“Temporal Hollowing” Is the Latest Concern for GLP-1 Users

Most patients who go on GLP-1 medications do not think about how the weight loss drugs will affect the temples on either side of their face. Instead, they are generally focused on shedding pounds and getting healthier. However, a new trend known as "temporal hollowing" is drawing attention to how these medications impact the overall look of the face. Here is what you need to know about temporal hollowing and why it may make you look old.

Temporal Hollowing a Common Complaint of Patients on GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications are the hottest thing in medicine these days. Drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy promise to help patients lose weight, improve their overall appearance, and boost their health. While most patients are pleased with the results, a new trend is emerging that has them asking their doctors why they suddenly look older. Most often, the patients recognize that something looks different about their face, but they cannot discern what it is that is making them look older.

According to Dr. Terry Dubrow, a plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, "One of the strongest characteristics of the 'Ozempic face' is the loss of volume in the temple." Temporal hollowing, or temporal wasting, is a natural byproduct of losing weight in the face.

Doctors caution that the smallest change in overall body weight can yield big differences in the appearance of the face. This is why plastic surgeons offer personalized approaches to their patients, taking into account each person's unique features.

The look of the temples is typically one of the last things on people's minds when they start their weight loss journey. However, Dubrow notes that the fullness of this part of the face is often a telltale sign that something has changed. The slightest change in the depth of the area surrounding the temples can make someone appear to look older or dehydrated.

Dubrow details that temporal hollowing "takes your face out of its youthful balance. When you look at a youthful face − when you look at kids, babies − the temple area is very full." Dubrow goes on to say that this hollowing of the temple region is the "hallmark of aging, hallmark of illness, hallmark of dehydration and the absolute hallmark of the Ozempic face."

Be Wary of Overcorrecting the Problem of Temporal Hollowing

Health care providers caution that patients should be wary of overcorrecting temporal hollowing through cosmetic procedures. Adding too much fat or filler at one time can create its own set of issues. Dr. Krishna Vyas, a plastic surgeon at Blechman Plastic Surgery, warns that "You don't want to necessarily overfill the face with fat, because that results in other problems that may not be as aesthetic." Vyas said that "Certain areas of the face you want to accentuate. Other areas you want to enhance."

Most temporal hollowing issues are treated with filler, an outpatient procedure that injects medically approved gels under the skin to add volume, smooth lines, and shape the face. Some patients may choose more invasive surgical intervention tactics, such as a fat transfer.

Dubrow cautions his patients that the temples are a high-risk area when using filler. This is because they are full of arteries and veins, meaning that the slightest misstep could lead to blindness or other serious health complications. As such, it is important to only seek filler for the temple region from professional health care providers. In other words, this is not a procedure that you want done at a day spa.

Additionally, health care professionals are increasingly concerned about the growing availability of GLP-1 medications as the treatment becomes more mainstream and widely covered by insurance. GLP-1 medications are also coming down significantly in price, making them more affordable for everyday Americans.

While Dubrow said that the use of these medications is not generally problematic when under the expert guidance of a trained physician, they can become dangerous when people try to lose too much weight too quickly. This is when temporal hollowing becomes a greater risk.

Rather than sourcing these medications online or from chiropractors or gym trainers, it is better to consult the advice of a medical physician. The drugs are designed to be taken in increasing increments over time under the watchful eye of a professional.

The bottom line is that while there are some undisputed health benefits of GLP-1 medications, it is important to be mindful of some of the side effects. Keeping an open line of communication with your health care provider is essential.

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