Tired of that stubborn fat that isn’t responding to dieting and exercise? Curious about Ozempic? We get it. It might seem really appealing to be able to take a medication that just does the work for you. But now that Ozempic has been used for weight loss for a while, we are now able to track some of its larger effects on your health and beauty. 

Meanwhile, local cryotherapy has also been surging in popularity and carries none of the risks of Ozempic. 

While Ozempic, the injectable medication originally designed for Type 2 diabetes, has gained attention for its weight loss effects, a growing number of people are turning to local cryotherapy as a more effective and sustainable solution for body contouring. While both options aim to help with weight loss or fat reduction, there are compelling reasons why local cryo treatments might offer a more direct, targeted, and lasting approach for sculpting and toning the body. 

One particular difference between using local cryo to body contour versus taking Ozempic, which we will explain in more detail below, is the risk of what is being called “Ozempic face.” While Ozempic has proven to be highly effective at helping people lose significant amounts of weight, there are growing concerns about the impact it can have on the face, particularly in terms of how it can contribute to accelerated aging or a “sunken” facial appearance that includes more pronounced facial lines and a general “older” look.

Here’s why local cryo for body contouring could be your better option over Ozempic.

1. Localized Targeting of Fat

One of the biggest advantages of local cryotherapy is its ability to target fat in specific areas of the body. Unlike Ozempic, which works systemically to reduce appetite and overall body fat, local cryotherapy works by precisely targeting fat cells in certain regions. The treatment involves applying cold temperatures to the skin, which freezes and damages fat cells in the treated area. Over time, these damaged fat cells are naturally eliminated by the body, leading to a noticeable reduction in fat in specific areas.

This targeted approach makes cryotherapy particularly effective for body contouring. Whether you’re looking to reduce stubborn belly fat, love handles, or areas like the thighs or arms, cryotherapy allows for more customized results. On the other hand, Ozempic affects the entire body and doesn’t offer the precision that localized treatments provide. With Ozempic, for example, you might lose the fat on your glutes as much as on your core, potentially taking away fat you actually want. The loss of fat can not be targeted to specific areas of the body. This makes cryo a much more focused option for sculpting your body in a way that Ozempic cannot.

2. Instant Results vs. Delayed Onset

When you undergo local cryotherapy for body contouring, many people report seeing visible results within a few weeks of treatment, with improvements continuing for up to several months as the body processes the fat. The treatment works by freezing fat cells, which are then gradually flushed out of the body via natural metabolic processes. This means you can see more immediate changes in your body’s shape, particularly after multiple sessions.

Ozempic, by contrast, requires several weeks or even months of regular injections to show noticeable weight loss. Its primary mechanism—appetite suppression—does not directly focus on reducing fat in specific areas but rather on reducing overall body fat over time. While Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, it is not a body contouring solution. Cryotherapy, on the other hand, delivers faster and more visible changes in the shape and tone of your body.

3. Risk of Ozempic Face

The use of local cryo means that fat loss is specific to the targeted area. This means there is no risk of aging the face in the process as can happen with Ozempic. Ozempic face is a term used to describe the noticeable changes in facial appearance that some people experience as a side effect of using Ozempic (or similar medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro, which are also GLP-1 receptor agonists). These changes typically include:

    • Loss of fat under the skin: Facial fat contributes not only to the overall fullness of your face but also to youthful features. It helps fill out the cheeks, smooths out wrinkles, and supports the skin’s elasticity. When you lose fat quickly, particularly in the face, the skin can begin to sag, and wrinkles may appear more pronounced.
  • Decreased collagen production: Collagen is a key structural protein in the skin that gives it its firmness, strength, and elasticity. As you age, collagen production naturally slows down, and it’s often this reduction in collagen that causes the skin to lose its youthful appearance. When weight loss is rapid or dramatic (as can happen with Ozempic), the skin doesn’t always have enough time to adjust and maintain its elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Moreover, extreme calorie restriction, which often accompanies rapid weight loss, can further impair collagen production.
  • Fat loss in specific areas: When you lose fat in areas like the cheeks, jawline, and around the eyes, the face may look more angular, drawn, or hollow, which is commonly associated with aging. Fat loss in these areas can make the skin look less plump and highlight features like the jawline and under-eye bags, contributing to a more aged appearance.
  • Hollowed or Sunken Cheeks: One of the most noticeable effects of rapid weight loss in the face is the loss of volume in the cheeks. When you lose the fat that normally fills out this area, the face can appear gaunt, making you look older than you are. This is because fat in the cheeks not only provides structure but also helps to smooth out wrinkles around the mouth and eyes.
  • Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The loss of fat and volume in the face can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. While wrinkles are a natural part of aging, they become more visible when there is less fat to plump the skin from beneath. Additionally, the skin’s decreased elasticity from rapid weight loss can lead to sagging and a tired appearance.
  • Deepened Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines): The lines running from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds) tend to become more noticeable when facial volume is lost. This is because the fat that used to fill these lines is no longer there to provide support. As the face thins, these folds become deeper, adding to the appearance of aging.
  • Under-Eye Bags and Dark Circles: Weight loss can also lead to the hollowing of the under-eye area, which is one of the first places that lose fat. This can create the appearance of dark circles or make existing under-eye bags more noticeable. With less fat to support the skin under the eyes, you may look tired or older.

4. No Need for Ongoing Medication

Ozempic is an injectable medication that requires a commitment to regular injections. For those seeking weight loss, the treatment can become a long-term regimen that involves medical visits, prescriptions, and potential side effects. While some people experience weight loss and improvement in their health metrics, others find the cost, inconvenience, and potential side effects of the medication difficult to manage long-term.

Cryotherapy for body contouring, in contrast, doesn’t require ongoing medication or the need for constant maintenance. Once the treatment sessions are complete, results are typically permanent, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially one that reduces carbs from the diet and includes exercise. There’s no need for recurring injections, and you don’t have to worry about potential side effects, such as nausea or digestive issues, that some people experience with Ozempic. For those looking for a more low-maintenance solution, cryotherapy may be the better choice.

5. Minimal Risk and Side Effects

Cryotherapy is generally a safe, non-invasive procedure with minimal side effects. Most people experience no downtime and can return to their regular activities immediately after treatment. The cold temperatures only affect the fat cells, and as they are naturally processed by the body, the surrounding tissues remain unharmed. Some clients may experience slight redness, swelling, or tingling in the treated area, but these effects are temporary and typically resolve within hours to a few days.

Ozempic, on the other hand, is associated with a range of potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious issues like pancreatitis. In some cases, people may need to stop using the medication due to adverse effects. For those who are looking for a more risk-free, non-invasive option to contour their body, cryotherapy presents a far safer alternative.

6. Holistic Health Benefits

Beyond fat reduction, cryotherapy offers a variety of holistic health benefits. Cold therapy has been shown to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote skin tightening—additional benefits that enhance body contouring results. As your body eliminates the frozen fat cells, cryotherapy can leave the skin looking firmer and more toned, providing a more sculpted appearance. Additionally, regular cryotherapy sessions can contribute to improved overall recovery and wellness, offering both aesthetic and health advantages.

Ozempic, while effective for weight loss, doesn’t offer these same added benefits. The medication focuses primarily on regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite, with no direct effect on skin elasticity or overall wellness beyond weight management. If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to body contouring, local cryotherapy might be the better solution.

7. Sustainable and Long-Term Results

Local cryotherapy provides results that are sustainable and can last for the long term. Since the fat cells are permanently eliminated from the treated area, the results are typically lasting, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Cryotherapy does not rely on maintaining a strict regimen of medication or supplements to continue seeing results. Once the fat is eliminated, it’s gone for good.

With Ozempic, while weight loss is possible, it often requires continuous use of the medication to maintain results. If you stop using Ozempic, many individuals experience weight regain. Moreover, some people may develop a tolerance to the medication over time, requiring dose adjustments or discontinuation.

Conclusion: Cryo vs. Ozempic – The Better Contouring Solution

When it comes to body contouring, local cryotherapy offers a more direct, effective, and sustainable approach compared to Ozempic. Cryotherapy allows for precise targeting of stubborn fat areas, delivers faster visible results, and carries minimal risk or side effects. In addition, it provides the added benefits of improved circulation, skin tightening, and long-term fat reduction without the need for ongoing medications or injections.

Ozempic, while effective for overall weight loss, does not offer the same level of precision or sculpting for specific body areas. If you’re looking to contour and shape your body, local cryotherapy is not only a more effective choice, but it’s also a safer and more holistic option that yields lasting results without the need for lifelong medication.

In the quest for a more toned, sculpted body, local cryotherapy is the clear winner for those who want targeted, lasting results without the complexities of prescription medications like Ozempic.