GLP-1s with Board-Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Anne Chapas

June 16, 2026 | UnionDerm

As the use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound continues to rise, so have the questions surrounding how rapid weight loss affects the skin, face, hair, and overall appearance. At UnionDerm, we’re increasingly seeing patients looking not only to lose weight, but to maintain healthy skin quality, muscle tone, facial balance, and hair density throughout the process.

While much of the public conversation has centered around terms like “Ozempic face,” the reality is far more nuanced. Rapid weight loss can affect collagen, facial volume, skin laxity, body composition, and even the hair growth cycle. With the right approach, many of these changes can be proactively addressed.

That’s where expertise matters. Dr. Anne Chapas is a board-certified dermatologist, laser expert, and the Founder and Medical Director of UnionDerm. She recently presented at the 2026 American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery (ASLMS) Annual Conference alongside Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, focusing on the evolving science behind GLP-1-related skin and tissue changes and how dermatologists can approach treatment more thoughtfully and proactively.

We asked Dr. Chapas to break down what she’s seeing in practice today — from muscle loss and skin laxity to hair shedding and facial volume changes — and how patients can approach aesthetic treatments while on GLP-1 medications. Below, she answers some of the most common questions we’re hearing in the office.

What are GLP-1s?

GLP-1s are medications that help regulate appetite and blood sugar, often leading to significant weight loss over a relatively short period of time. These medications work by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite, insulin release, and feelings of fullness. Medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound have changed the conversation around obesity and metabolic health, and for many patients, they can be life-changing.

In our practice, we’re seeing a growing number of patients using GLP-1s who want guidance on maintaining healthy skin, facial balance, muscle tone, and hair density during weight loss.

How can GLP-1 medications affect the face and overall skin appearance?

Whether it’s from GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or lifestyle changes, any significant weight loss can affect the skin and soft tissue of the face and body. Volume loss can make certain features appear more pronounced, and skin laxity becomes more visible when the supportive fat pads beneath the skin decrease. The skin doesn’t always contract at the same pace the body changes, which can lead to laxity in the lower face, jawline, neck, and body.

What is “Ozempic face,” and is it something you’re seeing in your practice?

I think the phrase “Ozempic face” can sometimes be misleading because it suggests the medication is directly damaging the face, and that’s not what we’re seeing clinically. The facial changes are largely related to rapid weight loss and shifts in facial fat distribution.

For some patients, those changes are minimal. For others, especially patients who lose weight quickly or already had lower facial volume to begin with, we may see hollowing, skin laxity, or a more fatigued appearance.

What are the most common aesthetic concerns you’re seeing in patients on GLP-1s?

The most common concerns tend to fall into four categories: facial volume loss, skin laxity, changes in muscle tone or body composition, and hair shedding.

Some patients are primarily concerned about loose skin in the face and body, while others notice they look more tired or hollow as facial fat decreases. We’re also having more conversations about preserving muscle mass during weight loss, because muscle plays an important role in overall body composition and skin support. What’s interesting is that these concerns are often interconnected. Loss of muscle mass can affect the structural support beneath the skin, while rapid changes in fat distribution can make laxity more visible.

Hair shedding is another increasingly common concern, particularly after rapid weight loss or nutritional shifts.

Can GLP-1s contribute to muscle loss or changes in body composition?

Yes! And this is one of the most important conversations happening right now around GLP-1 medications. When patients lose weight quickly, some degree of muscle loss can occur alongside fat loss. That’s why Dr. Robyn Gmyrek strongly emphasizes resistance training and adequate protein intake while patients are on these medications.

From a dermatology perspective, muscle loss matters because it can affect posture, skin support, and overall tissue quality. We increasingly think about aesthetics in a more structural way — not just skin, but muscle, fat, and collagen together.

For patients who want to proactively maintain muscle tone, we may recommend muscle stimulation technologies like Accufit or Sofwave Pure Impact alongside exercise and nutritional support.

When is the best time for patients to consider aesthetic treatments — during or after weight loss?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the patient, the pace of weight loss, and their goals. In many cases, early intervention can actually be beneficial because we can help support skin quality and tissue integrity while changes are happening, rather than waiting until significant laxity develops.

That said, treatment timing should always be individualized. During consultations, we look at how quickly a patient is losing weight, whether their weight has stabilized, their skin elasticity, muscle tone, and overall facial balance before creating a plan.

What treatments do you recommend to address facial volume loss?

For facial volume loss, I generally focus on restoring structure in a very natural way. That may include biostimulatory injectables like Sculptra to help stimulate collagen over time, hyaluronic acid fillers for targeted support, or regenerative treatments like PRF depending on the patient.

In many patients, we’re strategically restoring support in areas like the midface, temples, jawline, or around the mouth. The goal is not to make patients look “filled.” We want them to look healthy, refreshed, and still like themselves.

What treatments are most effective for improving skin laxity in the face?

For facial skin laxity, energy-based devices are often extremely effective. We often use ultrasound and radiofrequency-based technologies to improve firmness in the lower face, jawline, and neck. They stimulate collagen remodeling and tighten deeper tissue layers without surgery.

At UnionDerm, we offer Sofwave, Ultherapy, Thermage, and our latest addition XERF depending on the patient’s anatomy, degree of laxity, and goals.

Is hair loss a common concern you see with GLP-1 patients?

We are seeing more patients concerned about increased hair shedding during rapid weight loss. Any major metabolic or physiologic shift can affect the hair cycle, particularly if weight loss is rapid. It’s important to understand that this isn’t necessarily caused directly by the medication itself. Often, it’s related to the rapidity of weight loss and changes in nutrition or protein intake.The good news is that we now have more options than ever to support hair health early and potentially minimize long-term thinning.

What treatments do you recommend for patients experiencing hair loss on GLP-1s?

For patients experiencing increased shedding, I like to intervene early. The first step is understanding what type of hair loss is occurring and whether there are contributing nutritional deficiencies. From there, treatment may include PRP for hair restoration, PRF, topical or oral medications, nutritional optimization, and newer laser-based technologies like Folix laser hair restoration.

Dr. Nkem Ugonabo has seen great patient success by taking a comprehensive approach to hair restoration. Because treating hair loss successfully often requires addressing multiple contributing factors, a combination of treatments is usually the best option.

How do you approach treatment planning differently for patients on GLP-1s?

Patients on GLP-1 medications require a more dynamic treatment plan because their face and body composition may still be evolving over time. We think carefully about timing, pacing, and avoiding overcorrection while weight loss is ongoing.

I also spend more time assessing muscle tone, skin elasticity, and tissue quality — not just volume loss alone. The goal is always to maintain harmony and natural facial balance.

What does an ideal treatment plan look like for someone using GLP-1s and wanting to maintain or improve their appearance?

The ideal plan is proactive, individualized, and focused on maintaining healthy tissue rather than chasing dramatic correction later. The best results happen when we approach these patients comprehensively and early.

For many people, that means nutritional support, medical-grade skincare, collagen-stimulating procedures, and strategic maintenance treatments throughout the weight loss process. Depending on the patient, we may incorporate muscle stimulation devices like Accufit and Sofwave Pure Impact, skin tightening technologies like Sofwave, Ultherapy, Thermage FLX, or XERF, regenerative hair treatments like PRP and Folix, or conservative facial volume restoration.

Most importantly, we want patients to look healthy, vibrant, and natural — not overtreated.

When should I start treatments if I’m taking Ozempic or a GLP-1 medication?

I usually tell patients that the best time to start is when they begin noticing changes. We’d rather help patients maintain healthy skin quality and muscle support proactively than wait until laxity or volume loss becomes more advanced.

That doesn’t mean everyone needs aggressive treatment immediately. Often, it’s about monitoring how the face and body are responding to weight loss and creating a personalized plan that evolves over time.

Patients should know that there are effective solutions no matter where they are in the process. We regularly treat patients who are newly starting GLP-1 medications as well as patients who have already completed major weight loss and are now focused on restoration and maintenance.

Laser Stacking Top Questions & Answers with Dr. Chang

April 15, 2025 | UnionDerm

At UnionDerm, we have more than 70 cutting-edge laser and energy-based devices across our four locations. Many of these technologies can be safely combined—a technique now popularly referred to as “laser stacking.” When it comes to learning more about laser stacking, Dr. Yunyoung Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm, is the expert you can trust. With her extensive training in laser skin resurfacing and energy-based devices, Dr. Chang is skilled at combining treatments to enhance skin tone and texture. By using different laser wavelengths and multiple treatments, she effectively targets uneven texture, pigmentation, and skin quality, helping to rejuvenate the skin at a deeper level. Her personalized treatment plans are designed to stimulate skin cells, promote collagen production, and improve overall skin appearance. Dr. Chang’s expertise in combining treatments ensures that each patient’s unique needs are met for the best possible results.

Below, Dr. Chang answers some of the most common questions about laser resurfacing and how multiple treatments, also called laser stacking, can benefit your skin.

What exactly is laser stacking?

Laser stacking is the technique of combining multiple laser modalities in a single treatment session to target different layers of the skin and address multiple skin concerns at once. For example, I might use a vascular laser to treat redness and broken capillaries, then follow with a pigment-targeting laser for sunspots, and finish with a fractional laser for texture and collagen remodeling. Another example is performing a skin tightening treatment, like Thermage or Ultherapy, and then following with a brightening, rejuvenating laser. Each device works on a different wavelength and mechanism, so stacking allows me to deliver a more comprehensive, customized treatment in one visit, often leading to enhanced results.

What are the benefits of getting treated with multiple lasers in a single session?

There are multiple benefits to laser stacking. First, because each laser targets different skin concerns (i.e., skin laxity, redness, pigmentation, texture), laser stacking allows us to treat all of them in one treatment session. This gives a comprehensive skin rejuvenating treatment. These different lasers give synergistic results, allowing for more effective treatment than using one laser alone. Second, laser stacking allows us to achieve faster results. Instead of spacing out each treatment over weeks or months, stacking accelerates the treatment timeline. This may be ideal for patients prepping for an event, like a wedding, or for those who want visible results sooner. In addition, laser stacking allows for a single downtime window. Instead of spreading out treatments over multiple sessions and having several separate weeks of downtime, patients are able to undergo one recovery period. This can be more convenient for those with busy lifestyles. Finally, laser stacking allows us to tailor the session to each patient’s unique skin type and goals. Most patients do not have one single issue but multiple skin concerns, so allowing us to treat multiple concerns in one treatment session allows for better results and happier patients.

Who is a good candidate for a laser stacking session? Are there any skin types or concerns you would avoid this technique for?

Laser stacking is a good option for those with multiple skin concerns and those seeking faster, more dramatic results in fewer sessions. Laser stacking should be used with caution in those patients with a compromised skin barrier and those with darker skin types, who are at higher risk for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is very important to go to a physician who is experienced with combining lasers to make sure that the lasers can safely be combined in your specific skin type. In addition, order matters. It is important to go to a physician who is well-trained and knowledgeable about which order to do the lasers when laser stacking.

Is there more downtime involved with laser stacking compared to a single laser treatment?

Laser stacking may or may not involve more downtime compared to a single laser. It depends on several factors, including the types of lasers used, the intensity of each treatment, and the recovery protocol. In general, stacking treatments may lead to more inflammation, swelling, and redness as compared to single treatments. However, some energy-based treatments, like Sofwave, have minimal downtime, and when combined with other lasers like resurfacing lasers, there is minimal additional downtime.

Can stacking lasers deliver better or faster results than doing treatments separately over time?

Yes, laser stacking can sometimes deliver better or faster results, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Benefits of laser stacking include synergistic effects, faster overall results, and a single downtime period. However, it may have an increased risk of side effects, so it is important to consult an experienced healthcare provider to discuss potential risks and benefits to see if it is the best option for you.

What should patients know before booking multiple lasers in one appointment? (Any prep or expectations you like to set?)

Prepping the skin properly and having the right expectations are key to getting great results. First, ask your provider what you should avoid prior to treatment. In general, it is best to avoid retinols, retinoids, chemical peels, and exfoliating for about 1 week prior to the treatment. It is important to use sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure, and make sure you are not tan prior to the treatment. If you have a history of cold sores, let your provider know—they might prescribe antivirals to prevent outbreaks after laser treatments. Follow any specific aftercare instructions as instructed by your provider. Avoid important events for 1-2 weeks after treatment as there may be some downtime associated with the laser treatments.

In addition, it is important to have realistic expectations. Know your skin goals and what you are targeting. It is important to know that even with laser stacking, results take time. Most improvements show gradually over weeks to months. You may still need multiple sessions of each laser to get the best results. With laser treatments, it is usually not a one-session-and-done treatment. In addition, the order of the lasers is extremely important. Make sure to ask your provider which laser should be performed first.

How do you personalize a combination laser plan for each patient?

Personalizing a laser stacking plan is all about understanding the patient’s unique skin concerns, skin type, goals, and timeline. The approach needs to be highly customized because everyone’s skin is different. Before recommending any treatment, I do an initial consultation and assessment to understand the patient’s skin type, skin concerns, medical history, lifestyle, and goals. I come up with a laser plan, choosing the best lasers for their specific concerns. Then, we come up with a laser stacking plan that will maximize results while minimizing risks. I will evaluate results after each treatment to make sure the patient is satisfied and showing good improvement.

Which types of skin concerns can laser stacking most commonly address?

Laser stacking can be especially effective for patients who present with multiple overlapping skin concerns, which is very common. Some of the most frequently treated concerns include:

Rosacea and Melasma: These conditions often coexist, and treating them simultaneously requires a thoughtful, gentle approach. I frequently combine Vbeam, a vascular laser that targets redness and visible blood vessels, with Clear + Brilliant, a gentle fractional laser that improves overall tone and texture. Together, they work synergistically to reduce persistent redness, minimize pigmentation, and enhance skin clarity—all while being safe for sensitive skin types.

Visible Signs of Aging: As we age, we lose collagen both at the surface and in deeper layers of the skin, leading to fine lines, sagging, and textural changes. To address this, I often pair a skin-tightening device like Sofwave—which targets the deeper dermis—with a resurfacing laser like Fraxel Dual, which works on the more superficial layers. This dual approach stimulates collagen production at multiple depths for smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Acne Scarring: Acne scars come in many forms, including redness and indentations (atrophic scars). For patients with post-acne redness, I may use a pulsed dye laser like Vbeam. To improve texture and stimulate collagen remodeling in atrophic scars, I combine that with treatments like Fraxel Dual or radiofrequency microneedling. Stacking these modalities allows me to target both the color and contour changes caused by acne, often with more noticeable results than a single treatment alone.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in laser treatments with Dr. Chang, schedule a consultation with her at either of our New York City offices: Union Square and Central Park. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your unique aesthetic goals thoroughly and ask any questions you may have regarding your treatment options.