In plastic surgery, there are two major combination makeovers that have changed the landscape for aesthetic procedures: the Mommy Makeover and the Menopause Makeover. Joining them now in this elite category is an emerging third makeover that combines the best of both worlds, with a focus on volume restoration and anti-aging that makes it unique. And it’s ready to take center-stage.
This is everything you need to know about the “Ozempic Makeover.”
The Rise of the Ozempic Makeover
According to New York plastic surgeon Elie Levine, MD, it isn’t necessarily surprising to see an increase in post-weight loss procedures now that these medications have become more popular. One reason is that treatments can be seen as a “finishing touch” for those patients who were looking to lose mild amounts of weight.
“Many of these patients are aesthetically minded,” Dr. Levine explains. “Those who take GLP-1 medications to lose those last few pounds of that they cannot shed on their own are particularly aesthetically inclined and want to maximize their results with treatments or procedures.”
Another key reason for the uptick is that major weight-loss opens the door for patients who might not have qualified for aesthetic surgery in the past.
“After weight-loss, these patients are now, potentially, surgical candidates,” Dr. Levine says. “That could mean they now qualify for a tummy tuck, or that they will now see really positive results from liposuction or skin tightening, whereas they wouldn’t have at their previous weight.”
What is an “Ozempic Makeover?”
Firstly,in addition to Ozempic, there are plenty of other GLP-1 medications that are used for weight loss. Also the ‘Ozempic Makeover’ treatments and procedures would benefit anyone who has lost weight rapidly, whether through medicine, weight loss surgery, diet or exercise.
“Major weight loss that happens quickly has multiple effects,” Dr. Levine explains. “People tend to look drawn. They may develop jowls, neck laxity and loose skin that may impact them from head-to-toe. Women may have volume loss in their chests which can cause drooping, the stomach area can become lax. Rapid weight loss really impacts the entire body.”
Even patients who haven’t lost a significant amount of weight may still find themselves with some of these effects.
“Patients who are naturally on the thinner side that are on these medications may notice significant changes,” Dr. Levine explains. “It’s very similar in that they tend to look drawn because of facial volume loss, and their jaws have less definition. But they don’t have enough loose skin to benefit from removal of skin or surgical skin tightening, hence I use laser tightening and properly placed volume.”
A Makeover Built for You
As you might imagine, these two types of patients seeking “Ozempic Makeovers” tend to get two distinct tracks.
Minimally Invasive Makeovers
Those patients with limited loose skin tend to have Makeovers made up of skin tightening treatments like radio frequency and fillers or fat transfer to restore lost volume. “Quantum RF is the latest and new pure skin tightening device, and I am one of the first nationally to have it. It’s cutting edge technology,” says Dr. Levine.
“These are more like tweaks and tend to be minimally invasive,” Dr. Levine says. “Also there are more intermediate procedures, like fat transfers, which work brilliantly for lots of people with volume loss in the face or butt, especially when a patient isn’t ready for a facelift or necklift.” In addition volume restoration with fat transfer can help with buttock augmentation or fat transfer to the breast.
Surgical Makeovers
When a lot of weight has been lost, the surgical track is taken.
“Those more involved procedures could range from a facelift with facial fat transfer, to a breast augmentation or lift, to a tummy tuck with liposuction, and gluteal fat transfer/ BBL,” Dr. Levine explains. “These procedures are able to tackle excess skin and create contour where you want it.”
That said, surgical patients can also benefit enormously from the integration of non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments.
“Treatments like BodyTite, FaceTite, Morpheus 8 and our newest addition, Quantum RF, are all added elements in the arsenal,” he explains. Dr. Elie Levine is an expert in Quantum RF technology, teaching other doctors the intricacies of this novel technology.
When Am I Ready for an “Ozempic Makeover”?
As it so often is, timing is everything.
“Oftentimes I’m telling patients that if they want to have the best results and long-term satisfaction from a procedure, they need to slow down,” Dr. Levine says. “Because if I perform a procedure and a patient goes on to lose another 20-30 pounds, it isn’t going to be an optimized result.”
If you’re still actively losing weight, even if you’ve reached your goal, it’s important to reach a stable weight before undergoing aesthetic treatment or procedures.
“Your body also has to calibrate to its new weight,” Dr. Levine says. “The body and the brain are working in synergy, and the brain has to acknowledge the changes the body has made in order to maximize your nutrition, heal wounds appropriately and level out to a stable weight.”
Dr. Levine recommends maintaining a stable weight for at least six months prior to undergoing aesthetic procedures. Using his incredible surgical skills and the latest technology, Dr. Levine is able to provide the enviable epic makeover results that people are raving about.
