The Impact of New Weight Loss Drugs on Plastic Surgery
By Dr. Juan Manuel Di Diego,Plastic Surgeon (MN 103503),Crenyf Medical Director,Reference in body contour surgery,Member of the Board of Directors of the Plastic Surgery Society of Buenos Aires (SCPBA) and Dr. facundo Serra, MN 172193, General Surgeon, resident member of the plastic Surgery Society of buenos Aires.
The emergence of new pharmaceutical treatments for overweight and obesity is reshaping the landscape of plastic surgery. An increasing number of patients are seeking consultations to address aesthetic concerns arising from rapid weight loss, including skin laxity, unwanted folds, and changes in facial structure.this article outlines how the specialty is responding to this evolving demand and what considerations are crucial for both surgeons and patients.
Over the past two years, a noticeable shift has occurred in clinical practise.Many patients are experiencing important weight loss – 20, 30 kilograms or more – within a relatively short timeframe, ofen celebrating improvements in metabolic health and mobility. Though, this positive outcome is frequently accompanied by dissatisfaction with the resulting aesthetic changes, such as loose skin, volume loss in the face, and persistent skin redundancy. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “Ozempic face/body,” is altering the types of cases seen in plastic surgery practices.
This presents a clinical and ethical challenge. While GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide) have proven effective in achieving sustained weight loss, the aesthetic consequences are not always favorable. Plastic surgeons face three key challenges in this context:
- Pre-operative Communication: Thoroughly discussing potential aesthetic outcomes with patients before any intervention.
- Customized,Staged treatment Plans: Developing individualized strategies that address concerns in a phased approach.
- Addressing Unregulated practices: Navigating the increased social pressure and the risks associated with treatments performed by unqualified practitioners.
The increased popularity of these weight loss medications has led to a surge in aesthetic consultations, but also a rise in complications stemming from unregulated practices. maintaining ethical standards and ensuring adequate professional training are paramount. Patient safety and sustainable results are best guaranteed through board certification, obvious communication, and collaborative multidisciplinary teams.
Currently, aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery offer several options. For facial concerns,treatments like hyaluronic acid fillers,fat transfer,and skin tightening procedures can help restore volume and support. Though, a surgical facelift remains the most effective solution for significant facial sagging. For body contouring, a combination of abdominoplasty with lipotransference and selective liposuction generally yields superior results compared to liposuction alone.
Key Recommendations for Doctors and patients:
* Thorough Evaluation: A thorough assessment of the patient’s nutritional status, metabolic health, and weight stability is essential before considering any procedure.
* Escalated Approach: Begin with conservative treatments and reserve more extensive surgeries for clearly defined indications.
* Honest Communication: Provide realistic expectations regarding results, recovery times, and the potential need for revision procedures.
* Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Collaboration between endocrinologists, nutritionists, dermatologists, and psychologists is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
* Regulation and ethics: Patients should seek care from qualified, certified surgeons and avoid self-medication or treatment from unqualified professionals.
Medical advancements, including these new obesity management drugs, offer significant potential for improving cardiovascular and metabolic health. However, they also necessitate a shift in aesthetic demand. The goal is not solely aesthetic improvement, but rather to translate clinical gains into overall well-being.
From a professional viewpoint,surgeons must support the patient’s overall health recovery without trivializing procedures,compromising safety,or disregarding the patient’s individual identity. The ultimate objective is to ensure that clinical improvements are reflected in the patient’s self-perception and quality of life.
[Image: Freepik.es]
