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Some of the most popular medical and cosmetic treatments today are dermal fillers, BOTOX®, and semaglutide. If you use these treatments, you may wonder whether they’re safe together.

BOTOX® is a cosmetic treatment for frown lines and wrinkles. Dermal fillers plump up lips and cheeks. Semaglutide refers to injectable drugs prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss.

Does semaglutide cause BOTOX® or dermal fillers to wear off faster? And is there a connection between so-called semaglutide face and fillers?

Let’s take a closer look at what these treatments do and whether you can use them at the same time.

What Are Semaglutides?

Semaglutides, or GLP-1 drugs, are better known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. You take them at home by injection, usually once a week.

Doctors prescribe semaglutide to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They might also help reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack if you have type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Doctors may also prescribe semaglutide, along with a diet and exercise plan, to help manage obesity. The drugs slow your digestion and make you feel fuller after a meal.

What Is BOTOX®?

BOTOX® is a brand name for botulinum toxin type A injections. Doctors inject small doses into the skin to smooth out facial wrinkles. BOTOX® temporarily paralyzes the muscles at the injection site, reducing frown lines and wrinkles.

The most popular places for BOTOX® injections are the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Many people feel it gives them a refreshed, younger look without more invasive procedures like cosmetic surgery.

What Are Fillers?

Fillers are gel-like substances that dermatologists inject under your skin. They can add fullness to your face, smooth out wrinkles, and plump lips. Doctors also use fillers to diminish scars or restore volume to hands.

Fillers consist of substances like collagen or hyaluronic acid, which are like those that occur naturally in the body. Similar to BOTOX®, fillers are less invasive than other cosmetic treatments, such as surgery.

Does Semaglutide Affect Your BOTOX® or Filler?

Taking semaglutide doesn’t affect cosmetic treatments, including dermal filler or BOTOX®. It’s a myth that semaglutide will cause your BOTOX® or filler to dissolve or lose effectiveness quickly.

But many people mistakenly think that’s the case. Here’s why: One of the side effects of using semaglutide is that you may lose weight in places you don’t intend to — including your face. This rapid weight loss can change your appearance and make you look older.

Many people call this phenomenon “semaglutide face” or, more commonly, “Ozempic face.” (You may also hear the terms “Ozempic butt” or “Ozempic arms” on social media, referring to similar weight loss in those areas.)

In other words, taking semaglutide may cause you to lose volume in your cheeks and around your eyes. The fat pads that once filled out your face are smaller, so your skin may sag. Even if you’ve already had cosmetic treatments like BOTOX® or dermal fillers, you may still lose volume in your face.

Signs of “Ozempic face” include:

• Drooping eyelids.
• A hollow look under your eyes from fat loss.
• Loose skin due to loss of fat in your cheeks.
• More lines and wrinkles.
• Sagging skin around your jawline.

Can You Use Semaglutide and BOTOX® Together?

Yes, you can use semaglutide, BOTOX®, and/or fillers together. They shouldn’t interact because they target different health issues and work independently.

If your face loses volume from semaglutide, you may wish to use filler or BOTOX® for a refreshed look. In most cases, this is a safe medical option to help restore fullness to your face.

Of course, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medical treatment. Other substances can interact with cosmetic treatments and semaglutide. Your doctor will ask you about:

• Any medicines you currently take.
• Herbal remedies, vitamins, or other over-the-counter products you take.
• Other surgeries or cosmetic treatments you’ve had.
• Possible pregnancy.
• Your medical history.

When taking any medication, you should always follow your doctor’s guidelines for what to avoid. To manage the side effects of semaglutide and BOTOX®, you should always consult your doctor.

Side effects of semaglutide may include:

• Belly pain
• Constipation
• Decreased urination
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rash
• Vision changes
• Vomiting

Side effects of BOTOX® and filler may include:

• Bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
• Double vision.
• Dry eyes.
• Eyelid drooping.
• Facial weakness.
• Itching.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Pain.
• Rash.
• Tenderness.

What Should You Avoid With Semaglutide or BOTOX®?

No matter what medications you’re taking, you should stay aware of possible drug interactions. Check with your doctor before adding prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to your routine.

What to avoid with semaglutide

Semaglutide may make certain drugs less effective, and other substances can make semaglutide side effects more intense. You should talk to your doctor about possible complications from:

• Antibiotics.
• Drinking alcohol or caffeine.
• Insulin.
• Oral medications.
• Other diabetes medication.

What to avoid with BOTOX®

If you’re using BOTOX®, talk to your doctor about possible interactions with:

• Antibiotics.
• Antihistamines.
• Blood thinners.
• Muscle relaxers.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Sleeping pills.

To keep BOTOX® from wearing off too quickly, avoid rubbing the injected area or lying down for several hours after treatment. Don’t exercise strenuously or go in a sauna or hot tub, which can increase blood flow and may make the treatment less effective.

What to avoid with dermal fillers

After getting dermal fillers, you should avoid:

• Blood thinners.
• Certain herbal supplements that thin the blood.
• Drinking alcohol.
• NSAIDs.

Note: You should always see a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon for BOTOX® or dermal filler injections. They have years of training and knowledge about the skin and underlying nerves, muscles, and blood vessels.