After weight loss comes increased energy, easier movement and a bevy of positive compliments. Oftentimes, though, so does the sagging. Loss of fat in the face can lead to a person appearing prematurely older, accentuating signs of aging as the cheeks and lower face start to sag with the lack of fat.
As a health management tool, GLP-1s have become more mainstream as they mimic an appetite-suppressing hormone that slows stomach emptying and increases sensations of fullness. These medications have revolutionized health for millions of people by helping manage diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even sleep apnea. Many have lost significant amounts of weight.
“GLP-1s are game-changing for so many people with mild medical issues or just worsening issues due to an extra 20 pounds, whether back pain or higher blood pressure and cholesterol,” says Dr. Kate Dee, founder of Glow Medispa in Kirkland and West Seattle.
Along with losing face-plumping fat, there can be increased skin laxity (i.e., looser skin) combined with decreased elasticity (stretchiness). Much like the air in a balloon, fat may have helped reduce the appearance of wrinkling and other signs of aging.
“Heavier people often look younger, and then after losing weight, will find saggy skin under the chin and in the jowl area,” Dee says.
So, as weight loss starts and accelerates, “smile lines” become more noticeable as skin thins and cheek volume decreases along with an appearance of gauntness, combined with other changes to the cheeks, chin and lips. Studies have found that weight loss can negatively impact self-esteem due to the rapid aged appearance. Few GLP-1 patients are warned or prepared for the facial and other physical changes that can result.
“Coming in during active weight loss can be helpful for some people,” as they gain more knowledge about their options via consultation. “You may look better as you lose weight if you start sooner,” she says.
Smoothing out the wrinkles
Facial volume and excess skin management can be addressed in a few ways — skin tightening techniques using new technology, injectables and surgical intervention.
However, most people don’t want or need invasive or expensive procedures, Dee notes. Rather, the key is to tighten and maintain the face during and after weight loss.
“They want the skin and appearance that makes them feel authentically themselves,” Dee says. “It’s important to find a doctor who listens to your goals and provides realistic expectations.”
Sculptra, Emface and RF microneedling can help lift, tighten and rejuvenate the face, neck and surrounding areas, Dee says. For example, laser resurfacing and skin tightening can help smooth surface wrinkles and fine lines.
Sculptra is an injectable that helps the body restore and generate new collagen under the skin, plumping it up without fat. It can be added to the temples, cheeks, lower face and jawline. Unlike temporary dermal fillers that insert a natural substance, hyaluronic acid, under the skin, Sculptra is not a filler but generates the body’s own collagen.
“Fillers are not a permanent or long-lasting solution and often don’t look completely natural, although there are talented injectors,” Dee says.
Emface uses radiofrequency and high-intensity electromagnetic energy to stimulate collagen in the skin and build facial muscles beneath the skin’s surface in short 20-to-40-minute sessions. With RF microneedling, tiny needles deliver radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thickening and tightening skin that’s aging.
“I prefer longer-lasting, more permanent results that are more conservative,” she says.
A little more muscle behind the loss
The weight loss doesn’t just stop at your face – it can hit you in the back end as well. “Flat-butt syndrome is a drag,” Dee says.
She emphasizes that if you use GLP1s to lose weight, like many other weight-loss approaches, you must continue exercising and eating protein to build a lifetime of enduring, empowering muscle.
“With muscle, it’s use it or lose it, so it’s important to get weightlifting in once or twice a week. It’s a way to maintain health into old age or prevent muscle atrophy.” Dee recommends whole-body workouts that boost the arms, legs and core.
The in-office muscle-stimulating tool, Emsculpt Neo, uses high intensity-focused electromagnetic energy to help boost a sagging behind. Emsculpt Neo can be applied to any part of the body, whether the glutes, arms or legs. However, “most people focus on one or two places that matter most, ” she says, including the rear end.
“Weight loss is not the goal, it’s health gain,” she says. “Fitness, activity level and mobility improve, and how you feel in your body and skin.”
Glow Medispa ™ is a physician-owned and run medical spa with locations in West Seattle and Kirkland. Receive expert skin-care advice and services to restore your youthful natural beauty. Glow Medispa offers scientifically-proven treatments in a supportive and relaxing environment.