Worried About ‘Ozempic Face’? Here’s How South Africans Are Handling It Beautifully

The Comprehensive Guide (Updated 2025)

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Key points:   

• Ozempic face is manageable if taken seriously, and usually not dangerous — it’s a normal result of fat loss as part of the medication’s effects.

• There are many effective ways to manage and prevent facial changes. Including diet, supplements, and choosing the right dose of medication

• Getting professional assistance can reduce the risk of running into side effects. If it does happen you’ll be in safe hands.

Overview

As Semaglutide use rises across South Africa, online forums are buzzing with one trending topic: Ozempic face. 

Have you noticed facial changes while using Ozempic?

We’re a part of this discussion. At Get Tested, we believe you should feel confident in every aspect of your weight loss process — including loving the face looking back at you in the mirror.  

 

What is “Ozempic face”?

“Ozempic face” is a term that refers to noticeable changes in facial appearance as a result of using Ozempic, including lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and a “hollowed” appearance. 

Not Quite What You Heard 

In the absence of clear information, fear can sometimes lead to the spread of inaccurate claims—such as the idea that Ozempic accelerates skin aging or damaged facial skin. 

Sagging skin is not due to skin aging caused by Ozempic, but rather a result of (rapid) fat loss in the face.

Think of losing facial volume as going from a grape to a raisin: With less fat to “fill out” your face, you may be left with drooping skin or wrinkles. This can occur with weight loss from any cause, not just from Semaglutide injections. 

 

South Africans on Ozempic Side Effects

As people vary, so do side effects. For Charmain Naidoo, the experience was surprisingly smooth—she barely felt any side effects at all. But her cousin, who started the Ozempic journey with her, had a very different story. She dealt with unsettling issues like burping, farting, nausea, and acid reflux.

It didn’t take long for their doctors to explain that there’s a catch to losing weight the right way with Ozempic: you still need to eat well and exercise regularly.

Motivated by stories from their favorite U.S. media personalities - Kim Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kelly Clarkson - who also reportedly use Ozempic, they committed to building a healthier lifestyle together.

How to avoid drooping facial skin

Do not try to lose weight 'as fast as possible', as it is a process. Rapid weight loss is unsustainable long-term and can increase the risk of unwanted facial changes. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends losing no more than 0.8 kg per week. The maximum dose of Ozempic® for weight loss is 2 mg once a week. 

 

According to Cleveland Clinic, you should also consider the following:

• Use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to maintain skin plumpness.

• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily to protect skin integrity.

• Consider peptide-rich serums that support collagen production.

• Stay well-hydrated (8-10 glasses of water daily). 

Get your medication from a platform that gives ongoing support. At Get-Tested, we are the difference between “figuring it out alone” and “losing weight with confidence”.

Where does this leave you? 

You don't need surgery or injectable fillers to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. Through telemedicine and self-use products, there are simple, effective options you can try at home to support skin tightening and rejuvenation.

You can consider:

1. Taking daily GLP-1 Agonist support vitamins & supplements like PeptideVite: A supplement directly made to handle GLP-1 product side effects. Aids in Nausea, Reflux & Abdominal Discomfort. Specially made to support skin health during weight loss. 

2. Topical Skincare Products like Alastin Restorative Skin Complex: A medical-grade cream that boosts collagen and elastin for long-term skin firmness and hydration — perfect during weight loss when skin laxity becomes noticeable.
    

Talk to our doctors 

Conclusion   

Many people have had success using Ozempic and Mounjaro to lose weight. No evidence suggests that Ozempic speeds up aging. If you experience decreased facial volume, talk to your Dermatologist or Aesthetic GP. Remember, weight loss treatments work best with a healthy lifestyle. 

Medically reviewed by: Dr Amina Guffar.

Medical Doctor | Medical Aesthetics Specialist | Corporate Wellness Consultant

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.