Functional and Aesthetic Periorbital, Ocular Adnexal and Ocular Surface Changes Linked to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists have revolutionised obesity and type 2 diabetes management through effective weight loss and metabolic regulation. However, their increasing use has led to reports of adverse aesthetic and functional effects, particularly affecting facial and ocular tissues. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive literature review was conducted in October 2025 across PubMed, Embase, and Medline using the terms "GLP-1 receptor agonist," "Ozempic face," "facial lipoatrophy," "ocular surface disease," "orbital fat," and related combinations. Studies reporting facial, periorbital, orbital, or ocular surface changes associated with GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists were included. Reference lists were screened to identify additional sources. <b>Results:</b> Evidence suggests that GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists may contribute to rapid facial volume loss, dermal fat atrophy, and periocular hollowing-collectively termed "Ozempic face." The mechanism is multifactorial, involving both weight-loss-related fat depletion and potential modulation of adipocyte differentiation. Ocular surface improvements have been observed in some studies. Radiologic data demonstrate preferential superficial midface fat loss, informing potential aesthetic correction strategies. <b>Conclusions:</b> GLP-1-based therapies, while clinically effective, can result in perceptible adnexal and periocular changes with aesthetic and functional implications. Awareness of these effects is crucial for multidisciplinary management. Future prospective studies are warranted to clarify mechanisms and guide individualised reconstructive and rejuvenative interventions.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-12-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14248792
Primary Topic
Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
Type
article
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article

Functional and Aesthetic Periorbital, Ocular Adnexal and Ocular Surface Changes Linked to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Journal of Clinical Medicine
Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
article

Functional and Aesthetic Periorbital, Ocular Adnexal and Ocular Surface Changes Linked to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists have revolutionised obesity and type 2 diabetes management through effective weight loss and metabolic regulation. However, their increasing use has led to reports of adverse aesthetic and functional effects, particularly affecting facial and ocular tissues. <b>Methods:</b> A comprehensive literature review was conducted in October 2025 across PubMed, Embase, and Medline using the terms "GLP-1 receptor agonist," "Ozempic face," "facial lipoatrophy," "ocular surface disease," "orbital fat," and related combinations. Studies reporting facial, periorbital, orbital, or ocular surface changes associated with GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists were included. Reference lists were screened to identify additional sources. <b>Results:</b> Evidence suggests that GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists may contribute to rapid facial volume loss, dermal fat atrophy, and periocular hollowing-collectively termed "Ozempic face." The mechanism is multifactorial, involving both weight-loss-related fat depletion and potential modulation of adipocyte differentiation. Ocular surface improvements have been observed in some studies. Radiologic data demonstrate preferential superficial midface fat loss, informing potential aesthetic correction strategies. <b>Conclusions:</b> GLP-1-based therapies, while clinically effective, can result in perceptible adnexal and periocular changes with aesthetic and functional implications. Awareness of these effects is crucial for multidisciplinary management. Future prospective studies are warranted to clarify mechanisms and guide individualised reconstructive and rejuvenative interventions.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(24)
University of Manchester (GB), Northern Health and Social Care Trust (GB), Rochdale Infirmary (GB)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 26%
Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
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Functional and Aesthetic Periorbital, Ocular Adnexal and Ocular Surface Changes Linked to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists · Journal of Clinical Medicine (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS