Practical guide for plastic surgeons on managing GLP-1 drug patients before and after cosmetic procedures | Research

The takeaway

GLP-1 drugs affect plastic surgery through anesthesia risks (delayed gastric emptying), altered wound healing, body composition changes requiring filler adjustment, and need for preoperative medication management protocols.

New surgical patient population
GLP-1 drugs create unique challenges for plastic surgery: delayed gastric emptying, "Ozempic face" requiring fillers, and body composition changes affecting contouring timing

What the researchers found

GLP-1 considerations for plastic surgery: delayed gastric emptying (anesthesia risk), wound healing effects, facial volume loss requiring restoration, body contouring timing, medication hold protocols. Covers all major GLP-1 drugs.

Why it matters

As millions take GLP-1 drugs, plastic surgeons increasingly encounter these patients. Understanding drug interactions with surgery is essential for patient safety and optimal cosmetic outcomes.

How the study worked

Practical narrative review for plastic surgeons covering GLP-1 drug mechanisms, surgical implications, and management recommendations.

What this study cannot tell us

Practical guidance based on limited evidence. Most recommendations are expert opinion. Surgical outcome data for GLP-1 patients is scarce.

How to read the evidence

Expert-level practical review. Limited evidence base; mostly consensus recommendations.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

The surge in GLP-1 drug use is creating new patient populations for plastic surgery—both from "Ozempic face" facial deflation and from excess skin after major weight loss. Surgeons need to adapt their practice.

Questions still open

How long should GLP-1 drugs be held before surgery?
Does rapid weight loss on GLP-1 drugs affect wound healing?
Should GLP-1 drug use be incorporated into preoperative screening?

Common questions

Should I stop GLP-1 drugs before cosmetic surgery?

Most guidelines recommend holding GLP-1 drugs before surgery due to delayed gastric emptying, which increases aspiration risk during anesthesia. The recommended hold time varies by drug and procedure. Always discuss with your surgeon and anesthesiologist well in advance of any procedure.

Does weight loss from GLP-1 drugs affect plastic surgery results?

Yes. Facial volume loss ("Ozempic face") may require filler or fat grafting to restore a youthful appearance. For body contouring, surgeons may recommend waiting until weight has stabilized before performing skin removal or liposuction to optimize results.

Read the original research

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: A Practical Overview for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Annals of plastic surgery, 94(1), 121-127

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Stanton, Eloise W; Manasyan, Artur; Banerjee, Rakhi; Hong, Kurt; Koesters, Emma; Daar, David A. (2025). Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: A Practical Overview for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.. Annals of plastic surgery, 94(1), 121-127. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000004089