As more people turn to GLP-1 medications for weight loss, concerns around skin laxity are becoming more common. While several areas can be affected, the skin just below the chin has drawn particular attention due to what’s been dubbed “Ozempic neck.” A result of rapid weight loss and loose skin, Ozempic neck—and how to treat it—has quickly become a hot topic. Ahead, two plastic surgeons and a board-certified dermatologist share what to know about Ozempic neck and the best ways to address it.
Featured Experts
- Elie Levine, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
- German Newall, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston
- Robert Schwarcz, MD is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in New York
What Causes Ozempic Neck?
The term Ozempic neck refers to volume loss in the face and neck that can lead to sagging skin and reduced fat beneath the surface. “Because of this, not only does laxity occur, but the skin’s texture changes and muscle banding begins to show,” says New York plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD.
While the buzzy term includes the word Ozempic, it’s important to note that Ozempic neck is caused by significant, rapid weight loss—not the medication itself—and can occur with the use of any GLP-1 medication. “When weight is lost quickly, especially with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, the fat that supports the skin in the neck and jawline diminishes. As a result, the skin may not have enough time to tighten naturally,” adds Houston plastic surgeon German Newall, MD.
What Are the Visible Effects of Ozempic Neck?
Loose skin is the most noticeable effect of Ozempic neck, but it’s not the only one. According to experts, decreased definition in the jawline is also common and can contribute to a more aged appearance. “Oftentimes, fat can hide the aging structures of the neck, and once gone, the splitting muscle and lower-lying neck structures become more obvious and appear more aged,” says New York oculofacial plastic surgeon Robert Schwarcz, MD.
Dr. Newall adds that thinning of the neck can also be noticeable, often creating a more hollow or aged look due to the loss of underlying fat that once supported the skin.
Though Ozempic neck can occur at any age, the effects tend to present differently on mature skin. For individuals over 40, loose skin and a hollow or gaunt appearance may be more pronounced. As Dr. Levine explains, it’s not just the neck that’s affected—the cheeks, mid-face and jowls can also show changes. This can lead to more visible fine lines, wrinkles and, in some cases, more prominent platysma bands in the neck.
Treatments for Ozempic Neck
When skin laxity is more advanced, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve meaningful tightening. Neck lifts are “the gold standard for neck rejuvenation with rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications and for the aging neck because it can reset the deep structures, including the deeper muscles, fat and glands,” says Dr. Schwarcz.
While surgical options are effective, a combined approach tailored to specific concerns can yield optimal results. “A combination of techniques allows you to reposition things back to where they need to sit, as well as volumize the face in areas where volume has diminished,” says Dr. Levine, who often combines a deep plane face and neck lift with fat transfer and laser resurfacing. He explains that this approach helps achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Treatment can also be customized based on the degree of skin laxity. Dr. Newall notes that non-surgical options that stimulate collagen and improve firmness may be appropriate for mild laxity, including radiofrequency devices such as Morpheus8 and Sofwave, as well as plasma-based treatments such as FaceTite and Renuvion. For moderate laxity, minimally invasive procedures can offer subtle tightening and contouring.
The Takeaway
The right treatment comes down to how much laxity you’re dealing with. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you decide which option makes the most sense for your skin and goals.
