If you’re trying to lose weight, you’ve probably heard about GLP-1 drugs.
Often referred to generally by the brand names Ozempic or Wegovy, GLP-1 drugs are a class of medication that has been proven to assist in weight loss. Medications in this category do this by slowing the movement of food out of the stomach, helping people feel full longer and eat less. They also prompt the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high.
Naturally, discussions about GLP-1 drugs can often overlap with conversations about plastic surgery. After all, some of the most common procedures in the country — such as liposuction — appear to, on the surface, accomplish the same goal of reducing one’s fat.
This puts some in the position of debating which of the two is right for them. Should you take a GLP-1 medication? Or should you have plastic surgery? Is there value to doing both?
In our Milwaukee, Wisconsin practice, we’ve been in the middle of many conversations about GLP-1 medication. In this article, we’ll discuss why you shouldn’t think of these drugs in the same way that you should liposuction — but also why you shouldn’t rule out either option, either.
GLP-1 Medications vs. Plastic Surgery
Let’s start with GLP-1 medications.
While these medications can be used for diabetes treatment, in many cases, drugs like these are designed and prescribed for weight management.
These drugs have been shown to be incredibly effective. However, there’s a catch.
When you lose weight with a GLP-1 medication, the weight comes from all across the body — not just one specific area. This means that you can lose volume in places where you’d rather not. For example, some believe GLP-1 drugs to cause a hollowing-out known colloquially as “Ozempic face.”
Consequently, GLP-1 weight loss, like most other kinds of weight loss, will not always have a pleasant, body-contouring effect.
Surgical options like liposuction, in contrast, will have a body-contouring effect. There’s a catch here, too.
If you’re trying to lose weight, liposuction is not a great option. Typically, liposuction will only result in minor weight loss of 5 to 11 pounds.
Instead, liposuction should be thought of primarily as a contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure. If you want to lose some extra pounds across the board, you may want to go with a GLP-1 medication. If you simply want to decrease the size of your love handles, for example, liposuction may be preferable.
What If GLP-1 Weight Loss Leaves Loose Skin?
There are plenty of instances where GLP-1 weight loss can be paired with plastic surgery procedures.
For example, if GLP-1 weight loss results in a body shape that you don’t like, you may consider removing or adding fat to certain parts of your body in order to achieve your ideal shape.
Alternatively, rapid fat loss — especially to a significant degree — can result in excess skin. This can be removed through a variety of different procedures that can effectively reshape the body.
Those struggling with excess skin on their abdomen may consider a tummy tuck. This can remove excess skin and fat and, when necessary, repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
Other possible procedures include a body lift, arm lift, breast lift, or thigh lift.
Should I Take GLP-1 Medication and Get Plastic Surgery?
Before taking any medication, you should have a long, detailed conversation with your doctor about why you’re interested in this medication, your goals, your concerns, and any potential side effects of the medication.
That said, there are benefits to shedding pounds and maintaining a consistent weight prior to plastic surgery.
There’s some evidence that lower BMI is linked to lower surgical risk. Not only that, but some patients may find that their concerns are addressed, at least partially, through weight loss.
What’s most important is reaching a stable, comfortable, and healthy weight. It is inadvisable to get plastic surgery in the middle of a weight loss journey, as continued weight loss will likely change the results of the surgery.
Conclusion
If you’d like to lose weight, you may want to ask your doctor about GLP-1 medication, or develop a diet and exercise plan. From there, you can explore surgical options to achieve the body of your dreams.
If you’re currently on GLP-1 medication and are considering surgery, or if you just have questions about potential surgical procedures, reach out to us today.
We can answer any questions you might have, and work with you to develop a plan to meet your body goals.