
A dermatology group has reported a ‘significant uptick’ in cosmetic filler sales due to facial sagging caused by weight loss drug Ozempic.
Galderma clinical investigator Michael Somenek said: ‘As medication-driven weight loss becomes more prolific around the world, so do the associated impacts of facial volume loss and other unwanted cosmetic effects like shadowing and hollowness.’
Ozempic is a brand of semaglutide produced by Novo Nordisk. It works by mimicking the sensation of fullness, allowing users to eat less without experiencing hunger.
In the UK, another formulation of semaglutide called Wegovy is now prescribed by the NHS. From September 2023, the drug became available to those with a BMI over 30 and at least one related comorbidity.
Galderma said there were several reasons for the facial changes known as ‘Ozempic face’, including loss of fat, collagen, elastin and essential nutrients such as fatty acids.
The company also proposed dermal fillers as a solution to these aesthetic concerns. It described the results as ‘improved mid-face shape and contouring along with improvements in cheek wrinkles and an overall improvement in facial appearance’.
In a study of the use of fillers to combat ‘Ozempic face’, 89% of subjects reported feeling ‘more attractive and happier with their appearance’.
‘Many dentists are exploring the idea of getting involved in facial aesthetics’
In 2023, a study found that one quarter (24%) of cosmetic injections in the UK are administered by dentists. A further 8% of practitioners who carry out these procedures were found to be dental nurses.
Of those represented in the study, 12% of treatments were carried out by non-healthcare ‘aestheticians’.
David Zargaran, plastic surgeon and author of the study, said: ‘There are well-documented – yet to date, unaddressed – challenges in the UK cosmetic injectables market.
‘Without knowledge of the professional backgrounds of practitioners, we cannot adequately regulate the industry. Our research highlights that the majority of practitioners are not doctors. [They] include other healthcare professionals, as well as non-healthcare professionals such as beauticians.’
Dentist Harry Singh said: ‘Many dentists are exploring the idea of getting involved in facial aesthetics, and why not?
‘Our patients trust us; we have empathy and have built rapport with them. Therefore we have the jump on offering facial aesthetics in a secure and controlled environment.
‘On the clinical side of things, we regularly perform injections several times a day. We are familiar with this procedure and have mastered how to give injections with minimal discomfort. Dentists are also experts in facial anatomy and structures; we spend hours every day performing in this region.’
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