Experts outline non-surgical options for loose skin after weight loss on GLP-1 drugs
Dermatologists and cosmetic specialists say strength training and collagen-boosting treatments can reduce sagging skin for many patients who lost weight with drugs such as Ozempic
More than 15 million Americans have used GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as semaglutide — commonly known by brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy — and clinicians say a growing number of those patients are confronting loose, excess skin after rapid weight loss.
Cosmetic dermatologists and other specialists told the Daily Mail that non-surgical approaches can help many people avoid or delay surgical body-contouring procedures, which can be painful, carry surgical risks and run into tens of thousands of dollars; full body contouring can cost as much as $100,000, according to the report.
Experts emphasized that the most effective first step for patients using GLP-1 drugs is to incorporate resistance training and build muscle while losing fat. Increasing muscle mass can ‘‘fill out’’ areas where fat previously occupied volume, reducing the appearance of sagging skin, they said.
In addition to exercise, clinicians recommended non-surgical cosmetic treatments that stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. ‘‘Collagen is a protein essential for providing the skin with elasticity, structure, and suppleness,’’ said Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist based in Manhattan. ‘‘Increasing collagen production can tighten and firm the skin where it has become saggy.’’
The Daily Mail report summarized input from a pool of health experts who described a range of minimally invasive options, including injectable fillers to restore volume and procedures designed to stimulate new collagen. Such treatments are commonly used to treat mild to moderate laxity by improving skin texture and firmness, specialists said.
Clinicians cautioned that the degree of loose skin after significant weight loss varies with age, genetics, the speed and amount of weight lost, and how much muscle mass a person preserves. For many patients, a combination of strength training, targeted skin treatments and lifestyle measures can meaningfully improve appearance without surgery. For others with large amounts of excess tissue after massive weight loss, surgeons may still recommend removal procedures.
Non-surgical approaches generally involve less downtime and lower cost than surgical alternatives, but they may require multiple sessions and maintenance treatments. Patients considering any intervention are encouraged to consult board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons to evaluate individual needs and likely outcomes.
The recent surge in GLP-1 drug use has been accompanied by an uptick in demand for both non-surgical and surgical measures to address post–weight-loss skin changes. As clinicians report more patients presenting with skin laxity, they stress prevention where possible: build and maintain muscle while losing weight, protect skin from sun damage, and seek professional assessment early to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.