Ozempic® and other semaglutides like Wegovy® and Rybelsus® have been blowing up social media and recent news stories, thanks to their ability to aid in significant weight loss relatively quickly. However, many people do not realize that this type of rapid weight loss often results in loose skin in areas like the face, arms and stomach. When weight is shed quickly from the body, the skin does not have time to “shrink to fit,” which means loose, sagging skin can stand in the way of seeing the body shape you want.
Unsurprisingly, as the popularity of Ozempic and similar drugs that assist with weight loss increases, plastic surgeons are beginning to see more patients who want to remove loose skin. Practices like ours that already have extensive experience with plastic surgery after weight loss, whether through traditional methods or bariatric surgery, are sought out for these specialized body contouring procedures.
The Rise In Plastic Surgery to Remove Loose Skin
As more and more people achieve massive weight loss with the help of Ozempic and other semaglutide medications, interest in arm lifts, thigh lifts, tummy tucks and even facelifts has increased.
Any time the skin becomes significantly stretched, such as with significant weight gain, there is a chance that it will not “snap” back into place with weight loss. This is particularly true when rapid weight loss occurs. Which is exactly what many people who have tried Ozempic are now experiencing: loose skin that doesn’t shrink on its own now that the extra weight is gone.
When Is Plastic Surgery Right After Weight Loss?
One of the most important factors to consider when planning post-weight loss plastic surgery is how long you have been able to maintain significant weight loss. Many people taking Ozempic for weight loss report weight gain once they discontinue the medication, which would negatively affect plastic surgery results. Therefore, you want to make sure you are able to maintain weight loss for an extended period of time before moving forward with plastic surgery to address loose skin.
Our plastic surgeons focus on each patient’s long-term goals when developing surgical plans. If you’ve made a commitment to lifestyle changes and feel confident that your heavier self is gone for good, plastic surgery can be an excellent option to remove skin that causes chafing and discomfort and reminds you of your old self.
No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, it’s never too soon to consult with one of our plastic surgeons to discuss a timeline for post-weight loss plastic surgery and to help you achieve all the right milestones. Call our Sacramento area office at 916-983-9895 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
