Weight-loss wins don’t need to come with visible side effects. These expert-backed solutions help tighten and tone skin post-GLP-1.
Treating the Face
If you’re noticing faces that look a little more tired than triumphant after weight loss, there’s a reason. That precious fat that tends to go first isn’t just cheek padding, it’s structural. And when it disappears, jowling, hollowing and fine lines have more room to show up.
“The most common concerns GLP-1 patients have are volume loss, laxity and thinning skin,” says New York plastic surgeon Andrew Peredo, MD. “If it is mild laxity, we can use injectables like Sculptra, hyaluronic acid fillers or fat grafting, combined with skin tighteners like Morpheus8, Sofwave or the MIRIA laser to boost collagen and improve texture.”
Denver plastic surgeon Philippe A. Capraro, MD sees three big shifts in the face: “Skin quality declines, fat volume disappears and support structures loosen. We treat this with fat transfer or Renuva, a filler made from purified fat tissue, and a facelift to lift deeper layers.
But, you don’t have to wait until your skin is sagging to do something about it. “Support your skin with protein, supplements and targeted treatments,” says Dr. Capraro.
Texture is another issue that creeps up—think crepiness, dryness and thinning. Richmond, VA plastic surgeon Ruth Hillelson, MD says, “For this I combine a Tixel treatment with a growth factor serum for visible improvement.”
“For mild laxity, treatments like Morpheus8, Ultherapy or Sofwave can help with firmness in the lower face and neck,” says Duxbury, MA plastic surgeon Christine DiEdwardo, MD.
San Diego dermatologist Tess Mauricio, MD adds, “Patients who have treatments early and consistently in their weight-loss journeys rarely have significant sagging.”
If skin has more significant sagging, nonsurgical treatments may fall short. “I typically suggest a facelift and necklift with fat grafting,” says Dr. Peredo. “It’s not just about lifting; it’s about restoring what’s been lost.
Addressing Sagging Body Skin
Another area GLP-1 users often notice changes? The body. Even after treating facial volume loss and skin quality, spots like the arms, thighs and stomach can be left with loose or crepey skin. “Arm laxity and crepey skin are two of the most common complaints,” says Dr. Hillelson, who often uses Evolve, a noninvasive radio-frequency device, to treat early signs of laxity.
For added tightening, Dr. Mauricio takes a layered approach. “We combine tumescent liposculpture with Renuvion J-Plasma for internal tightening, and then follow with an energy-based treatment like radio-frequency microneedling or Sofwave.”
Not everyone is ready to jump into surgery. “The next best thing is a skin-tightening device like FaceTite or BodyTite, which tighten from the inside using radio frequency,” says Dr. Peredo.
When nonsurgical treatments can’t address excess skin, Dr. Capraro recommends procedures like breast lifts, tummy tucks or thigh lifts. “Skin- tightening devices produce short-term results,” adds La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD. “Once there is significant laxity, only surgery will produce a reasonable improvement.”
Plan Ahead
The key to keeping skin firm? “Think slow, steady weight loss,” says Dr. Peredo. “When skin has time to adapt, there’s less sagging.”
Dr. Capraro emphasizes that it’s not just about dropping pounds. “You’re not just losing fat; you’re also losing muscle and nutrients,” he explains. That’s why he recommends prioritizing protein, strength training and keeping an eye on inflammation, hemoglobin and vitamin levels.
“The medication may kick-start the transformation, but what comes next matters just as much,” says Austin, TX plastic surgeon Johnny Franco, MD, who has lost 90 pounds using GLP-1s. “This isn’t just a medication; it’s a second wave in aesthetics. While we’re seeing younger patients with mature issues, the early use of biostimulants and regenerative therapies makes a huge difference.”
Skin Support
Strengthen and tighten as you slim down.
