The new class of weight loss drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (tirzepatide), and Ozempic (semaglutide) have helped countless people finally win the battle against excess weight and obesity. While swift and permanent weight loss is a dream come true for most, the downside of losing that much weight rapidly (or even not so rapidly) can be sagging skin where the fat used to be.

Few portions of our anatomy are not subject to the plague of ptosis (medicalese for sagging) While “Ozempic face” has been getting publicity for some time, it has company now – “Wegovy butt” has become the talk of social media. However, the truth is that we really should be talking about “semaglutide and tirzepatide body”! Whether related to medications, bariatric surgery, or anything else, dramatic weight loss can cause the appearance of rapid aging in multiple areas of the body. It’s something we’re seeing more than ever at our Beverly Hills Physicians offices in Southern California. 

What to do? While exercise and healthy eating can help somewhat, in most cases it will take plastic surgeries and/or cosmetic procedures to seriously improve these conditions in the face and body. Expert plastic surgeons and medical professionals can offer several outstanding options that reduce or eliminate loose skin after weight loss.

Body Contouring 

Body lifts are the most direct and complete treatments for sagging. Depending on the areas impacted, surgeries may include a tummy tuck, a breast lift, a thigh lift, an arm lift, or a chest lift for men. (The procedure known as a Brazilian butt lift or BBL is not actually a lift but the most popular form of buttock augmentation; it typically includes transferred body fat.) 

Liposuction may also be called for. Sometimes, very stubborn pockets of fat will remain after a dramatic loss and will not react to any amount of exercise and calorie restriction; removing the fat is typically the only option. The upside of this is that, if there is enough of it, it may be possible to repurpose the removed fat cells for modest breast augmentation alongside a breast lift or a mini-BBL, if desired. 

The Goodman Effect

It’s not news that people who lose substantial weight often end up with more haggard-looking faces, regardless of how they lose weight. One example is beloved character actor John Goodman (“Roseanne,” “The Big Lebowski,” “The Righteous Gemstones,” etc.). The imposing performer lost roughly 200 pounds after he stopped drinking and began working with a fitness coach in 2007. In the years since, longtime fans have noticed his increasingly craggy, hangdog face. Take a close look at his face more recently, however, and it’s apparent he may have had some additional work done. While he’ll never be mistaken for Brad Pitt, he’s looking better than ever. While this is speculation and Goodman hasn’t publicly discussed his apparent facial improvement, in his early seventies, his career is stronger than ever. He’s likely to be joined by more weight loss successes whose new wrinkling and facial ptosis lessens over time for whatever reason. 

Facial Tightening and Rejuvenation

Here are the most popular options for facial rejuvenation after weight loss.

• Facelift Surgery – Medically known as rhytidectomy, this is one of the oldest and most highly refined of all plastic surgeries with a history going back to the early 20th century. Plastic surgeons have continued to refine facelift procedures as they have become increasingly accepted. A major advance, referred to as SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), debuted in the early to mid-1970s. The technique made it possible to lift more tissue beneath the surface layers of the skin for improved outcomes. Refinements since have helped to reduce visible scarring and other issues. A facelift remains the gold standard for removing wrinkles and ptosis for a more youthful appearance that lasts.
• Facial Fillers – Facial fillers are the first nonsurgical line of defense for sagging and wrinkles. Such products as Juvederm and Restylane lines of facial fillers work by filling empty areas with gels made from hyaluronic acid. HA is produced naturally by the human body. It helps moisturize areas such as the eyes and lubricates joints; it is therefore ideal for injection safely beneath the skin. Obtaining facial fillers involves little or no downtime and can be performed in roughly half an hour. Discomfort is minimal thanks to topical numbing creams and other light anesthetics. Results should be immediately visible though the full impact may take a week or two. Outcomes can be maintained over time with periodic touch-up procedures.

Nonsurgical Skin Tightening 

Until recently, surgery and facial fillers were the only options for substantial skin tightening. However, a new process called Renuvion can be used alone or in conjunction with facial and body lifts for powerful results. Formerly called J Plasma, this device emits RF frequencies, generating heat via helium plasma. Since the process unlocks collagen inside the skin, it offers a type of skin rejuvenation that is not possible with a surgical procedure alone. While the process can reduce modest sagging on its own, it will often be best used in conjunction with a face or body lift procedure.

End the Big Sag Today! 

If you’re ready to have body contouring surgery following a dramatic weight loss, the team at Southern California’s Beverly Hills Physicians has the finest plastic surgeons and medical staff for the absolute best in health and beauty medicine. 

To get started, fill out the form on this page, call us at the phone number below, or request a consultation.