'The 3 treatments I'm now doing on repeat as a cosmetic doctor because of Ozempic.'

As the use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic continues to explode around the world, more and more people are now turning to cosmetic treatments with the hope of restoring lost volume and lift as a result of rapid weight loss.

Just look at the impact of 'Ozempic face' in Hollywood. You don't have to know a lot about the drug to notice the increasingly common impact of the popular weight loss injections. 

Gaunt faces. Hollowed eyes. Loose skin.

Because while users of the drug (and its many variations on the market) are losing up to 20 per cent of their body weight, many are looking to restore volume and tighten the skin on their faces and bodies via both non-surgical and surgical procedures.

In Australia, the increasing popularity of the drug is having a ripple effect on cosmetic surgery trends, with experts noticing an uptick in patients requesting certain procedures after experiencing massive weight loss.

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Mamamia spoke to cosmetic doctor Dr Yalda Jamali from Epios Cosmetic Clinic in Sydney about what she's observed in her clinic. 

"I have approximately two to five patients a week disclosing that they are on Ozempic," she shared. "However, I suspect some may not declare this information."

In her clinic, Dr Jamali said the effects of rapid weight loss are driving more and more patients to turn to cosmetic surgery in the hope of targeting side effects such as volume loss, skin laxity and collagen depletion.

And according to Dr Jamali, three particular treatments are on the rise.

Specifically, there's a notable uptick in non-surgical facial treatments like anti-wrinkle injections and fillers. Dr Jamali said she's seeing an "increase in volume replacement treatments on the face, especially in the younger patients".

While these kinds of treatments and concerns wouldn't typically need to be addressed until 40s and beyond, a far younger demographic are seeking them out now.

Further to this, Dr Jamali told us she's also seeing an increase in non-surgical skin tightening treatments as a result of "skin laxity all over the body (not only the face)". 

Also on the rise are "bio-stimulatory treatments in the younger population (under 35)," she said. If you're not familiar, bio-stimulatory treatments are different to fillers — they are injectables and devices (often referred to as 'skin boosters') used to stimulate collagen production and add hydration into the skin.

What other cosmetic procedures are on the rise?

Dr Yalda said she's also experienced an increase in patients undergoing treatments such as Morpheus 8 — a non-surgical device that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy via needles to resurface and firm skin. It's similar to traditional microneedling, but uses RF to heat collagen deep beneath the skin.

"Morpheus 8 is and has been a popular treatment for years. It is a treatment that I recommend patients do simultaneously during a weight loss journey. Morpheus 8 treatment can also be performed on the body and common areas are thighs and abdomen.

Depending on the treatment area, patients often require a series of treatments, usually spaced six to eight weeks apart, for noticeable results.

Also gaining popularity are skin tightening and stimulating treatments, said Dr Yalda, even though they're not specifically new procedures. Again, the demographic requesting these treatments is noticeably younger.

"Patients are keen on prevention rather than treatment, so currently, patients are starting these skin tightening treatments at a slightly younger age," she said.

According to experts, there's also a notable uptick in patients seeking surgical intervention after losing significant amounts of weight — including the removal or tightening of excess skin on the arms, abdomen and thighs.

"In extreme cases of weight loss, surgical removal of excess skin may be sought," said Dr Jamali. "I presume we will see an increase in this for those who have lost significant weight." 

Where does this leave us?

"The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving," said Dr Jamali. "I think in general, regardless of Ozempic, we are heading towards a more regenerative angle when it comes to cosmetic medicine." 

We'll see a pivot away from the overfilled 'frozen' faces, she said; instead, the focus will be less about altering our facial features and more on focusing on skin health and "increasing our collagen bank".

"I anticipate that even more people will look into bio-stimulatory treatments to boost their collagen and elastin from a very young age. I also think 'anti-ageing' from within may have more of a focus in the coming years."

As the demand for weight loss medications grow, Dr Jamali said it's never been more crucial to take into account the very real and very significant side effects of these drugs. Because while it may be viewed as a one time 'cure' for unwanted weight gain, the fact remains, we've only just begun to scratch the surface in terms of the side effects — both physical and mental.

"I don't want to promote any medication, including weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They don't come without their own risks and potential complications. Often talking about skin solutions for extreme weight loss may give the wrong presumption that everything can be 'fixed' with surgical or non-surgical solutions," said Dr Yalda. 

"It is important to manage expectations and to know that surgery or non-surgical treatments may improve but not eradicate the issue the patient may be facing."

What are your thoughts on the rise of cosmetic treatments off the back of weight loss drugs? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram/@dr.yalda.