The so-called “Ozep face” may have become a terrifying trademark in Hollywood, but a new unwanted side effect has emerged from the drug.
Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs, including Wegovy, are intended as a treatment for diabetes, but have been taken into consideration by the image conscious thanks to their remarkable weight-loss abilities.
The drug is given as a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas produce more insulin.
Now, in addition to loose skin, weak cheeks and sunken eyes, it has emerged that the injection can lead to what is called ‘Osemic Breasts’.
Women taking the drug have reported breast sagging New York Post References.
However, experts clarified that this change in the breasts is not a direct side effect of the drug, but is a normal phenomenon among people who lose a significant amount of body fat in a short period of time.
“In the breast area, rapid fat loss can leave the skin envelope empty, causing the breasts to appear deflated and the nipples turned downward,” explained Dr. Ronald F. Rosso, a California plastic surgeon. Heathline.
“This appearance is very similar to what happens after patients have undergone more traditional weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Walter J. Joseph, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon also based in California, warned that semaglutide takers who have become pregnant and breastfed may be at greater risk of developing “sad-looking” breasts.
To ease the discomfort, Dr. Elie Levine, a New York-based plastic surgeon, recommended wearing a supportive bra.
From left: Jessica Simpson; Sharon Osborne and Scott Disick are all suspected Ozempic takers jessicasimpson/Instagram/Getty Images/letthelordbewithyou/Instagram)(
Alternatively, people are looking to more invasive solutions, including breast lifts.
This procedure, more formally known as a mastopexy, involves the removal of damaged skin by a plastic surgeon, who then reshapes the remaining tissue and repositions the nipple so that it faces forward rather than downward.
Mastopexy is just one example of skin-tightening procedures that have grown in demand since Ozempic was first approved in 2017. Since then, complaints of so-called “Uzbek butt” and “Ozempic face” continued to rise.
However, experts like Dr. Christopher Costa, founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, urged patients to wait until they have achieved and are able to maintain their desired weight before opting for corrective surgery.
“Your body after Ozempic can be completely different,” Costa said Heathline. “This means accepting that the overall volume and shape of the breast can be affected.
“If you’re not ready for cosmetic surgery, it’s okay to embrace your new look. Go buy new clothes that fit your new size and bust to create the best version of you.”
Conversely, some people taking semaglutide have reported having swollen, rather than sagging, breasts.
“I’m on week 3 of semaglutide (dose 0.25) and have had virtually zero side effects, but the last week my breasts have been so heavy and painful!” a Reddit user he wrote last month.
“They also feel bigger,” they added. “I haven’t had any weight loss, so I don’t think it’s because of that.”
However, Costa said more research is needed to directly link the drugs to the type of hormonal changes that may cause breast swelling.
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