MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS AFTER THE USE OF GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 MEDICATIONS GLP-1, INCLUDING RYBELSUS AND OZEMPIC AND THE NEED FOR PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY OF THE BODY
Posted On: July 09, 2024 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Uncategorized
Over the last 48 months, there has been a significant increase in patients using weight loss medications that were originally used for diabetes. These medications include Ozempic and Rybelsus. The method of activity, the Glucagon-like peptide- 1 medication is meant to improve patients with history of diabetes.
Patients on Ozempic, however, have seen massive weight loss and an increased need for breast and abdominal reconstructive surgical procedures, including a Mommy Makeover, similar to those seen in gastric bypass patients in the past. GLP-1 medications most commonly referred to as Rybelsus and Ozempic, are used to treat type 2 diabetes. A huge benefit has also been associated with massive weight loss in patients throughout the world. The mechanism of action includes a decrease in appetite as well as maintaining blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes. In normal patients, however who do not have a history of diabetes, there is a significant decrease in satiety and decrease in appetite, thereby leading to massive decreased food intake and weight loss significantly as well.
We see patients with active bypass postsurgery, bariatric surgery, including vertical band gastroplasty forming procedures and lap banding procedures that have similar massive weight loss, sometimes over 100 to 150 pounds as seen in patients who have had a long history of GLP- 1 medications, most commonly again, Ozempic and Rybelsus.
Patients present with deflation of their breasts, loss of upper pole fullness, grade 3 skin laxity and significant amounts of ptosis, thereby requiring both breast enhancement surgery with saline or silicone implants as well as breast lifting procedures or formal mastopexies. The abdominal areas often show massive skin which is called the abdominal pannus and similar to gastric bypass post patients after massive weight loss, will undergo a panniculectomy in order to remove this massive amount of skin from the lower abdominal wall. Patients may also have arm skin laxity and thigh laxity requiring brachioplasties and thigh plasties both inner and outer thighs. As we continue to see this enormous surge of patients taking the Ozempic-like medications, we will continue to see massive amounts of weight loss requiring full breast reconstructions, tummy tucks and arm and thigh lifts. Similar to patients who had gastric bypass surgery, it is important that the patients reach their ideal body weight prior to undergoing any breast or abdominal reconstructive surgery so as we will be able to as plastic surgeons, remove as much skin as possible in one setting. It is important that the patients have full medical clearance, including laboratories to make sure that their blood counts are sufficient as well as their albumin and protein levels for healing postoperatively. Again, in 2024 and the future on, we do expect to see an increase in Mommy Makeover and Total Body Makeover reconstructions as patients continue to undergo massive weight loss after these weight loss medications, including Ozempic and Rybelsus.
For more information regarding options from massive weight loss or a consultation with Dr. Stuart Linder in Beverly Hills, California, give us a call at (310) 275-4513 or contact us via email.