Cosmetic Surgery & GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

The popularity of GLP-1 prescription weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide has led an unprecedented number of patients to turn to cosmetic surgeons, seeking skin-tightening procedures to get rid of excess, stretched skin left behind after significant weight loss.

If you are on a weight loss journey with these GLP-1 medications, here’s what you need to know about post-weight loss body contouring.

Originally developed as diabetes medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide are often prescribed for weight loss

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists are medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are examples of these drugs, commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and aid in weight loss. These medications enhance feelings of fullness, slow down stomach emptying, and reduce appetite, leading to decreased calorie intake and weight loss over time. GLP-1 medications include those marketed under brand names like Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Significant weight loss may leave patients with stretched, sagging skin, especially in the abdomen

Significant weight loss, which is attainable with these effective prescriptions, may lead to loose or sagging skin as the skin loses elasticity and doesn’t shrink back completely. This can be especially problematic around the abdomen. Loose skin poses a real concern if you are experiencing rapid weight loss with GLP-1 drugs: sagging skin can be uncomfortable, affect how clothing fits, cause skin irritation, and even pose a hygiene problem.

There are several cosmetic surgeries that remove excess skin 

Cosmetic surgery is not medically necessary, but is an option for those who wish to remove excess skin and improve body contours after substantial weight loss. Post-weight loss body contouring surgeries like arm lifts, thigh lifts, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), body lifts, breast lifts, and bra-line back lifts are commonly performed to address excess skin and improve body shape post-weight loss.

Below, we answer frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery after medically-assisted weight loss:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait after weight loss before considering cosmetic surgery?

It’s generally recommended to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months before undergoing cosmetic surgery. This gives your skin time to shrink as much as possible to your new contours, and gives you time to make sure you are at a stable weight that you can maintain.

Can I get cosmetic surgery after taking tirzepatide or semaglutide?

Yes, you can undergo cosmetic surgery after taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide or semaglutide, but careful planning and coordination with your healthcare providers is essential to promote safety and satisfactory results. Your surgeons should look at several important considerations beforehand:

• Weight Stability: For optimal results, patients should be at or near a sustainable weight they are happy with before seeking cosmetic surgery. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery, particularly body contouring procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, or breast surgeries, can alter the results and may necessitate additional procedures.
• Medication Disclosure: Inform your cosmetic surgeon and anesthesiologist about all medications you’re taking, including tirzepatide or semaglutide.
• Preoperative Evaluation: A thorough medical assessment is crucial. Your healthcare team may need to adjust your medication regimen before surgery to minimize risks. In certain cases, this could involve temporarily discontinuing the medication prior to the procedure.

Do I need to stop Ozempic or Mounjaro before cosmetic surgery?

You will most likely not need to stop taking GLP-1 receptor agonists before elective surgery, depending on the advice of your cosmetic surgeon and anesthesiologist. They will evaluate your risk factors based on the details of your medication usage to make a personal recommendation. 

Certain patients, such as those who are actively increasing their dose or have other conditions that may delay gastric emptying, may need to stop taking the medication in advance to avoid increased risks during anesthesia.

Recent changes to guidelines regarding anesthesia and GLP-1 receptor agonists

Previous guidelines recommended pausing the use of GLP-1 medications a full week before surgery to reduce anesthesia risks. However, 2024 clinical practice guidelines—which were endorsed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and several other professional medical societies—explain that this blanket recommendation is not necessary. Instead, the anesthesiologist should make recommendations on a case-by-case basis, and most patients do not need to stop taking the medication at all.

Inform your surgical team about all medications you’re taking, including dosages, so they can take necessary precautions.

How do I avoid “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt”?

“Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt” are colloquial terms describing the facial sagging and loss of buttock fullness some people experience after significant weight loss with medications like Ozempic. You may be able to minimize skin stretching, and these effects, by maintaining good nutrition and hydration, and undergoing gradual rather than rapid weight loss under the care of a physician. 

However, they cannot easily be prevented; if you have significant weight loss, you may decide to undergo skin-tightening procedures such as a facelift for GLP-1-related facial sagging or a buttock lift to minimize excess skin in this area.

To prevent mild facial skin laxity, be sure to follow a skin care regimen that promotes collagen production during your weight loss journey; talk to your cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist, or other aesthetic professional for personalized skincare advice.

Will I need a facelift after taking semaglutide?

Whether you will desire a facelift after taking semaglutide depends on several factors:

• Extent of Weight Loss: Significant weight loss can lead to loose skin, including in the facial area. The more weight you lose, the more likely you are to experience sagging skin in the lower face and neck, which can be minimized with a facelift.
• Age and Skin Elasticity: Younger individuals or those with good skin elasticity are less prone to sagging. As we age, skin loses elasticity, making sagging more likely after weight loss.
• Preventative Measures: Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in exercise might help improve skin elasticity.
• Non-Surgical Alternatives: Before considering surgery, ask your cosmetic surgeon if non-invasive treatments like laser therapy, ultrasound skin tightening, or injectable fillers may be sufficient to address your concerns.

A facelift is not an inevitable necessity after taking semaglutide, but it is an option if significant facial sagging occurs and is a concern for you.

Will I lose my BBL if I take Ozempic-type weight loss medication?

Taking weight loss medications like Ozempic are likely to impact your Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) results, as GLP-1 medications promote overall fat loss, which shrinks all of the fat cells in your body. This includes the fat cells transferred to your buttocks during a BBL. To preserve the outcomes of your BBL, maintain a stable weight post-surgery—or postpone surgery until you reach a weight you are happy with.

Loose skin on both the face and body poses a real concern if you are experiencing rapid weight loss with GLP-1 drugs.

When can I resume tirzepatide after surgery?

If you were not advised to pause tirzepatide (Mounjaro) or related medications before surgery, then you can keep taking them as prescribed after surgery. Follow the personalized advice of your cosmetic surgeon.

Can I take semaglutide after my tummy tuck, liposuction, or another cosmetic surgery?

Yes, you can take GLP-1 medications after cosmetic surgery. However, weight loss will affect the results of any cosmetic surgery, so we recommend waiting to undergo your chosen procedure after you reach a weight you are happy with.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to address loose skin after weight loss?

Yes, non-surgical options like laser treatments, radiofrequency therapy, and ultrasound skin tightening can improve skin elasticity, though results are far less dramatic than surgical options. However, these may be sufficient if you have only a small amount of skin laxity.

How does rapid weight loss from GLP-1 drugs compare to surgical weight loss procedures?

GLP-1 drugs offer a non-surgical approach to weight loss, typically resulting in gradual weight reduction. Surgical procedures like bariatric surgery often lead to more rapid weight loss but come with different risks and benefits, so consulting with a physician who is well-versed in both options can help you decide which is right for your goals.

Choose a highly qualified, experienced cosmetic surgeon for post-weight loss body contouring

Surgeons who are certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) are face, breast, and body cosmetic surgery experts who have passed rigorous evaluations and undergone dedicated training in cosmetic procedures. To find a surgeon near you today, browse our surgeon database.