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EXCLUSIVE Agonising toll of Ozempic - as soaring numbers seek painful plastic surgery to fix 'melted candle' bodies READ MORE: Ozempic made our bodies look like MELTED CANDLES By BARNEY CALMAN HEAD OF HEALTH FOR MAILONLINE Published: 11:00, 4 April 2025 | Updated: 11:02, 4 April 2025 e-mail View comments Ozempic is fuelling a boom in patients seeking nip/tucks to fix cosmetic problems after massive weight loss , say British plastic surgeons. New industry figures, published today, show demand for almost all types of surgery have risen in the past year, with the biggest increase seen in thigh lift operations. According to the data, from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) last year there was a 24 per cent rise in patients undergoing the op.
A thigh lift, or thighplasty, involves cutting away excess skin around the upper legs—a problem often seen in those who lose large amounts of weight—and tightening remaining tissue. Abdominoplasty—also known as a tummy tuck—and body lifts, which work in a similar way, are increasingly popular as slimmers sought to rid themselves of post-Ozempic 'melted candle skin'. While effective, surgeons say these are among the most complex and risky cosmetic ops around, with common complications including infections and blood clots.
Brow, eye and facelifts are also surging—with the operations often touted as the only way to remedy dramatically sagging, prematurely aged 'Ozempic face'. The health benefits of new weight loss treatments—collectively known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1s—are numerous and well documented. British plastic surgeons claim Ozempic use is fuelling a boom in patients seeking nip/tucks to fix cosmetic problems after massive weight loss The jabs help patients shed up to a quarter of their bodyweight, boosting heart health, helping to prevent cancer and even boosting fertility, according to research.
But many patients also complain of looking worse after losing weight. On social media, users say they have been left with sunken, hollow-looking faces, sagging skin on the body, 'empty' breasts and buttocks. These body problems are not a side effect of the medication but a result of massive, rapid weight loss.
While fat tissues shrink away, the skin—which has become stretched over time— doesn't simply snap back. Alongside embarrassment, patients also suffer mobility issues and risk infections due to huge amounts of loose, excess skin. And, in a bid to tackle the issue, cosmetic surgeons are rapidly refining their techniques in order to offer fixes, according to recent reports.
Speaking to MailOnline earlier this month Dr Johnny Franco, an Austin-based consultant plastic surgeon said: 'GLP-1s are a new gateway drug for aesthetics—we are seeing a whole new sub-group of patients with skin issues at a very young age.' Your browser does not support iframes. BAAPS president, consultant cosmetic surgeon Nora Nugent said: ' I am seeing more facelift patients who have seen the effects of weight loss in their face and necks whilst on GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Mounjaro to manage their weight.
'However, I think this contributes to rather than accounts for all the increase in facial rejuvenation surgery that we have seen.' The most popular op is breast augmentation—or a boob job—with more than 5,200 women choosing the operation in 2023, a six per cent rise year on year. This was followed closely by breast reduction, with 4,707 women having the op—a one per cent increase.
There were also 248 men who underwent a breast reduction to tackle unsightly 'moobs', a two per cent increase. Read More Expert reveals the BIGGEST mistake people on Ozempic are making The most popular ops for men were rhinoplasty—also known as a nose job— and eyelild surgery. Women were also increasingly asking for superficial gluteal lipofilling, more commonly known as a Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL.
BAAPS surgeons stopped offering the op in 2022, after numerous reports of patient deaths linked to the procedure. However in recent years, thanks to safer surgical techniques, some have begun to perform the procedure again. Dr Nugent adds that, in other cases, patients who have previously opted for injectable cosmetic treatments such as Botox and fillers are now turning to surgery to get better results.
She said: 'I am also seeing more patients who have reached the limits of what non-surgical treatments can do and want a natural appearing long-lasting rejuvenation.' BAAPS vice president, surgeon Anthony Macquillan said: 'Post-Covid, we've observed a shift in patient priorities, with a greater focus on both mental and functional health. 'This may explain the rise in procedures like abdominoplasties and breast reductions, which offer both physical and psychological benefits.
'At the same time, the increase in facelifts could be linked to societal changes, such as the rising pension age and the desire to remain relevant in the workplace. 'For many, this type of surgery is not just aesthetic but also functional helping to maintain confidence, secure employment, and reduce anxiety associated with age-related bias.' Share or comment on this article: Agonising toll of Ozempic - as soaring numbers seek painful plastic surgery to fix 'melted candle' bodies e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted.
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