Laser therapy potential for aesthetic correction of involutional facial changes in patients undergoing medical weight loss

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Abstract

Background: The widespread use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for weight loss has led to the development of the aesthetic phenomenon of Ozempic face, characterized by rapid loss of midface volume, tissue ptosis, and impaired skin quality. This is associated with a reduction in subcutaneous fat and decreased synthesis of extracellular matrix components.

Objective: Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of subdermal laser therapy (EndoliftX®, 1470 nm) for the correction of facial involutional changes in patients receiving GLP-1 RA therapy.

Materials and methods: The study included 10 patients (8 women, 2 men) aged 35–60 years with a BMI of 25–32 kg/m2 receiving semaglutide or tirzepatide. All patients underwent a single EndoliftX® laser rejuvenation procedure. Results were assessed clinically and using 3D scanning (Liveviz) over a period of 3 to 12 months.

Results: With drug therapy, average body weight loss was 10–15% (8–17 kg). The EndoliftX® laser technique improved facial contours and increased skin firmness and elasticity in all patients. No complications were reported.

Conclusion: Subdermal laser therapy (EndoliftX®, 1470 nm) is an effective and safe minimally invasive method of aesthetic correction in patients with rapid weight loss while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists and can be recommended as a component of comprehensive treatment programs for these patients.

About the authors

Inga A. Akhmedbaeva

Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation

Author for correspondence.
Email: ingapm@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0641-8232

Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology

Russian Federation, Moscow

Larisa S. Kruglova

Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation

Email: kruglovals@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-5044-5265

Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Rector

Russian Federation, Moscow

Natalia V. Gryazeva

Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation

Email: tynrik@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-3437-5233

Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology

Russian Federation, Moscow

Olga S. Sodel

Skin Lift Clinic

Email: Osod515@gmail.com
ORCID iD: 0009-0007-7692-6888

Cosmetologist, Chief Physician

Russian Federation, Moscow

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