September 2025 – The rapid rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), has transformed how obesity and type 2 diabetes are managed in the United States. While these medications are primarily prescribed for metabolic conditions, their ripple effects extend far beyond endocrinology. Aesthetic surgeons across the country are now reporting a surge in demand for body contouring and facial rejuvenation procedures linked to patients’ rapid weight loss.
The Link Between GLP-1s and Aesthetic Concerns
Patients using GLP-1 therapies often lose a significant amount of body fat in a relatively short period of time. While this is medically beneficial, it creates a new set of aesthetic and surgical challenges. Many individuals develop loose skin, tissue laxity, and facial volume loss—sometimes described in popular media as “Ozempic face.”
According to coverage in Allure and The New York Times, plastic surgeons are increasingly encountering patients who are thrilled with their weight reduction but dissatisfied with the physical aftermath. The most commonly requested procedures include facelifts, tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and skin-tightening interventions.
Dr. Darren Smith, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, told Allure:
“No one warned them, ‘Hey, you’re going to have all this loose, hanging skin afterwards.’ Body contouring procedures will continue to skyrocket as more patients turn to GLP-1 therapies.”
A Growing Trend in U.S. Clinics
This trend is not isolated to a handful of practices. Reports from surgeons in urban centers like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles suggest that demand for body contouring has risen sharply since 2023. Some clinics report extended waiting lists, while others are expanding operating room block time or investing in new technology to handle the influx.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has acknowledged this shift, noting in member communications that rapid weight loss patients often present unique challenges. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery patients, GLP-1 users may not have received preoperative counseling about skin changes, which increases demand for corrective procedures after the fact.
Clinical Protocols and Surgical Adjustments
GLP-1 users present some surgical nuances that surgeons are beginning to address:
• Wound healing: Some case reports suggest impaired healing in GLP-1 patients, prompting many surgeons to recommend pausing medication prior to surgery.
• Nutritional support: Rapid weight loss can affect skin quality and elasticity. Surgeons are incorporating nutritional optimization programs to help patients achieve better results.
• Staged procedures: Instead of “all-in-one” operations, patients are sometimes advised to undergo multiple smaller procedures to minimize complications.
These evolving clinical protocols are being discussed at conferences and within aesthetic surgery training programs, suggesting that GLP-1–related adaptations may soon become standard practice.
Market Implications and Industry Response
The market impact is significant. According to MedEsthetics, clinics are investing in radiofrequency and energy-assisted surgical tools to meet the needs of patients with skin laxity. Devices once considered niche are becoming central to daily practice.
Meanwhile, analysts at McKinsey & Company have projected continued growth in the global aesthetics market, with post-weight-loss contouring as a rising segment. While specific percentages vary depending on the source, most agree that GLP-1 therapies are accelerating the pace of change in elective surgery.
