01/05/2026
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have changed the conversation around weight loss. And they’re also changing the conversation around surgery. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
GLP-1 use can create risks with anesthesia, and my patients are advised to stop these medications several weeks before surgery. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The facial aging that can accompany rapid weight loss is also a major topic of discussion. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s discussed far less is how GLP-1s may impact fat grafting success. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In my experience, fat from patients with recent GLP-1 use can look different. More oil. Less structural integrity. And that matters when we’re relying on this fat for consistent structure and longevity. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Grafted fat is especially vulnerable early on, when it is trying to stabilize in its new location - approximately the first three weeks after surgery. Studies have shown that increased caloric intake during this period can result in increased fat grafting success. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Because GLP-1s inherently lead to decreased caloric intake, after fat grafting procedures I require patients to remain off these medications for at least three weeks post-op - ideally longer - to give the grafted fat the best possible chance to survive. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
As widespread use of GLP-1 medications is relatively new, expect plastic surgery-related recommendations to continue to change as we continue to learn more about how these drugs impact surgical outcomes ✨
