GLP-1s and Post-Weight Loss Skin Treatments

While GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have been credited with various benefits, including reduced cravings and inflammation, they aren’t a miracle solution. As their popularity surges, there’s an increasing demand for treatments that can help with sagging skin that often follows rapid weight loss.

Specialists like New York surgeon Macrene Alexiades have honed their expertise in this area. She explains, “I’ve had success treating and reversing the sagging linked to GLP-1s using radiofrequency treatments for skin laxity, combined with PRP and strategically placed fillers to rejuvenate areas of atrophy.” Typically, two sessions spaced a month apart can achieve significant improvement.

Dermatologist Simon Ourian takes a different approach, aiming to restore collagen and muscle mass that can diminish from quick weight loss. He notes, “We utilize our unique Neustem regenerative protocol with hyaluronic acid to rebuild structural integrity, enhance muscle tone, and revitalize both the face and body—without the risk of overfilling. For body treatments, we mix regenerative techniques with energy-based skin tightening to tackle loose skin and improve body contours in areas like the abdomen and thighs.”

Another method is recommended by Paul Jarrod Frank, who advocates for a novel technique called Ellacor fractional micro-coring to address crepey skin. This technique differs from microneedling by removing small sections of skin without inducing much trauma. “It efficiently lifts and tightens the skin, with recovery time significantly reduced,” he shares, highlighting how the small holes typically heal within a day.

Beverly Hills dermatologist Rhonda Rand, known for treating clients like Angelina Jolie, combines fillers with radiofrequency microneedling and focused ultrasound to boost collagen production at deeper levels. She warns that in cases of severe facial volume loss, even more invasive procedures like facelifts may be necessary when noninvasive methods fall short.

The rise of GLP-1 medications has also inspired a new range of skincare products. Plastic surgeon Julius Few from Chicago recently introduced a topical DermaReverse serum, specifically formulated for GLP-1 users, priced at $300. He also offers a $195 Skin Tightening product. Furthermore, Image Skincare, popular among Hollywood stars, released the $134 Vol.U.Lift to combat volume loss and sagging associated with GLP-1 usage.

Could this be the dawn of a new industry? It certainly seems so.