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

Akhmedbaeva I.A., Kruglova L.S., Gryazeva N.V., Sodel O.S.

1) Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; 2) Skin Lift Clinic, Moscow, Russia

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.

For citations: Akhmedbaeva I.A., Kruglova L.S., Gryazeva N.V., Sodel O.S. Laser therapy potential for aesthetic correction of involutional facial changes in patients undergoing medical weight loss. Pharmateca. 2025;32(10):61-65. (In Russ.). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2025.10.61-65

Authors’ contribution: All authors participated equally in the preparation of the publication: development of the article concept, obtaining and analyzing factual data, writing and editing the article text, checking and approving the article text.
Conflicts of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The study was conducted without any sponsorship.
Patient Consent for Publication: All patients provided informed consent for the publication of their data.
Authors’ Data Sharing Statement: The data supporting the findings of this study are available upon request from the corresponding author after approval from the principal investigator.

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About the Authors

Inga A. Akhmedbaeva, Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; ingapm@yandex.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0641-8232 (corresponding author)
Larisa S. Kruglova, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Rector, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; kruglovals@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5044-5265
Natalia V. Gryazeva, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Central State Medical Academy of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia; tynrik@yandex.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3437-5233
Olga S. Sodel, Cosmetologist, Chief Physician, Skin Lift Clinic, Moscow, Russia; Osod515@gmail.com, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7692-6888

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