What is Ozempic butt? Understanding this weight loss side effect and available treatment options

As the popularity of medical weight loss treatments has increased, a new aesthetic concern has emerged, known as the "Ozemic butt." While GLP-1 medications have revolutionized weight loss and obesity management, significant, rapid weight loss can lead to some rather unwanted side effects, including a deflated or flattened butt. This sudden volume loss can be both physically and emotionally uncomfortable, especially among those who previously had significant volume in that area.

Now, as more patients achieve their weight loss goals through medical means, plastic surgeons are seeing a noticeable uptick in consultations and procedures related to restoring shape and contour to the lower regions of the body. Whether it's through implants, fat transfer or strategic skin-tightening procedures, the field of plastic surgery has become even more committed to innovations in this area than ever before.

To gather more insight into the trending topic of Ozempic butt, we reached out to ASPS Member Surgeons Johnny Franco, MD, and John Burns, MD.

Ozempic butt basics

This is a relatively new phenomenon that earned its name due to its connection to the weight loss that can occur with GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic. It refers to the loss of volume and shape of the buttocks, as well as the loss of skin elasticity that can occur with rapid weight loss, especially when it is accompanied by significant weight loss.

"Ozempic butt refers to the changes that you see in volume, shape and skin of your buttocks after weight loss," said Dr. Franco. "We have seen so much of this recently because of GLP medications, and you're going to see even more of this with some of the stronger medications hitting the market soon. There is such a spectrum in weight loss – we've seen people lose 15 pounds or 150 pounds!"

The prevalence of these weight loss drugs means more people are turning to plastic surgery to restore volume to parts of the body they didn't necessarily want to slim down.

"I was talking about this right when the GLPs were hitting," said Dr. Burns. "It's amazing how many people are on these medications. It can be one in four patients in some geographical areas. They are really, really popular – because they work, but they work so well that it causes problems that you do not really understand until you see them."

So, what are the reasons behind the boom in patients looking for treatment for Ozempic butt?

"We have gone from a period of time with Kardashians where the big butt and BBL craze was it," said Dr. Burns. "Now, with Ozempic, it's the opposite. Everybody's butt is just gone. It's not that it's smaller and tighter; it's that there is a loss of muscle tone and the prevalence of loose skin. When patients come to me, it has usually gotten to the point where they are really concerned."

Treatment options to counter Ozempic butt

For medical weight loss patients and those experiencing concerns around Ozempic butt, there are several treatment options readily available, both surgical and minimally invasive.

"The most common thing we do for this is alloClae (an injectable filler that uses donor fat cells) and some cellulite treatment," said Dr. Franco. "Most of the time, people refer to everything they don't like about their butt and legs as cellulite, but it's actually skin laxity. Even from a provider standpoint, even when we see revisions for things, we're not seeing any cellulite. Both educating patients and providers is very important here!"

Another option is tightening loose skin around the buttocks with the use of innovative minimally invasive devices.

"In that genre of devices, there are really two – BodyTite and Renuvion," said Dr. Burns. "While surgeons may prefer one over the other, it's the heat generated that allows the skin to contract, and that's the key."

Noninvasive and minimally invasive procedures may be the preferred methods for patients, but there are instances in which they will not be effective to treat Ozempic butt.

"At a certain point, you will have reached a spot where noninvasive modalities just will not work," said Dr. Burns. "This is where the body lift component and the fill component can help. You fill with fat. That's the gold standard for correction for Ozempic butt."

Of course, this is where the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) comes into play.

"From a surgery standpoint, the number of buttock lifts or lifts with auto-augmentations has been huge," said Dr. Burns. "It used to be that I would do this once a quarter, but now I do one about once a week! For some of these patients with thinner skin, the nonsurgical options will not work for them. It can also go in tandem with a tummy tuck if they have laxity in their abdominal skin."

Yet, one of the most effective treatment options for this concern is actually to prevent it from the onset.

"If you can have a plan in place to keep your body from looking destroyed in the process of weight loss, it can really help," said Dr. Burns. "I would propose a slower weight loss with a focus on building muscle. A lot of your butt is the muscle itself, and if you can build that muscle big enough, the visual change in size will not be as noticeable. You can also focus on things to help better the thickness of the skin, with my favorite being Renuvion. If you can work on your skin and your muscles, you can counter these effects."

As the use of medical weight loss medications continues to rise, so will the occurrence of concerns such as Ozempic butt and the need for tailored aesthetic procedures to address these unwanted changes. With ongoing advancements in body contouring techniques and a growing awareness of how medical weight loss can impact body proportions and overall aesthetics, patients can feel confident that compassionate, cutting-edge care is available both now and in the future.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.