Background: Utilization of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1ras) has increased dramatically in recent years. While GLP-1ras appear safe to use overall, it remains unclear if pre-operative GLP-1ra use impacts body contouring surgery outcomes.
Objectives: This study evaluated the post-operative course of patients receiving body contouring procedures by GLP-1ra use.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined patients who received panniculectomies, brachioplasties, thighplasties, and abdominoplasties at a large academic institution between November 2014 and November 2024. Propensity score matched analysis paired cohorts by age, smoking status, and body mass index and hemoglobin A1c at the time of surgery. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed.
Results: In total, 590 patients were included in this study. Of these, 100 patients utilized GLP-1ras before surgery. Propensity score matched analysis paired 72 GLP-1ra and 143 non-GLP-1ra patients. 30-day readmissions and emergency department visits in matched and unmatched cohorts were similar by GLP-1ra use (p > 0.05). Post-operative cellulitis occurred less frequently among GLP-1ra users in matched cohorts (p = 0.008); however, GLP-1ra use did not predict cellulitis on multivariable logistic regression. Duration of GLP-1ra use and timing of discontinuation prior to surgery did not predict the incidence of wound dehiscence, seromas, or hematomas. Patients using GLP-1ras for obesity had lower rates of wound dehiscence than patients using GLP-1ras for diabetes (p = 0.028).
Conclusions: Compared to non-GLP-1ra controls, GLP-1ra users have similar post-operative outcomes following body contouring surgery. Wound dehiscence is more prevalent among patients taking GLP-1ras for diabetes compared to weight loss, potentially due to worse glycemic control or associated comorbidities.