Restore Facial Volume Loss on Ozempic® ,Wegovy® , Mounjaro®, Zepbound® Facial Fat Loss and GLP-1s:

Facial Fat Loss and GLP-1s: What the Galderma SCULPT & LIFT Study Shows & How to Restore Volume

Introduction

As GLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide, etc.) become widespread for weight management, many patients and clinicians have noticed a new cosmetic concern: rapid or noticeable facial volume loss (sometimes called “Ozempic face”). This article explains the biology behind facial fat loss with GLP-1 therapy, summarizes key findings from Galderma’s SCULPT & LIFT research on restoring facial volume, and outlines evidence-based treatment options. PMC+1

What is “facial fat loss” with GLP-1 drugs?

GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce appetite and cause sustained weight loss. With rapid or significant total-body weight loss, the face can lose both superficial and deep fat pads, plus some soft-tissue support, producing a gaunt, hollowed, or aged appearance for some patients. Radiographic studies suggest measurable mid-facial volume reductions correlated with overall weight loss. Clinicians report the temporal and cheek regions are commonly affected. aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com+1

How common is it?

Large surveys and early studies indicate a sizable proportion of patients on medication-driven weight-loss programs notice facial changes. Galderma’s cross-country research efforts (the largest to date) found that a large majority of people undergoing medication-driven weight loss reported some degree of facial change and that many would consider aesthetic treatments to address it. These findings helped motivate the SCULPT & LIFT clinical program. BioSpace+1

The Galderma SCULPT & LIFT study — quick summary of results

Galderma ran a first-of-its-kind trial evaluating a combined injectable approach — immediate structural lift with hyaluronic acid (Restylane® Lyft™ or Restylane® Contour™) plus gradual skin/volume improvement with the biostimulator Sculptra® — to treat facial volume loss associated with medication-driven weight loss.

• Interim (3-month) results: The combination produced meaningful improvements in facial appearance and high patient satisfaction in an initial 3-month interim analysis presented by Galderma. Galderma+1

• Longer follow-up (9-month) results: Final nine-month data reinforced that the Sculptra + Restylane combination produced durable improvement in facial aesthetics and maintained high patient satisfaction over the follow-up period. Galderma+1

  
  

Key takeaways: the combined approach aims to (1) restore immediate volume/contour with HA fillers and (2) stimulate gradual collagen and dermal remodeling with a biostimulator to improve skin quality and longer-term fullness.

What this means for patients

If a patient on GLP-1 therapy complains of a gaunt face or premature aging:

• Start with a thorough clinical assessment (weight history, pattern of facial volume loss, expectations).

• Non-surgical options — HA fillers for structural support and biostimulators (like Sculptra®) to improve skin thickness and collagen — show promising results based on Galderma’s program. Galderma+1

• Manage expectations: results vary by degree of weight loss, skin laxity, age, and treatment plan; multiple sessions or a combination approach may be required.

  
  

Safety & timing considerations

• Plan treatments with knowledge of the patient’s weight trajectory. If weight is still actively falling, delaying some elective aesthetic treatments until weight stabilizes may produce more predictable results.

• Discuss realistic outcomes and possible need for touch-ups. Galderma’s data indicate durable benefits out to nine months in their study cohort, but individual needs vary. Galderma

  
  

FAQ

Q: Do GLP-1 drugs cause permanent facial fat loss?

A: GLP-1s cause weight loss that can reduce facial fat; whether changes are perceived as permanent depends on subsequent weight stability and whether corrective treatments (fillers/biostimulators) are used. PMC

Q: What treatments restore face fullness after GLP-1 weight loss?

A: Hyaluronic acid fillers (Restylane® Lyft/Contour) restore immediate volume; Sculptra® (a collagen biostimulator) can improve dermal support over months. Combination protocols were effective in Galderma’s SCULPT & LIFT program. Galderma+1

Sources & further reading

(Primary sources summarized in this post)

• Galderma press release — positive interim SCULPT & LIFT results (Jan 14, 2025). Galderma

• Galderma — final nine-month data (released July 17, 2025). Galderma

• Coverage of Galderma program and large survey on medication-driven weight loss patient experience. BioSpace+1

• Systematic reviews and radiographic studies about “Ozempic face” and midfacial volume changes. PMC+1