Saggy Skin after Semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro

Body contouring surgeries may be a viable option for people who have lost a significant amount of weight using medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. While these medications can aid in significant weight loss, the resulting transformation may result in excess sagging skin that can affect body aesthetics. Loose skin surgeries provide a solution to reshape and tighten the body’s contours in such cases. Specific areas of concern can be addressed with procedures such as tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and breast lifts, which remove excess skin and restore a more toned and defined appearance. Additionally some stubborn fat may remain that is best treated with liposuction. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz explains that “semaglutide medications are revolutionary drugs resulting in fast and dramatic weight loss. For that reason patients may experience sagging of the skin and lipodystrophy much like patients after bariatric surgery.”

Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are all medications that can assist you in losing weight in various ways. Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (also semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists that mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone. They help with blood sugar regulation, appetite suppression, and gastric emptying, which results in less calorie intake and increased appetite. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual agonist that stimulates both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones. It promotes weight loss by decreasing calorie intake and increasing energy expenditure through multiple pathways involved in glucose regulation and appetite control.

While individual results may vary, these medications have shown significant success in helping with weight loss. Over a 52- to 68-week period, clinical trials have shown average weight loss ranging from 11% to 17% of initial body weight.

While Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can help with significant weight loss, it’s important to remember that rapid or significant weight loss can cause loose skin. When you carry extra weight for an extended period of time, your skin stretches to accommodate the extra volume. The skin may lack the elasticity to return to its original shape, particularly in areas where larger fat deposits were present. Furthermore, age, genetics, and sun damage can all play a role in the development of sagging skin after losing weight. Loose skin is most noticeable in areas where there is a lot of fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. While exercise and strength training can help tone the underlying muscles in these areas, they may not be enough to get rid of the excess skin. Most people may consider body contouring surgeries in such cases to address sagging skin and achieve a more toned and contoured appearance. You can consult with a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz in Dallas to discuss your options for dealing with sagging skin after weight loss.

Plastic Surgery for Loose Skin

If loose skin develops as a result of your weight loss journey, there are several plastic surgery options to address these cosmetic issues. Body contouring surgeries performed by Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz can help reshape your body and remove excess skin, giving you a more toned and defined appearance. Here are some common procedures Dr. Azouz performs to help patients tighten their skin after weight loss:

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure can be especially beneficial for people who have lost a significant amount of weight around their midsection.
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): An arm lift removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, reducing sagging and creating a more defined arm contour. This procedure is useful for people who have lost a lot of weight in their upper body.
• Thigh Lift: A thigh lift is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of sagging skin in the thighs. Excess skin and fat are removed to create a firmer and more contoured thigh silhouette.
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): For people who have lost weight around their breasts, a breast lift can help restore a more youthful and lifted appearance by removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue.

Some body contouring surgeries can be performed simultaneously to reduce overall recovery time and achieve comprehensive results. The feasibility of combining procedures, on the other hand, is determined by factors such as the patient’s overall health and surgical risks. During your consultation, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz will discuss the options and determine the best approach for your specific needs and goals.

Recovering from Loose Skin Surgery

Body contouring surgery recovery time varies depending on the procedure and individual factors. Recovering from body contouring surgery performed by Dr. Azouz involves a comprehensive and personalized approach to ensure optimal healing and results. Dr. Azouz prioritizes patient comfort and safety throughout the recovery process. Following the surgery, patients can expect some swelling and bruising which is expected. Dr. Azouz will also prescribe medications to help with any pain or discomfort. Dr. Azouz provides detailed instructions on wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions to promote a smooth recovery. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz and his team offer support, guidance, and personalized care during this crucial phase. By following Dr. Azouz’s recommendations and adhering to the prescribed recovery plan, patients can enhance their healing process and achieve the desired outcomes from their body contouring surgery.

If you have excess skin after losing weight from Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, plastic surgery may be an option to consider. Schedule a consultation with board-certified Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz who can help you determine which body contouring procedures are best suited to your specific needs and goals.