The rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound has brought a new wave of patients to Long Island plastic surgeons, seeking to address the unexpected side effect of excess skin. These medications, originally designed for diabetes management, have proven highly effective in aiding weight loss by slowing digestion and promoting feelings of fullness. However, the rapid and significant weight loss they induce can lead to a host of skin-related issues, from sagging jowls to excess skin around the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and arms.
Jeanne Erland, a 64-year-old Central Islip resident, exemplifies this trend. After losing 164 pounds over two years with the help of GLP-1 medication, exercise, and a better diet, she found herself with loose skin that hindered her workouts and clothing choices. She turned to plastic surgery to remove the excess skin, a decision shared by many others.
According to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons report, 20% of people taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss have undergone plastic surgery, while 39% are considering it, and 41% are considering non-surgical procedures. This surge in demand has led to longer wait times for plastic surgery consultations and procedures.
Dr. Kevin Kresofsky, a plastic surgeon, describes the skin's reaction to rapid weight loss as akin to deflating a balloon, losing its ability to recoil and tighten. This phenomenon is particularly challenging for patients who have experienced significant weight fluctuations due to pregnancies, as their bodies may have already endured similar yo-yo effects.
The most common requests from these patients are body contouring surgeries, which can be both aesthetically and functionally beneficial. For instance, a panniculectomy, a procedure to remove hanging skin from the lower abdomen, can alleviate irritation, fungal rashes, and back and shoulder pain caused by the overhanging skin.
Dr. David Pincus, another plastic surgeon, notes the prevalence of GLP-1 medication use among his patients, even those who were initially considered skinny. He attributes this to the medications' ability to induce significant weight loss, often leading to skin issues from the face to the knees.
Despite the benefits of GLP-1 medications in weight loss, plastic surgeons emphasize the importance of a holistic approach. Dr. David Pechman, director of bariatric surgery, highlights the role of resistance training and good protein intake in maximizing skin elasticity and muscle content. He warns that inadequate protein intake during weight loss can lead to muscle wasting, not fat loss.
In conclusion, while GLP-1 medications have revolutionized obesity treatment, they also present unique challenges for patients and plastic surgeons alike. The combination of exercise, good nutrition, and, in some cases, surgical intervention is essential to achieving both aesthetic and functional improvements for those seeking to transform their bodies.
