Loss of facial volume is an inevitable part of getting older but fat jabs have hastened ‘Ozempic face’ or rapid loss of volume. But what if you could tackle it without expensive or invasive treatments. Could a new cream stop ageing in its tracks?

Weetabix skin, ‘Ozempic face’, rapid ageing — suddenly everyone seems to be talking about facial volume loss. Whether this is to do with the advent of GLP-1s or not is debatable. But one thing is certain – a new product that’s just landed in Ireland has everyone talking.

Vol-U-Lift is a clinically tested skincare innovation developed specifically to address visible facial volume loss and is the first product that is designed to restore the appearance of volume, firmness and density without invasive treatments or tweakments, offering a more natural, balanced approach to skin that looks depleted or hollow.

The formula targets what the brand calls the four key dimensions of concern: deflation, deep wrinkles, dehydration and density, working to visibly restore structure and improve overall skin quality.

As CEO and co-founder of Image Skincare and renowned plastic surgeon Dr Marc Ronert, who is based in Palm Beach, Florida, explains, the formulation supports the skin at a deeper level, helping to restore volume and firmness while maintaining a natural looking result.

‘We are definitely seeing an increase in patients concerned with facial volume loss, particularly in the context of rapid weight loss,’ explains Dr Marc, who is also the founder of the luxury nutraceutical and wellness brand Hush & Hush and the reconstructive surgery charity Care For Skin Foundation.

‘Facial volume loss has always been part of how we age, but what’s changed dramatically is the speed at which it’s happening, largely driven by rapid weight loss due to the use of GLP-1 medications.

‘This creates a more noticeable, sometimes premature, aged appearance that patients want to address,’ says Dr Marc, on the idea that you have to choose between your face or your body if you want to lose excess body weight as you get older.

‘While GLP-1/GIP agonists are an effective solution for weight loss management, they can have some unintended side effects. GLP-1/GIP agonists have been shown to lead to the breakdown of connective tissue such as skin proteins like collagen and elastin.

‘As a result, patients often experience facial changes such as deflation, deep wrinkles, dehydration, and density loss in the skin, leading to a more accelerated appearance of ageing.’

The reason for this is the altering of fat tissues in the face.

‘Collagen, elastin, and facial volume are key components of a youthful appearance,’ says Dr Ronert. ‘When fat tissues are altered rapidly, the underlying skin loses the elasticity and density to maintain its previous structure. Even younger patients may appear older, as volume loss and sagging skin create a more hollowed and sunken appearance across the face.

Dr Ronert feels that the conversation around ageing is expanding now.

‘The rise of GLP-1 and GIP treatments has accelerated that shift,’ he says. ‘There’s now a broader understanding that ageing is multi-dimensional.

‘It’s not just about lines and wrinkles, but also volume, firmness, and overall skin quality. That shift is empowering, because it opens the door to more comprehensive approaches, from topical skincare to in-clinic treatments, both preventative and corrective.’

And while injectables are an excellent tool, the results are temporary, something which Dr Ronert wanted to combat.

‘The formula has ingredients like HA Silanol, which is a next-generation hyaluronic acid that improves hydration, plumping the skin to restore the appearance of volume,’ he says.

‘In clinical testing, we saw a significant increase in skin hydration, along with reduced transepidermal water loss in as little as 12 weeks.

‘This means the skin is not only better hydrated, but better able to retain that hydration over time.’

In a world first, this is a solution that works to improve the skin’s own firmness, density, and structural resilience over time – delivering a measurable increase in overall facial volume.

‘In clinical testing, we saw a 20.1% increase in facial volume, measured by ultrasound in just 12 weeks,’ he says.

‘Ingredients like L-ornithine amino acid help visibly plump the skin, improving the appearance of sunken or deflated areas, while plant-derived collagen and extracts support density and firmness.

‘When skin is dehydrated, it loses its natural resilience, making it appear thinner, more crepey, and causing hollow areas to become visibly exaggerated. That’s why addressing dehydration was a key focus.’

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure but Dr Ronert thinks that both are useful. ‘Both preventative and corrective approaches are important,’ he says. ‘Supporting skin quality early can help delay visible changes, while targeted treatments later can help improve the appearance of existing concerns. Whether you’re using a GLP-1/GIP treatment, considering one, or simply noticing natural signs of ageing, Vol-u-Lift can work as a daily treatment to help support firmness, hydration, and volume for a more youthful appearance.’

VOL.U.LIFT 4D Skin Rebound Complex by IMAGE Skincare, at imageskincare.ie; priced €119