovy' face

I was catching up with a fellow practitioner this week and she brought this to my attention. I have seen the results of rapid weight loss in clients, which can leave the face looking less youthful.

As a pharmacist, I initially knew Semaglutide (branded Ozempic) as a treatment option in the type 2 diabetic patient with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/M2. More recently, Weygovy (another branded product which contains Semaglutide) has been licensed as a treatment for weight loss. Semaglutide belongs to a group of medications called GLP-1 analogues, and this works to aid weight loss by binding to the GLP-1 receptor, which is present in numerous areas of the brain and is involved in appetite regulation.

I often see prescriptions for Weygovy, and when prescribed appropriately, safely and in eligible patients, understand the benefit this treatment can bring to many. However, with weight loss comes a change to the fullness of the face. As we age, existing 'fat pads' , for example the cheeks, begin to reduce as part of the natural ageing process. Coupled with weight loss, the face can be left looking less full and youthful, there may be skin sagging and the peri oral area may also change (aka- the Weygovy face!). This is were facial filler treatment is useful in restoring volume and giving that youthful, healthy, rejuvenated appearance. This applies to those who have lost weight naturally or through use of semaglutide injections. Using hyaluronic acid injections, volume can be restored to areas where it has been lost, for example the cheeks and peri oral area, which can leave you looking youthful and fresh. It's all about profile balancing, so there isn't a one size fits all.

Find yourself in the dilemma of having worked hard to loose weight but experienced volume loss within the face? Come and chat.