I'm a leading plastic surgeon - This is what you need to know about excess skin after using weight loss medications
An increase in surgery for excess skin-removal surgery is a direct result of the rise in GLP-1 weight loss medications, writes Dr Dan Marsh
As many as 1.6 million adults in England, Wales and Scotland used GLP-1 medication such as Wegovy and Mounjaro to help them lose weight between early 2024 and early 2025, according to recent research. This is approximately 2.9% of the adult population and as such means that more people than ever are losing significant amounts of weight relatively quickly.
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When large amounts of weight are lost, especially within a short space of time, stretched skin is left behind.
How successfully the skin springs back to its original shape after weight loss depends on a number of factors, including age, the amount of weight that has been lost, and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, diet and the general health of the person.
For many people who have lost three stone and upwards, no amount of gym workouts will offer a permanent solution to the excess skin that has been left behind on areas such as the abdomen, bottom, arms and legs.
Like a balloon that has been blown up and deflated, the skin has stretched beyond its natural capacity and the collagen and elastin fibres that are the primary components for skin’s elasticity and strength are damaged, leading to sagging.
Whilst the health benefits of weight loss are usually significant, the impact of the loose skin that is left behind should not be underestimated. It can cause physical discomfort in the form of chafing, rashes and infections, as well as inhibiting movement and exercise, and more significantly emotional distress and negative impact on self-confidence.
There are countless topical products and in-clinic treatments on the market that promise to remedy this, however the truth is that surgical intervention is the only permanent and long-term solution.
Currently the NHS does not typically offer this type of surgery as it’s considered a cosmetic procedure, which is why more people are turning to private clinics for help. The Plastic Surgery Group has seen a year-on-year increase of 94% for body lift surgery, predominantly from people for whom GLP-1 medication has played a part.
A body lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat, while tightening underlying tissues to improve body contour. This will be tailored for the individual’s specific needs, but it can take the form of a lower body lift, or 360 degree circumferential abdominoplasty, with the option to carry out arm, thigh or facelift separately.
It’s not uncommon for patients to have upwards of 4kg of skin removed during these types of surgeries, with some having up to 6kg removed in total.
Weight loss medications can leave loose skin to the upper eyelids too, and The Plastic Surgery Group is seeing increasing numbers of patients requesting removal of this skin by blepharoplasty surgery. In fact this is one of our most common surgeries as it has minimal downtime and immediate rejuvenating effects with very well hidden scars.
Ahead of body lift surgery patients are encouraged to take proactive steps in order to support the health of their skin, including eating a healthy diet and supplementing it if necessary, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake. This not only helps with the body’s natural collagen and elastin production, but means that the healing process is likely to be more effective.
Effective aftercare is essential for patient safety and the efficacy of results, and for this reason it’s vital to ensure your surgeon is fully qualified and experienced in this area, and also that they’re in the same country as you so that you can return easily if needed.
The development of GLP-1 medication in oral tablet form means that the number of people using it for weight loss will continue to rise. And with it the issue of excess skin remains one of the most pertinent health issues of the modern day. Education, awareness and safety are vital.
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Dr Dan Marsh is a leading plastic surgeon and co-founder of The Plastic Surgery Group
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