Facial fat loss can be an unwelcome side effect of significant weight loss. Lately, the media has dubbed the gaunt look from rapid weight loss with drugs like Ozempic® as "Ozempic face." This article explores what facial volume loss is and why it happens – especially in the context of Ozempic-related weight loss – and compares non-surgical treatments (like dermal fillers and Sculptra®) versus surgical solutions (like fat grafting and facelifts) for restoring volume. Throughout, we'll emphasize the importance of consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon. Plastic Surgeon Ozempic Face treatments can help you regain a youthful look while you enjoy your hard-earned weight loss results.
What Is Facial Volume Loss?
Facial volume loss refers to the depletion of the fat, collagen, and supporting tissues that normally keep our faces looking plump and youthful. As we age, we naturally lose some of this subcutaneous fat and collagen, leading to hollows and sagging skin. Rapid weight loss can dramatically accelerate this process – especially with medications like Ozempic (semaglutide) that cause quick fat reduction all over the body, including the face. When facial fat dwindles, areas like the cheeks, temples, and under-eyes may appear sunken. The skin can start to droop due to less underlying support, contributing to wrinkles and jowls. In short, losing the "baby fat" in our face too quickly can make us look older and more tired than we truly are.
Several factors can cause or worsen facial volume loss:
- Rapid Weight Loss: Shedding pounds fast (for example, after bariatric surgery or using a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic) reduces the layer of fat under the facial skin. This loss of subcutaneous fat leads to a hollow, gaunt appearance in features that were once fuller. Significant weight loss can also reduce skin elasticity, since collagen and elastin may be lost or unable to tighten fast enough.
- Natural Aging: With age, the body produces less collagen and elastin, and facial fat pads shrink or shift. This gradual change usually happens over decades, but rapid weight loss can mimic and speed up these aging effects.
- Genetics and Lifestyle: Some people are predisposed to losing facial volume more readily, or certain lifestyle factors (like smoking, poor nutrition, or excessive sun exposure) can degrade collagen and fat, making the face look leaner and more drawn.
In the context of Ozempic face, it's the speed and magnitude of fat loss that really exaggerate facial deflation. Someone who loses a lot of weight in a short time might find that their reflection shows sharper cheekbones, deeper eye sockets, and looser skin than they had before. It's not that the medication directly causes facial aging – rather, it's a side effect of the weight loss that the medication induces.
The "Ozempic Face" Phenomenon
Illustration of the "Ozempic face" effect: After rapid weight loss, a person's face may develop more wrinkles, sunken eyes, sagging skin, thinner lips, and more prominent bone structure, giving an older, gaunt look (right side) compared to before weight loss (left side).
"Ozempic face" is a buzzworthy term popularized on social media and in the press to describe the facial changes that accompany rapid weight loss from Ozempic or similar drugs. It isn't an official medical diagnosis – your doctor likely won't chart "Ozempic face" – but it sums up a real cosmetic concern. Patients who experience this often report:
- Hollowed or sunken cheeks and temples – due to the loss of fat that once gave roundness.
- Loose, sagging skin – as fat disappears, skin may hang more, causing jowls or droopiness along the jaw and neck.
- More wrinkles and fine lines – weight loss can lead to less "cushioning" under the skin, making creases and wrinkles more pronounced.
- A generally gaunt or tired appearance – the face can look deflated, with prominent bones and thinner lips, which many feel makes them look older than their actual age.
In other words, rapid weight reduction can strip the face of its youthful plumpness. One endocrinologist explains that "'Ozempic face' refers to the changes in the face that happen with rapid weight loss," including gauntness, sunken cheeks, new wrinkles, and loose skin. This phenomenon isn't exclusive to Ozempic users – any fast weight loss, whether from intense dieting or bariatric surgery, can cause similar effects. However, the recent surge in popularity of Ozempic and similar medications means many people are noticing these facial changes and seeking fixes.
Plastic surgeons are certainly seeing this trend. In fact, about 60% of facial plastic surgeons report an increase in patients coming in with "Ozempic face," characterized by facial deflation and a prematurely aged appearance due to semaglutide weight loss. The good news is that this condition is purely cosmetic – it doesn't pose a health risk on its own – and it can be improved. Patients have essentially two paths to choose from (and they're not mutually exclusive): non-surgical treatments to restore lost volume, or surgical procedures to lift and fill the face. The best approach depends on the individual's age, the degree of volume loss, skin elasticity, and personal preferences. In many cases, a combination of treatments yields the most natural results.
Next, we'll break down the options in each category, along with their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision on how to address an Ozempic face.
Non-Surgical Volume Restoration Options
For those hesitant about surgery or who have mild-to-moderate volume loss, non-surgical treatments are an attractive first step. Non-surgical options involve injectable therapies that replace or stimulate the lost volume without any incisions or general anesthesia. These treatments are typically done in an office setting with minimal downtime – you can often return to work or daily activities the same day.
The primary non-surgical approaches to counter facial fat loss include dermal fillers and collagen biostimulators (like Sculptra). Let's look at each:
Dermal Fillers ("Liquid Facelift")
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances (often made of hyaluronic acid, a natural sugar found in the skin) that a provider injects under the skin to plump up deflated areas. Popular brands include Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and others. Fillers can be placed in the cheeks, temples, under-eye hollows, nasolabial folds, lips, and even along the jawline to restore youthful contours. Essentially, they "fill in" where fat has been lost, immediately adding volume from within.
Benefits of fillers: Treatments are quick (usually 15–30 minutes) and relatively comfortable with numbing. Results are immediate and involve minimal downtime – you walk out with fuller cheeks or smoother under-eyes the same day. Fillers are very versatile: a skilled injector can use them like an artist to sculpt the face, whether you need a subtle refresh or more pronounced enhancement. They are also temporary, which can be a pro for those who want to "try out" a look; most hyaluronic acid fillers last anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years before gradually dissolving. If you don't like the result, HA fillers can even be dissolved with an enzyme, giving patients peace of mind.
Drawbacks of fillers: Because they are temporary, maintenance is required – you'll need repeat injections to sustain the volume over time. Over the long run, this can become costly and time-consuming if large volumes are needed. There's also a limit to what fillers can do; if there is significant skin laxity (sagging), simply pumping more filler can't truly lift the face (in fact, over-filling can lead to an odd puffy or distorted look). Thus, fillers are ideal when volume loss is the main issue and the skin has reasonable elasticity. Minor side effects like swelling or bruising are common but usually resolve in days. More serious risks (like injection into a blood vessel) are rare with an experienced injector. In the context of Ozempic face, dermal fillers are often the first-line recommendation to "refill" hollow areas, especially for those who aren't ready to consider surgery.
Sculptra and Other Biostimulants
Sculptra® Aesthetic is an injectable treatment that falls under collagen biostimulators rather than traditional fillers. Its active ingredient is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which is a substance that stimulates your body to produce more collagen in the injected areas. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers that provide instant volume, Sculptra works gradually – typically a series of 2–4 treatments spaced over a few months – to rebuild the skin's underlying structure and thicken the dermis with new collagen. The result is a more subtle volumization that appears over time, yielding a very natural rejuvenation. Other biostimulatory injectables include Radiesse® (calcium hydroxylapatite), which also triggers collagen production while providing some immediate fill.
Benefits of Sculptra/biostimulants: Sculptra is particularly appealing for diffuse volume loss (like what we see in Ozempic face) because it can cover larger areas of the face with a gradual, even improvement. There's little risk of looking "overfilled" or puffy, since collagen grows in slowly. The results are long-lasting – often 2 years or more – because you're essentially restoring your own tissue. Sculptra can also improve skin quality, as increased collagen can firm and tighten the skin slightly over time. Patients who undergo Sculptra often say they simply look like they've naturally refreshed or "filled out" again, rather than obviously having had something done.
Drawbacks of Sculptra/biostimulants: Patience is key – you won't see changes overnight. It usually takes a few months to appreciate the full results, so if you have an upcoming event in a week, Sculptra is not the quick fix (a filler might be better in that case). Additionally, multiple sessions are required (often at least two, sometimes up to four), which can make the initial treatment course pricier and more time-intensive than a one-time filler visit. Minor side effects are similar to fillers (temporary swelling or bruising). Another consideration: because Sculptra relies on your collagen response, individual results can vary – some people's skin will build more collagen than others. That said, in experienced hands, it has a very high satisfaction rate. Many plastic surgeons and dermatologists consider Sculptra an excellent option for treating "Ozempic face" because it provides long-lasting volume without an overfilled look. In fact, one study even found that combining Sculptra with hyaluronic filler gave impressive improvements in facial volume for patients with Ozempic-related fat loss.
Other Non-Surgical Aids
Aside from fillers and biostimulators, there are a few other non-surgical treatments that can complement facial volume restoration. Neuromodulators like Botox® can relax certain muscles to soften expression lines (for example, in the forehead or around the eyes), which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles that became more noticeable after weight loss. While Botox doesn't restore volume, it can refine the overall result by addressing the wrinkle aspect of Ozempic face.
Additionally, skin tightening treatments (such as radiofrequency microneedling or ultrasound therapy like Ultherapy®) can help firm up mildly loose skin without surgery. These treatments use energy to stimulate collagen contraction and new collagen production, which can modestly tighten the jawline or cheek skin. They are often used in combination with fillers: the filler rebuilds volume, and the device treatment adds some lift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation. However, if sagging skin is significant, non-surgical devices will likely not be enough – that's when surgical options come into play.
Surgical Volume Restoration Options
When facial volume loss and sagging are more pronounced, or when someone desires a one-time, long-lasting solution, surgical interventions may be recommended. Surgical options usually involve either adding volume via fat transfer or implants, lifting sagging tissues (facelift/necklift), or a combination of both. While surgery involves more commitment (downtime, cost, and recovery), it can address issues that injections alone cannot – especially excess loose skin and substantial volume depletion. Below are the main surgical approaches for "Ozempic face" concerns:
Facial Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer)
Fat grafting is a procedure where a plastic surgeon uses liposuction to gently harvest fat from one part of your body (common donor areas are the abdomen, thighs, or flanks) and then injects that fat into the areas of your face that need volume. Essentially, it's taking fat from where you don't want it and moving it to where you do want it. For someone who has lost facial fat due to weight loss, this can be an ideal way to naturally replace that volume with your own tissue.
During the procedure, the surgeon purifies the extracted fat and uses fine cannulas to layer the fat into the cheeks, temples, lips, or wherever needed. The goal is to ensure the transplanted fat establishes a blood supply and "takes" in its new location. Once it survives the transfer, that fat is living tissue that can remain for many years, even permanently. In fact, unlike dermal fillers which dissolve over time, fat cells can stay in place for a lifetime after a successful graft. This makes fat grafting a very appealing long-term solution.
Pros of fat grafting: It's natural and biocompatible – since it's your own fat, there's no risk of allergic reaction and it tends to feel soft and behave like normal facial fat. Results are long-lasting; patients often maintain improvement for many years without needing re-treatment. Fat grafting can also be quite comprehensive – surgeons often inject small amounts across multiple regions to create a harmonious, overall rejuvenation. As a bonus, fat contains stem cells and growth factors, so many patients notice an improvement in skin texture and quality in the treated areas after fat transfer. Another pro is that if you also have unwanted fat pockets on the body (like love handles), liposuction as part of the fat harvest can contour those areas – a win-win.
Cons of fat grafting: It is a surgical procedure, meaning you'll likely need anesthesia (often local with sedation, or general for larger volume harvests) and there is some downtime. Typically, there's swelling and bruising in both the donor area and face for 1-2 weeks, and final results take a few months to fully settle. Not all of the injected fat will survive; it's expected that a certain percentage will be reabsorbed by the body in the first few months. To account for this, surgeons may slightly overfill initially, or plan a potential touch-up. If a patient's weight fluctuates in the future, the transferred fat can gain or lose volume just like any other fat (so significant weight gain could make the face plumper, while further weight loss could slim it down again). That said, in the context of post-weight-loss patients, most are trying to maintain their weight, so this is usually stable. One more consideration: you need to have enough excess fat somewhere on your body to donate. Very thin patients might not be ideal candidates for fat transfer – though most people have at least a little to spare from the abdomen or thighs. Overall, fat grafting offers a natural, long-lasting solution for facial volume restoration, and many plastic surgeons consider it the gold standard for treating significant volume loss in a single procedure.
Facelift (Rhytidectomy) and Neck Lift
A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten the facial tissues that have sagged or stretched out. There are various techniques, but generally an incision is made along the hairline and around the ear, allowing the surgeon to reposition the deeper layer of the face (called the SMAS) and remove excess sagging skin. The result is a smoother, firmer jawline and cheek area. In patients with "Ozempic face," a facelift can address the loose skin and jowling that fillers alone cannot fix. Often, a neck lift is combined as well (through an incision under the chin or behind the ears) to tighten droopy neck skin and muscle banding, since weight loss can also leave the neck with turkey-wattle skin.
Pros of facelift/neck lift: This surgery directly tackles sagging – it's very effective at sharpening the jawline, reducing jowls, and removing that slack "empty" skin that diet or injections can't tighten. By repositioning and tightening facial tissue, and excising excess skin, a facelift can take years off one's appearance. The results are long-lasting (often 5-10 years or more, depending on the patient's aging process). Modern facelift techniques aim for a natural look, not the pulled-too-tight wind tunnel effect. Especially for older patients or those with a lot of redundant skin after weight loss, a facelift provides a dramatic improvement in facial contours that fillers or devices can't achieve. Many individuals who undergo massive weight loss (whether via medications like Ozempic or surgery) eventually choose surgery like a facelift as a definitive solution for the residual sagging once they are near their goal weight.
Cons of facelift/neck lift: It's the most invasive option, with the longest downtime. You may need about 2 weeks off work for initial healing (stitches are typically removed in a week or so, swelling and bruising gradually improve over 2-3 weeks, and subtle swelling can persist for a couple of months). There are risks inherent to any surgery – bleeding, infection, scarring, or in rare cases nerve injury. When performed by a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon, complications are uncommon and scars are usually placed inconspicuously. Another con is that a facelift is surgery focused on lifting and tightening, but does not add volume; in fact, sometimes lifting the face can further highlight volume deficiencies if not addressed. This is why plastic surgeons frequently combine fat grafting or fillers with a facelift. The lift addresses the sagging skin, and fat grafting (or filler) is done in the same operation to plump up hollows, giving the best of both worlds. This combined approach is very effective for Ozempic face: the loose skin is tightened and the lost fat is replaced. Finally, a facelift is a higher-cost procedure upfront compared to injectables. But patients often consider it a worthy investment given the longevity of results (no need for frequent maintenance injections). Not everyone with Ozempic-related facial changes will need a facelift – it depends on age and degree of sagging. For example, a person in their 30s with mild hollowing would do fine with fillers, whereas someone in their late 50s with significant sagging may benefit greatly from a lift. Only about 12% of facial surgeons surveyed recommended face/neck lift as the sole treatment for Ozempic face (most start with fillers), but it remains an important option for the right candidates.
Facial Implants (Cheek Implants)
Facial implants are another surgical option to restore or enhance facial volume and structure. The most relevant in the case of weight-loss related volume loss would be cheek implants (malar or submalar implants). These are solid, biocompatible implants (often silicone) that a surgeon places over the cheekbones through small incisions (sometimes inside the mouth or lower eyelid area). Cheek implants can provide definition and fullness to the midface, effectively replacing volume in a very long-lasting way (implants are permanent, though they can be removed if needed).
Pros of implants: They offer a permanent volume solution – once healed, you don't have to worry about maintenance injections. Implants can create quite pronounced enhancement and sharp definition of the cheekbones, which some patients desire. The surgery for cheek implants is usually shorter and with smaller incisions than a full facelift, and can sometimes even be done with local anesthesia. Implants might be recommended if a patient has very flat cheek structure or desires a certain dramatic look that filler can't achieve. They can also be combined with other procedures (for instance, a patient might get a facelift and an implant for an optimal result, or implants plus fat grafting).
Cons of implants: Because an implant is a foreign material, there are unique risks like implant shifting, or in rare cases infection which might require removal. The feel of the face with an implant can be slightly less natural than your own tissue (though modern implants are quite good and usually not noticeable once integrated). Many patients today opt for fat grafting as an alternative to implants because fat can achieve similar augmentation without a foreign object. Implants don't address skin laxity either – they strictly add volume to the underlying structure – so if there is loose skin, you'd still need a lift or skin tightening procedure. In the context of Ozempic face, implants are less commonly used than fillers or fat transfer, but they remain one of the tools a plastic surgeon has for restoring facial volume. For example, a patient who has lost a lot of midface fat may choose a cheek implant to re-build cheekbones and then also do filler for fine tuning. It's all about a customized approach.
Pros and Cons: Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Approaches
It's important to weigh the general advantages and disadvantages of non-surgical treatments versus surgical procedures for facial volume restoration. Here's a quick comparison:
Non-Surgical Treatments – Pros:
- Minimally Invasive: No incisions or general anesthesia needed; procedures like filler injections are quick and done in-office.
- Little Downtime: You can usually resume normal activities immediately or within a day. For instance, filler patients might just have minor swelling but can go about their day.
- Immediate or Quick Results: Fillers show instant plumping, and even though Sculptra is gradual, you start seeing improvement after the first couple of sessions.
- Adjustable and Reversible: You can tweak results over time. If a little more volume is needed, you add more filler. If too much (in the case of HA fillers), it can be dissolved. This flexibility is comforting for those unsure about how they'll look.
- Lower upfront cost: Generally, a syringe of filler or a Sculptra vial costs less than surgery. You pay per session, which can be budget-friendly in the short term (though maintenance costs add up long term).
Non-Surgical Treatments – Cons:
- Temporary Results: Fillers and even Sculptra will wear off over time, meaning you'll require repeat treatments to maintain the look. It's a recurring investment.
- Limited Lift: Injections cannot significantly lift heavy or very loose skin. There's a point where, if skin is sagging, only surgery will properly reposition it.
- Volume Limits: There's only so much volume you can add with fillers before things look unnatural or lumpy. Extremely gaunt faces might need such large filler amounts that it becomes impractical or costly compared to a one-time fat transfer.
- Potential for Irregularities: While generally safe, too superficial or excessive filler can cause bumps or a "pillowy" look. Also, changes in weight could affect results (e.g. if you regain weight, the filler on top of returning fat might lead to an overly plump area).
- Maintenance and Cumulative Cost: Over several years, the cost of multiple filler sessions might equal or exceed a one-time surgery. Some patients find it inconvenient to keep coming back for injections.
Surgical Treatments – Pros:
- Long-Lasting/Permanent: Surgical outcomes persist for years. Fat grafting results can be essentially permanent, and a facelift "resets" the aging clock by about 5-10 years. You don't need frequent touch-ups (maybe just minor tweaks or skincare to maintain).
- Comprehensive Improvement: Surgery can address multiple aspects at once. A facelift can tighten skin and muscle, while fat grafting in the same procedure restores volume – tackling both the sagging and deflation in one go. The result can be more dramatic and complete.
- Cost-Effective Long Term: Though the upfront cost is higher, you might save in the long run by not having to pay for endless injector sessions. One fat transfer could replace what would otherwise be many rounds of filler.
- Can Handle Severe Cases: If someone has extreme skin laxity or very pronounced volume loss, surgery is often the only way to achieve a satisfying correction. There are surgical solutions even for tough scenarios (e.g. if fillers can't build enough cheek volume, an implant can; if skin is hanging, a lift can trim it).
- Ancillary Benefits: Some surgical patients enjoy side benefits – e.g., the liposuction from fat harvest can slim a problem area on the body, or a neck lift can improve your profile and jawline markedly, beyond what was possible with non-surgical methods.
Surgical Treatments – Cons:
- Downtime and Recovery: You'll need to plan for time off to heal. Bruising, swelling, and a recovery period of days to weeks is expected. There may be some discomfort post-op which is managed with medication.
- Higher Risk Profile: While safe in the hands of qualified surgeons, surgeries come with risks like any invasive procedure. Infection, scarring, anesthesia risks, or asymmetry can occur (though complications are relatively rare).
- Higher Immediate Cost: The upfront cost for surgery can be significant (surgeon's fee, operating room, anesthesia, etc.). This can be a barrier for some, even if it may even out in the long term.
- Irreversible Changes: Once surgical changes are made (cuts or fat graft placements), you can't "undo" them easily. For instance, removing too much fat or skin in a facelift could be hard to correct (this is why choosing an experienced surgeon is critical). With injections, the commitment is lower since they fade away if you do nothing further.
- Not One-Size-Fits-All: Surgery addresses a lot, but it might not completely replace the need for small touch-ups. Some facelift patients still do a bit of filler for fine details, for example. And if a patient doesn't maintain a stable weight after the procedure, they could negate some benefits (e.g. significant weight regain after facial fat removal could re-stretch skin).
In summary, non-surgical options are great for earlier intervention, subtle changes, or bridging the gap if you're not ready for surgery. Surgical options are best for lasting, more dramatic improvement, especially when loose skin is part of the problem. Many patients eventually do a bit of both – for example, trying fillers first, and later deciding on a fat transfer or facelift for a more permanent fix once they've seen the effect and stabilized their weight. Consulting with a knowledgeable plastic surgeon will help determine the right plan for you.
Consulting a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for Ozempic Face
Whether you're leaning toward non-surgical fillers or considering a surgical procedure, one thing is certain: it's crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon (or facial plastic surgeon) experienced in facial rejuvenation. Treating "Ozempic face" requires a personalized approach – no two patients have lost volume in exactly the same way, and factors like your age, skin quality, and weight stability play into what treatment will be most effective. A qualified surgeon will do a thorough evaluation of your facial structure and discuss your goals to craft a tailored plan. In many cases, they might even suggest a combination of treatments (for example, Sculptra to build a base of collagen, then a little filler for refinement, or perhaps a conservative mini-facelift paired with fat grafting). This kind of bespoke strategy is where an expert's insight is invaluable.
Importantly, credentials and experience matter. As the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery advises, you should "select a physician based on qualifications" – look for board-certified specialists who have specific training in facial procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeons (including facial plastic surgeons, who are board-certified in head/neck plastic surgery) have the rigorous training required to perform these treatments safely and effectively. They understand the nuances of facial anatomy, which is critical for achieving natural-looking results. For instance, placing filler in the right plane, or knowing how much fat to graft, or where to tighten the SMAS layer in a facelift – these are skills honed by experience.
By consulting a Plastic Surgeon Ozempic Face specialist – essentially, a plastic surgeon who is familiar with weight-loss related facial aging – you can also discuss any concerns about the longevity of results and how to maintain your rejuvenated look. They may give you tips on skincare, or advice on keeping a stable weight to preserve your facelift or filler results. They'll also ensure you have realistic expectations: while treatments can significantly improve gauntness and sagging, you want to aim for looking like a healthier, well-rested version of yourself, not like a completely different person. A good surgeon will prioritize a natural outcome and your overall wellbeing (for example, they'll advise if it's better to wait until your weight is stabilized before undergoing a major procedure).
Conclusion: Restoring Your Face and Confidence
Losing weight can be a fantastic boost for your health and self-confidence, but it's understandable to feel disheartened if it leaves your face looking older or deflated. The emergence of the term "Ozempic face" has shed light on just how common this issue is – but you don't have to just live with it. From quick fixes like dermal fillers to long-lasting solutions like fat grafting or a facelift, there are many ways to rejuvenate your appearance so that it better matches how great you feel after your weight loss. Each option comes with its own considerations, and often the best results come from a combination tailored to you.
If you're concerned about facial volume loss from weight loss, the next step is to seek professional advice. A board-certified Plastic Surgeon Ozempic Face expert can evaluate your features and guide you through the choices, whether it's a "liquid facelift" with injectables or a surgical route for more extensive rejuvenation. Remember, the goal is to restore balance and youthfulness to your face in a way that looks natural and complements your weight loss – and that's exactly what experienced plastic surgeons excel at. Don't let the term "Ozempic face" scare you away from achieving a healthy weight. With the help of a qualified specialist, you can have the best of both worlds: a fitter body and a radiant, youthful face.
Call to action: Ready to put your best face forward? Schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who understands Ozempic face concerns. By working with a Plastic Surgeon Ozempic Face specialist, you'll get a personalized treatment plan to restore lost volume and confidence. Your face's journey can be as transformative as your weight loss journey – all it takes is the right expert by your side.
