Ozempic’s Unexpected Side Effect: A Fresh Concern for Patients

Ozempic-assisted weight loss is leading many individuals to focus on a surprisingly overlooked aspect of their appearance: their ears.

Plastic surgeons have reported to The Looker that the surge in popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications has brought a flood of new clients seeking procedures related to post-weight-loss changes in their bodies.

These clients often express worries about the loose skin that comes with rapid weight loss, which has given rise to new terms like “Ozempic butt” and “Ozempic face.”

Recently, the New York Post highlighted a trend among users of GLP-1 drugs who are now opting for surgical fixes to what they call their “Ozempic ears.”

“Following rapid weight loss, the ears often lose their fullness, elongating at the lobes, which can age them prematurely,” noted Dr. Luis Macias, a plastic surgeon based in Los Angeles.

He elaborated that after slimming down, ears can indeed become flatter and more pliable—similar to the changes we see as we age. Additionally, some patients voice concerns about how their earrings fit after losing volume.

“It’s common for patients to complain that their earrings don’t sit properly post-weight loss,” Dr. Macias explained.

For those feeling insecure about their ears after shedding pounds, several options are available.

Leah, a woman in her 40s, lost 80 pounds on a GLP-1 medication and subsequently underwent a facelift to address her sagging skin. During her procedure, Dr. Daniel Gould added fat to her earlobes, emphasizing the importance of restoring volume to them.

“A little fat can make a significant difference,” Dr. Gould remarked.

Another patient, Stephanie, shared her experience after losing 54 pounds on Ozempic. She underwent both fat transfer and an earlobe reduction surgery, which totaled $9,500.

“It’s a small detail, but it truly bothered me more than I expected,” she admitted, expressing satisfaction with her results.

Yet, fillers remain a popular and quick alternative; they can enhance earlobes in under half an hour. Notably, Barbara Corcoran, the 77-year-old TV personality from Shark Tank, has mentioned her regular filler appointments include plumping her ears.

“I use my earlobes as a measure for my filler schedule,” she said, adding that when they flatten, she knows it’s time to return for treatment.