Ozempic Face - Artisan of Beauty Plastic Surgery

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Benefits of Enhancement

Permanent Volume Restoration

Unlike fillers that dissolve in months, fat transfer provides lasting volume using your body's own tissue.

Natural Results

Your own fat integrates seamlessly, moving and aging naturally with your face for authentic rejuvenation.

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Multiple facial areas can be addressed in a single procedure, restoring overall facial harmony.

Body Contouring Bonus

Fat is harvested from areas like the abdomen or thighs, providing subtle body sculpting as part of your treatment.

Expected Results

Facial fat transfer for Ozempic face produces gradual, natural-looking improvement as the transferred fat establishes blood supply and integrates with surrounding tissue. Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations.

Immediately After

You will see added volume right away, though the face will be swollen. Expect to look "overfilled" initially as we account for some fat absorption.

Two to Four Weeks

Swelling subsides significantly. The initial overfilled appearance softens to reveal more natural contours. Most patients feel comfortable in public.

Three to Six Months

Fat that has survived has established permanent blood supply. Final volume becomes apparent. Some patients choose a touch-up procedure if more volume is desired.

Real Patient Results

Browse our extensive gallery to see the natural, symmetrical results Dr. Neavin achieves.

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Patient Stories

5-Star Experiences

“

I lost 60 pounds on Ozempic and everyone kept telling me I looked tired or sick. My face had completely deflated. Dr. Neavin restored my face and now I finally look as good as I feel. The fat transfer was the perfect finishing touch to my weight loss journey.

— M.R.

Understanding Ozempic Face

Ozempic face refers to the facial aging that often accompanies rapid weight loss from GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), and similar drugs. While these medications effectively promote weight loss, the face often bears visible consequences. The face is composed of bone, fat, muscle, and skin. Facial fat provides the youthful fullness we associate with health and vitality. Consider a baby's face, which is essentially a ball of fat, compared to an elderly person's face, which appears more skeletal regardless of body weight. We all exist somewhere on this spectrum, and weight loss accelerates movement toward the deflated end. With any weight loss, facial fat shrinks. Young people can tolerate this better because their skin has strong elasticity, like a taut balloon that retains its shape even with less air. Older adults experience facial deflation more like a beach ball losing air: the surface area remains the same but the volume decreases, resulting in sagging and hollow areas. Some physicians have observed that Ozempic may cause proportionally more muscle loss than traditional weight loss methods. If true, this provides a compelling explanation for why Ozempic face often appears more pronounced than facial changes from diet and exercise alone. The facial muscles contribute to facial volume, and the SMAS layer (the tissue plastic surgeons suspend during facelifts) may also be affected. This triple deflation of fat, muscle, and SMAS creates an accelerated aged appearance. Whether or not GLP-1 medications cause unique facial changes, the good news is that fat transfer effectively addresses facial volume loss regardless of its cause.

The Fat Transfer Solution

Facial fat transfer, also called fat grafting or autologous fat transplantation, is the gold standard for restoring facial volume lost to weight loss medications. Here is why it excels for Ozempic face:

Permanence is the primary advantage. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers (Juvederm, Restylane) that dissolve within 6-18 months, transferred fat that successfully establishes blood supply becomes permanent. For patients who have worked hard to lose weight and plan to maintain it, fat transfer provides lasting restoration rather than a cycle of repeated filler appointments.

Natural integration sets fat apart from synthetic fillers. Your own fat contains living cells that integrate with surrounding tissue, moving and aging naturally with your face. The result looks and feels like your own tissue because it is your own tissue.

Comprehensive treatment is possible because fat can be placed throughout the face in a single procedure. The cheeks, temples, under-eyes, nasolabial folds, jawline, and even lips can all be addressed, restoring overall facial harmony rather than isolated corrections.

Stem cell benefits may enhance results. Fat tissue contains adipose-derived stem cells that may improve skin quality and provide regenerative benefits beyond simple volume replacement.

Body contouring is a bonus. The fat must be harvested from somewhere, typically the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. This provides mild liposuction benefits as part of your facial rejuvenation.

How Facial Fat Transfer Works

Facial fat transfer is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the extent of treatment and patient preference.

The harvesting phase involves removing fat from a donor area using gentle liposuction techniques. Common donor sites include the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, or outer thighs. The goal is to extract fat cells as gently as possible to maximize their survival after transfer. Dr. Neavin uses specialized cannulas and low-pressure suction to protect the delicate fat cells.

Processing the fat separates viable fat cells from blood, oil, and damaged cells. Various techniques exist, including centrifugation, decanting, and filtration. The processing method significantly impacts fat survival rates, and Dr. Neavin
employs techniques refined through years of experience and research.

Injection is the most technically demanding phase. Fat is placed in tiny amounts throughout the facial tissues using small cannulas. The key to natural results and good survival is placing fat in multiple tissue planes (deep, intermediate, and superficial) in small quantities. Placing too much fat in one area creates lumps and compromises blood supply to the transferred cells.

Strategic placement addresses the specific patterns of volume loss seen in Ozempic face. This typically includes the temples (which hollow dramatically with weight loss), the cheeks (both the malar prominence and the midface), the periorbital region (tear troughs and upper eyelids), the nasolabial folds, the jawline, and sometimes the lips.

Fat Transfer vs. Fillers for Ozempic Face

Both fat transfer and dermal fillers can address facial volume loss, but they differ significantly in ways that matter for Ozempic face patients.

Duration of results represents the biggest difference. Fillers typically last 6-18 months depending on the product and location, requiring ongoing maintenance. Fat transfer results are permanent once the fat establishes blood supply (typically 50-70% of transferred fat survives long-term).

Cost comparison favors fat transfer over time. While the upfront cost of fat transfer exceeds a single filler session, patients who maintain their results avoid the cumulative expense of repeated filler treatments. Over several years, fat transfer often proves more economical.

Natural feel and movement distinguish fat from fillers. Some fillers can feel firm or create visible edges. Fat integrates completely with surrounding tissue and moves naturally with facial expressions.

Quantity of volume differs significantly. Ozempic face often involves substantial volume loss requiring significant replacement. Filling large areas with dermal filler becomes expensive and may look unnatural. Fat transfer can restore large volumes more naturally.

The combination approach works for some patients. Fillers can provide immediate improvement while patients consider fat transfer, or can fine-tune results after fat transfer for minor touch-ups in specific areas.
For patients with mild volume loss who prefer non-surgical options, fillers remain a reasonable choice. But for significant Ozempic face with substantial deflation, fat transfer typically provides superior results.

Patient Profile

Candidates

Ideal Candidates

People who have lost significant weight on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 medications
Those whose face looks older or more gaunt after successful weight loss
Patients who have reached a stable weight and plan to maintain it
People seeking a permanent solution rather than repeated filler treatments
Those with adequate donor fat available for harvesting (even thin patients often have enough)
Individuals in good overall health who can undergo an outpatient procedure

Not Ideal Candidates

People still actively losing weight on GLP-1 medications (results may change as weight continues to drop)
Those who plan to significantly increase their Ozempic dose after surgery
Patients with very little body fat available for harvesting
Individuals with unrealistic expectations about reversing all signs of aging
People who cannot take time for proper recovery

Facelift or Fat Transfer?

Answer a few questions to understand which approach may be right for your concerns

Question 1 of 5

Question 01

What bothers you most when you look in the mirror?

My face looks hollow, deflated, or gaunt

My skin is sagging, especially along the jawline and neck

Both hollowness and sagging bother me equally

I just look tired or older than I feel

Question 02

Which areas concern you? Select all that apply.

Hollow temples

Hollow under-eyes

Flat or sunken cheeks

Jowls along jawline

Deep smile lines

Loose neck skin

Lines from mouth to chin

Overall aged appearance

Select all areas that concern you

Question 03

Have you recently lost a significant amount of weight?

Yes, through Ozempic, Wegovy, or similar medication

Yes, through diet and exercise

Yes, after bariatric surgery

No, my weight has been relatively stable

Question 04

How would you describe your skin elasticity?

Good — when I pinch my skin, it snaps back quickly

Moderate — my skin returns slowly when pinched

Poor — my skin stays tented or wrinkled when pinched

I'm not sure how to assess this

Question 05

What is your age range?

30s or younger

40s

50s

60s or older

Your Assessment

Based on your responses

Your Concern Profile

Volume Loss Indicators —

Skin Laxity Indicators —

This assessment provides general guidance. A consultation with Dr. Neavin will determine the optimal approach for your unique anatomy.

Schedule Consultation

This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary based on anatomy, skin quality, and other factors that can only be evaluated in person.

Estimated Investment

$8,000 - $15,000

The cost of facial fat transfer for Ozempic face depends on the extent of treatment needed. Patients with mild volume loss requiring treatment of one or two areas will be at the lower end, while comprehensive facial rejuvenation treating multiple zones will be higher. Your investment includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fees, all pre-operative consultations, and post-operative follow-up visits. When compared to the cumulative cost of filler treatments over several years, fat transfer often represents better long-term value while providing permanent, natural results. Financing options are available through CareCredit and Prosper Healthcare Lending.

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Timing Your Procedure: When to Address Ozempic Face

The timing of your fat transfer procedure matters for optimal results. Here are key considerations for Ozempic face patients:

Weight stability is essential. If you are still actively losing weight on your GLP-1 medication, your face will continue to change. Ideally, you should be at or near your goal weight and stable for at least 2-3 months before surgery. This ensures the results of your fat transfer will not be compromised by ongoing facial deflation.

Medication decisions should be discussed with your prescribing physician. Some patients remain on maintenance doses of Ozempic or similar medications indefinitely, while others transition off after reaching their goals. Either approach can be compatible with fat transfer, but significant dose increases after surgery could affect results.

Maintaining your results requires weight stability. The transferred fat behaves like any other fat in your body. If you gain significant weight, it can expand. If you lose significant weight, it will shrink. The goal is to perform fat transfer when you have reached a weight you can realistically maintain.

For patients who have not yet started GLP-1 medications but are considering them, some choose to proactively plan for fat transfer after weight loss, knowing that facial volume loss is a common side effect. This is a reasonable approach for those prioritizing both their health and appearance.

Surgery Day Journey

Arrival and Preparation

You arrive at our surgical facility having followed pre-operative instructions (no eating after midnight, no blood thinners, etc.). We review the procedure, mark the treatment areas, and answer any final questions. You change into a surgical gown and the IV is placed.

Anesthesia and Fat Harvesting

Once you are comfortable under sedation or general anesthesia, we begin by harvesting fat from the donor area using gentle liposuction techniques. The fat is collected in specialized containers for processing.

Fat Processing and Facial Injection

While the fat is processed to isolate viable cells, the face is prepared for injection. The purified fat is then meticulously placed throughout the face in small amounts across multiple tissue planes, strategically restoring volume to the areas of deflation.

The Artisan Promise

Comprehensive
Aftercare Support

Managing Swelling

Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, for the first week. Apply cold compresses to the face (not the donor site) for the first 48 hours. Avoid bending over, straining, or any activity that increases blood flow to the face. Swelling peaks around day 2-3 and then progressively improves.

Donor Site Care

Wear your compression garment as directed, typically for 1-2 weeks. The donor area will be sore and bruised. Gentle walking is encouraged to promote circulation. Avoid strenuous lower body exercise for 2-3 weeks. Bruising may take 2-3 weeks to fully resolve.

Protecting Your Results

Avoid facial massage or pressure on the treated areas for several weeks. Sleep on your back initially. Do not smoke, as nicotine impairs fat survival. Maintain stable weight. Attend all follow-up appointments so we can monitor your healing and fat survival.

Healing Timeline

Every patient heals differently, but this timeline offers a general guide for your return to daily life.

Days 1-3

Expect significant swelling in both the face and donor site. Your face will look overfilled, which is intentional. Bruising varies by individual. Rest with your head elevated. Ice packs help reduce swelling. Pain is typically mild and managed with oral medication.

Days 4-7

Swelling begins to improve. Bruising may appear more prominent before fading. Most patients feel comfortable leaving the house with makeup (for women) or sunglasses. The donor site will feel sore, like after a workout.

Weeks 2-4

Significant improvement in appearance. Most swelling has resolved though subtle fullness persists. You can return to normal activities including work. Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared. Results begin to look more natural.

Months 2-6

Final results become apparent as all swelling resolves and surviving fat establishes permanent blood supply. If touch-up is desired, it can be performed after 3 months. The fat now behaves like native facial tissue.

Safety &
Potential Risks

Facial fat transfer is a safe procedure with a long track record, but all surgical procedures carry some risk. Understanding potential complications helps you make an informed decision.

Important Considerations

Swelling and bruising: Expected after any fat transfer procedure. Most significant swelling resolves within 2 weeks, though subtle swelling may persist longer.
Asymmetry: Minor differences between sides may occur and can usually be addressed with touch-up procedures if needed.
Under-correction: If less fat survives than expected, additional fat transfer may be desired. This is more common than over-correction.
Over-correction: Rare with experienced surgeons who account for fat absorption. If it occurs, the fat can sometimes be reduced with liposuction or will diminish if weight is lost.
Lumps or irregularities: Can occur if fat is placed in excessive quantities in one area. Massage and time often resolve minor irregularities.
Fat absorption: Some percentage of transferred fat will not survive. This is expected and accounted for by intentionally over-correcting initially.
Infection: Rare but possible with any procedure involving incisions.
Nerve injury: Temporary numbness or altered sensation is possible but usually resolves.
Donor site complications: Bruising, swelling, and temporary discomfort at the liposuction site are expected. Significant complications are rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of the transferred fat will survive?

Typically 50-70% of properly transferred fat establishes blood supply and becomes permanent. We account for this by intentionally placing more fat than the final desired result. Fat survival depends on technique (which is why choosing an experienced surgeon matters), your body's healing response, and post-operative care.

Can I continue taking Ozempic after fat transfer?

Yes, most patients can continue their GLP-1 medication. However, significant dose increases or additional weight loss after surgery may affect results by further shrinking facial fat, including the transferred fat. Discuss your medication plan with both your prescribing physician and Dr. Neavin.

Will the fat look natural or can people tell I had something done?

Fat transfer produces exceptionally natural results because it uses your own tissue. The fat integrates with surrounding tissue and moves naturally with facial expressions. Most patients report that people notice they look healthier, more rested, or younger, but cannot identify what specifically changed.

How long until I see final results?

Initial swelling subsides over 2-4 weeks. However, it takes 3-6 months for the transferred fat to fully stabilize and for you to see your final result. Some fat absorption occurs during this time, which is why we initially over-correct.

What if I need more volume after the fat settles?

Touch-up procedures are possible after 3 months if you desire additional volume. Some patients are satisfied after a single procedure, while others prefer a second session for optimal results. Dr. Neavin will advise you based on how your fat has survived.

Dr. Tim Neavin

The Artisan

Artistry Meets
Surgical Precision

Dr. Neavin is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in facial fat transfer. He speaks at plastic surgery meetings around the world on fat grafting techniques and has refined his approach over thousands of procedures. His expertise is particularly relevant for Ozempic face patients, where the challenge is not just adding volume but strategically restoring the specific areas of facial deflation that occur with rapid weight loss.

Understanding the unique patterns of volume loss seen with GLP-1 medications requires specialized knowledge. Unlike natural aging, which occurs gradually and predictably, Ozempic-related facial changes can affect the fat compartments, facial muscles, and SMAS layer simultaneously. Dr. Neavin’s comprehensive approach addresses all affected tissues, creating results that look natural and rejuvenated rather than simply “filled.”

His meticulous fat harvesting, processing, and injection techniques maximize fat survival, meaning more of the transferred fat becomes permanent. For patients who have worked hard to achieve their weight loss goals, Dr. Neavin ensures their face reflects their healthier, more vibrant self.

Diplomate American Board of
Plastic Surgery

Philosophy "Surgery with
Symmetry"

Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara

Start Your Transformation

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Neavin today.

Ozempic Face Restore youthful facial fullness after weight loss