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September 8, 2024
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Ozempic is a prescription medication meant to help adults with Type II diabetes.
The drug works by increasing the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone slows digestion, resulting in a full feeling, which leads to smaller portions and reduced cravings. In people with Type II diabetes, it controls blood sugar levels.
The Ozempic weight loss abuse worldwide
Since last year, Ozempic has been purportedly used to lose weight in people who do not need it. Many people are using it in their battle to lose weight. The trend of using Ozempic to lose weight fast has taken social media by storm, and on TikTok alone, the hashtag #Ozempic has been viewed at least 450 million times. The drug is reportedly sold out in the US, resulting in a shortage in early 2023.
Ozempic in Singapore is specifically intended for individuals with type 2 diabetes and is not approved as a weight loss medication. Adhering to approved medical guidelines when considering using Ozempic or any other medication is crucial.
If a patient who does not have diabetes is using Ozempic for non-medical purposes, it is essential to understand that this falls under the category of drug abuse. It is important to prioritise health and well-being by seeking appropriate medical advice and using medications responsibly.
The Ozempic side effects, including the Ozempic Face
The side effects associated with the use/abuse of Ozempic include nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, and headache. Serious side effects such as thyroid C-cell tumours and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) may occur, and although they are rare, the chances and risks are present. When it comes to weight loss, it is always ideal to seek qualified advice.
The other side effect it caused is the 'Ozempic Face'. Visual indicators include sagging skin, gauntness, and an increase in wrinkling and hollowing of the face. Facial volume loss is an inevitable result. The term' Ozempic Face' was coined by Dr Paul Jarrod Frank, a cosmetic and celebrity dermatologist, based on his experience treating affected people.
Facial Fat Grafting as an Antidote to the Ozempic Face
Facial fat grafting may help to reverse the effect of volume loss. During the procedure, fat is extracted from other parts of the patient's body, such as the abdomen, via liposuction and transferred or injected into the face where volume is needed. Compared to other treatments like fillers, fat transfer can produce longer-lasting results. Combined with non-invasive skin lifting technology such as Ultherapy, it can also improve skin elasticity. Facial fat grafting could be the antidote to the Ozempic Face issue.
To fully realise the benefits of facial fat grafting, a patient must also do their part. Avoiding less-than-desirable habits such as smoking and excessive caffeine consumption can increase the chance of fat survival. Typically, results have shown that at least 40 to 50% of injected fat survives during facial fat grafting.
Patients are expected to experience more post-procedure swelling after facial fat grafting. The results are nonetheless longer-lasting than fillers. Additionally, for fillers, a patient may require additional treatments every 6 to 8 months.
Non-surgical aesthetic solutions to Ozempic Face
Ultherapy
Ultherapy is FDA-cleared to treat saggy cheeks and jowls, and address skin laxity, turkey neck, droopy eyelids, lines, and wrinkles on the décolletage. It uses sound energy — tried-and-true ultrasound — which has unique properties that allow it to bypass the skin surface to treat depths not matched by any other non-invasive cosmetic device. This non-invasive skin lifting treatment uses high-intensity micro-focused ultrasound with real-time visualisation (MFU-V) to smooth out lines and wrinkles on the décolletage.
Ultherapy stimulates collagen production in the skin's foundation, resulting in a clinically significant lift of tissue over two to three months. This lift continues to show results for up to 12 months.
Dermal fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are the preferred choice for facial enhancement. Once injected, HA dermal fillers act as cushions, supporting facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume and elasticity. They are often used to reshape the cheeks and chin to improve facial definition and to fill in hollow areas caused by volume loss on the face by the side effects of Ozempic.
Biostimulators injections
Collagen bio-stimulator injections appear similar to dermal fillers because they are both injectable treatments. However, collagen bio-stimulator injections work by stimulating collagen growth from within the skin to combat the effects of ageing. These injections target the deep layers of the skin to activate fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen proteins) and promote the generation of new collagen.
Collagen biostimulator injections offer a variety of unique benefits. They can help smooth wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin resilience, address skin laxity, enhance skin elasticity, restore lost facial volume, and even out skin tone and texture. These benefits are achieved by harnessing the body's natural healing abilities and stimulating the production of new, healthy collagen, which can provide a reassuring and confidence-boosting aspect to the treatment.
Your facial enhancement and sculpting doctor in Singapore
Your cosmetic surgery and facial injections results are closely tied to your doctor's skill and artistic judgement. Achieving the best cosmetic outcomes demands a keen aesthetic sense, a skill not all medical practitioners possess. When others can readily identify that your facial features seem disproportionate, stiff, or unnaturally altered, it may be a sign of a poorly executed procedure.
Dr Ivan Puah is accredited by MOH Singapore to perform liposuction with decades of experience. He believes that face and body sculpting is 70% art and 30% science. Recognising that each patient possesses a unique blend of fat anatomy, muscular curvature and body shape, Dr Ivan Puah perceives liposuction as a delicate balance of science and art. He is also the appointed trainer for injectable neurotoxins and dermal fillers at Merz Singapore.
Beauty starts from within is not just an adage
We encourage individuals to consult with qualified healthcare professionals to explore suitable options for their specific needs and to avoid any potential risks or complications associated with the misuse of medications.
Remember, your health and safety should always be the top priority.
