You’ve lost weight, yet you’re looking gaunt and saggy. It’s one thing to shed the pounds when you’re younger, but weight loss when you hit your mid to late 30s, 40s and older can have unintended consequences. Other factors can also cause facial fat loss, including stress and even some in-clinic treatments, if they're not right for you.

Stress impacts the body in many ways, including facial fat loss due to elevated cortisol levels and poor nutrition. “Chronic stress accelerates ageing and depletes vital skin nutrients, leading to a tired, drawn appearance,” says EV Expert Dr Anna Hemming at Thames Skin Clinic, Twickenham.

“Facial fat plays a crucial role in maintaining a youthful, lifted look," she continues. "When fat diminishes, whether due to stress, ageing, rapid weight loss or certain treatments, it can result in a gaunt, hollow face and sagging skin.

"The loss of volume around the jowls, chin, and neck can cause skin to droop, leading to more pronounced lines and wrinkles. Additionally, weight loss can affect skin texture, making it appear thinner and more fragile.”

The Ozempic face effect

‘Ozempic face’ is the buzzword used to describe the dramatic facial fat loss which can result in a gaunt, hollow, saggy appearance. It’s a potential side effect of the weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. “Rapid weight loss often leaves the skin struggling to keep up with the changes,” says Dr Hemming. “The face, in particular, relies on fat pads for support, and when these deplete too quickly, skin can appear loose, saggy, tired, and aged.”  

Treatments to try:

• Cellenis PRP Filler—a regenerative treatment using platelet rich plasma to volumise and rejuvenate the skin.
• Deep lifting dermal fillers will restore volume loss and redefine facial contours.
• Polynucleotides are DNA fragments extracted from salmon, injected into the skin to support collagen renewal, promote skin elasticity, hydration and reduce lines and wrinkles.

Collagen and elastin loss 

As we age, collagen and elastin production slow down, leading to a loss of skin structure and elasticity. This can result in facial fat loss, sagging, jowls, deepening wrinkles, and less defined facial contours.  
 
Treatments to try:

• Profhilo Structura—an injectable treatment that deeply hydrates and remodels the subcutaneous fat layer and helps lift sagging tissue.
• Energy-based collagen stimulation boosts collagen through microneedling, radio frequency microneedling (Secret RF, Morpheus8, Fractora) and combinations of RF Microneedling and CO2 laser treatment (Secret Pro). 
• Nuskin ageLOC Boost System uses variable microcurrent for brighter, plumper skin. “I recommend looking into home beauty devices such as microneedling and microcurrent technology, combined with a targeted skincare regime,” says Amish Patel, Leading Aesthetics Practitioner, Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic.

Weight loss diets 

When weight loss occurs too rapidly, skin elasticity is compromised, leading to loose, sagging skin on the face and neck. “My patients often want to restore volume and give their face a lift, especially in the cheeks and jawline,” says EV Expert Julie Scott, Owner and Clinical Director of Facial Aesthetics. “One of the first things I focus on is the ogee curve—the natural curve from the cheekbone to the chin. As we age or lose volume, this curve flattens, causing sagging. Dermal fillers are perfect for restoring volume to this area. I always remind patients that losing too much weight can affect facial volume, which is key to maintaining that youthful shape. As fat is lost, the face can look hollow or sag, affecting both the ogee curve and overall facial definition.

Treatments to try:

• Skin boosters eg: Profhilo, Polynucleotides, Plinest and Newest to hydrate and plump the skin.
• Dermal filler to restore volume, smooth lines and lift sagging skin.  
• HarmonyCa—a bio-stimulation treatment that combines hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite, to lift sagging skin while encouraging collagen production.

Ultrasound treatments 

Ultherapy and other ultrasound-based treatments are designed for skin tightening but can, in some cases, lead to unintended fat loss, particularly when performed by an inexperienced practitioner. “Improper treatment depth and energy levels can target fat instead of collagen layers,” says Dr Hemming.  “To prevent this issue, always consult a highly skilled practitioner who understands facial anatomy and treatment depth. Fat loss is generally permanent, but volume can be restored with treatments.”

Treatments to try:

• Dermal filler will help fill out any areas lacking in volume. 
• Polynucleotides work to stimulate collagen and elastin, while improving skin quality. 
• Profhilo—a high dose hyaluronic acid injectable treatment that stimulates collagen, hydrates and tightens the skin.