A growing number of weight loss jab users are reporting changes in body parts they would least expect
Plastic surgeons are reporting a notable rise in patients seeking cosmetic interventions following substantial weight loss from GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
As injectable drugs continue their meteoric rise in popularity, medical professionals in the US are observing a growing catalogue of aesthetic complaints among users.
The phenomenon has given rise to new cosmetic concerns, with terms like "Ozempic earlobes" and "Ozempic breast" now entering the clinical lexicon.
While the medications deliver impressive results on the scales, the rapid shedding of fat can leave patients with unwanted physical consequences requiring surgical correction.
The condition "Ozempic earlobes" emerged after patients noticed their ears appearing elongated, thinner or drooping following the loss of facial fat.
Several surgical practices stateside have reported increased enquiries from patients troubled by this particular side effect.
Those seeking remedies for sagging earlobes have a range of options available to them, such as dermal fillers and fat transfer procedures, to more intensive interventions, including laser therapy and surgical earlobe reduction.
Dr Mohammed Asif, a surgeon at Duly Health and Care in Naperville, Illinois, has witnessed a marked uptick in body contouring procedures among those who shed weight on GLP-1 medications.
"There has been a significant increase in body contouring procedures among patients with GLP-1 weight loss," Asif told Fox News Digital. "In my practice, I've seen a significant surge in breast lifts, panniculectomies (skin removal surgery), abdominoplasties (tummy tucks), brachioplasties (arm lifts) and thighplasties due to weight loss."
Notably, patients recovering from the procedures fare considerably better than those who have undergone bariatric surgery, Asif observed.
He attributed this to the more gradual nature of weight reduction achieved through GLP-1 medications.
Dr Michael Omidi, a double board-certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, has identified "Ozempic breast" as another frequently encountered issue among his patients.
He explained that women in their thirties and forties would not ordinarily require breast lift surgery, yet those using medications like Ozempic or Wegovy are experiencing gravitational effects on their bust.
This, he explained, occurs when women lose fat too fast, causing the breasts – which are comprised of fat, glandular tissue and skin – to lose volume.
The skin and supporting ligaments don't always bounce back at the same rate as the weight loss, resulting in breasts that can appear saggy and deflated.