Unveiling Weight Loss Trends and Complications in Body Contouring Surgery Patients Using Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Analogs.

BACKGROUND: The rising use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs has increased interest in body contouring surgery (BCS). Plastic surgeons are becoming more interested in these medications, which in turn has led them to prescribe or recommend their use to patients who have not reached their desired weight before surgery. We assessed GLP-1 use, weight loss patterns, and complications among patients who underwent BCS at our institution.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of body contouring surgery patients with GLP-1 prescriptions. Fisher's exact and chi-square tests analyzed categorical variables and repeated measures ANOVA evaluated changes in GLP-1 use and BMI over time. Postoperative complications were assessed using the Clavien Dindo classification. Multiple linear regression predicted the final BMI based on age, pre-surgery BMI, and GLP-1 use.

RESULTS: 44 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in group demographics, body contouring surgeries or follow-up. 3 (6.8%) patients had pancreatitis, and 3 (6.8%) had worsening constipation while using GLP-1 analogs. Linear regression analysis: BMI at surgery strongly predicts BMI at the last follow-up. Pre and postoperative GLP-1 usage is associated with a significant reduction in BMI. GLP-1 postoperative-only use had no significant impact. These factors accounted for 92.36% of the variance in the final BMI.

CONCLUSION: Starting GLP-1 analogs before BCS significantly reduced BMI six months after surgery. The BMI at the time of surgery is a strong predictor of the BMI at the last followup. Patients who started using GLP-1 analogs before undergoing body contouring surgery did not have more complications than patients who started the medication after surgery. GLP-1 analogs can be a safe aid for patients looking to reach their desired weight before body contouring surgery, however, its use should be guided by health care professionals to prevent complications related to the medication.