What “Ozempic Face” Really Is: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured on The Skincarma Pod

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD recently joined The Skincarma Pod to discuss the facial changes associated with significant weight loss from GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, and why addressing these changes requires more than simply replacing lost volume.

Often referred to as “Ozempic face,” these changes can include facial deflation, loose or crepey skin, and a loss of structural support. Dr. Gould explains that the term can be misleading. Rather than representing a condition caused exclusively by GLP-1 medications, many of these changes reflect the effects of substantial weight loss occurring faster than the skin and underlying tissues can adapt.

The conversation also explores the role of nutrition during significant weight loss. As appetite and overall calorie intake decrease, maintaining adequate protein, vitamins, and essential nutrients becomes particularly important for the skin and body. Dr. Gould emphasizes the value of allowing weight and facial tissues time to stabilize before deciding whether aesthetic intervention is appropriate.

When treatment is considered, the underlying cause of the facial change matters. Adding filler may restore volume in some patients, but it does not necessarily correct tissue that has shifted or descended. In certain cases, repeatedly adding volume can make the face appear fuller without addressing the structural changes responsible for the patient’s concerns.

Dr. Gould discusses how treatment planning may instead involve a combination of approaches, including filler, fat transfer, energy-based treatments, or facial surgery depending on the individual patient. For surgical rejuvenation, he also explains the importance of facial vectors and how the direction in which tissues are repositioned can influence whether a facelift appears restorative and natural or visibly pulled.

Ultimately, the discussion challenges the idea that every visible effect of weight loss needs to be corrected. Significant weight loss can represent an important health achievement, and aesthetic treatment should remain an individual choice. When patients do seek treatment, Dr. Gould advocates for an anatomy-first approach focused on identifying whether the concern is volume loss, tissue descent, skin quality, or a combination of factors before determining the appropriate path forward.

Read the full feature and listen to the episode on The Skincarma Pod:
https://skincarma.substack.com/p/what-ozempic-face-really-is-and-why