One of the most headline-grabbing side effects of GLP-1 weight-loss medications is the loss of facial volume, now widely recognized as “Ozempic face.” While doctors frequently recommend fillers to combat this issue, a recent first-of-its-kind study by Galderma provides clinical evidence for a specific filler combination treatment using two different types.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
- Dr. Michael Somenek is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Washington
Combat 'Ozempic Face' With Sculptra and Restylane
Pairing Sculptra with Restylane Lyft or Contour delivers a synergistic effect. Sculptra stimulates collagen production and Restylane Lyft or Contour adds instant volume. Together, these fillers help restore fullness and improve skin firmness in areas like the cheeks. The cheeks tend to hollow and sag with weight loss,
Sculptra, made from poly-L-lactic acid, encourages collagen production, strengthening the skin’s internal structure for long-lasting results. Restylane, a hyaluronic acid-based filler, provides immediate plumping and hydration, smoothing hollow areas for a youthful appearance. When combined, these fillers offer immediate and progressive improvement in facial volume and skin texture.
“By stimulating the body's natural collagen production, Sculptra gradually restores lost volume, resulting in a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance,” says Miami dermatologist Anna Chacon, MD. “Sculptra, a poly-L-lactic acid injectable, was FDA-approved in 2004 to help improve HIV lipoatrophy. Because of this long and successful history in addressing facial wasting, in particular temple and cheek, associated with HIV medication, it’s very useful for GLP-1 inhibitor-induced facial volume loss as well.”
Method and Results
Patients received Sculptra with either Restylane Lyft or Contour for their first treatment. In week four, they had a second Sculptra treatment, with an optional Restylane Lyft or Contour touch-up. Patients also had an optional third Sculptra treatment in week eight.
Study participants reported feeling refreshed, more attractive and happy with their natural-looking results.85 percent noticed improvements by week 4. 89 percent maintained satisfaction at the three-month mark.
"This first-of-its-kind trial has shown the benefits of combining Sculptra and Restylane treatments to address different aesthetic concerns associated with medication-driven weight loss. With high subject satisfaction as early as four weeks after their first treatment session, which was maintained through to three months after their treatment, it illustrates how well Galderma’s broad portfolio provides aesthetic professionals with the varied tools we need to address the unique aesthetic concerns of each of our patients,” says Washington facial plastic surgeon Michael Somenek, MD, a clinical trial investigator for the study.
This combination approach is one many doctors already employ; however, it’s nice to see clinical data to back it up. Galderma says it will extend the study to six months.
