‘Ozempic Breasts’ Are the Drugs Latest Side Effect

An increasing number of people are seeking breast lift surgery after rapidly losing weight on Ozempic and similar drugs, plastic surgeons say.

Ozempic and other novel diabetes and weight loss drugs called GLP-1 agonists can transform a patient’s appearance, helping them shed up to 20% of their body weight.

However, rapid weight loss may have side effects. Some people have already reported having an “Ozempic face” defined by loose and saggy skin, as well as more apparent wrinkles and lines. Others experience “Ozempic butt,” which is saggy buttocks.

Plastic surgeons now report an increase in the demand for breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, in patients who lost weight on GLP-1 agonists.

Notably, Ozempic isn’t the only GLP-1 agonist that may cause quick weight loss, leading to saggy skin — Wegovy, Mounjaro, and other drugs may have similar effects.

Breasts tend to increase in size with weight gain or decrease with weight loss, according to Dr. Walter Joseph, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

“Just like with the Ozempic face, significant weight loss over a short period of time doesn’t allow the skin enough time to bounce back and recoil and shrink wrap after that weight loss. As we begin to see laxity and sagging in the face after significant weight loss from Ozempic, we’re also seeing the same phenomenon in the breast,” he explained in a video.

In a TikTok video, Rekha B. Kumar, M.D., an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, emphasized that a saggy face or butt is not a side effect of Ozempic but the consequences of rapid weight loss.

“It is really important to do resistance training, maintain our muscle mass, and lose weight at a healthy pace so we don’t lose more muscle than fat. Because then we may look like we are aging quickly, faces could look saggy, butts could look saggy,” she said.

Breast lift: benefits and risks

Mastopexy involves removing extra skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Moreover, the surgery can reduce the enlarged areola.

Mastopexy cannot considerably change the size of breasts or round out the upper part of the breast.

Although having a more youthful-looking breast may sound tempting, it is crucial to understand the possible risks and complications of mastopexy. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, these include the following:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast contour and shape irregularities
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Poor healing of incisions
• Possibility of revisional surgery
• Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, which is produced in the gut when we eat.

These drugs decrease appetite and reduce food intake, with other possible health benefits ranging from curbed addictions to improved cardiovascular health.

Common side effects of the drugs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some people, GLP-1 agonists may cause severe adverse events, such as stomach paralysis and inflammation of the pancreas. Anecdotal evidence suggests that these drugs may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control.

“Ozempic breasts” are the result of rapid weight loss due to medications rather than a side effect of the drug. Although sagging can be solved with a breast lift, the procedure may cause complications like breast contour and shape irregularities.