Aesthetic Sequelae of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Highlighted in Clinical Review

Dermatologists are increasingly encountering aesthetic complications associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA)–induced weight loss, according to a clinical review presented at the South Beach Symposium.

The poster, by Douglas Jaxon Vadner and Michael Gold, MD, described characteristic patterns including facial volume loss, increased skin laxity, dermal thinning, and contour changes following rapid adipose reduction. These changes were attributed to loss of subcutaneous fat, reduced dermal scaffolding, and potential nutritional and hormonal shifts during accelerated weight loss.

Risk factors identified included rapid or excessive weight loss, older age, baseline photodamage, and central fat distribution. The authors emphasized that these changes reflect secondary effects of weight loss rather than direct drug toxicity.

Management strategies outlined included early patient counseling, gradual weight reduction when possible, nutritional optimization, and tailored aesthetic interventions such as energy-based devices, biostimulatory injectables, and volume restoration.

Early recognition and proactive management, the authors noted, may help mitigate patient distress and optimize outcomes as GLP-1 RA use continues to expand.