If you are planning to get plastic surgery but are not yet at your ideal weight, GLP-1 injections offer a safe, effective solution to slim down. However, it’s important to understand how this medically managed weight loss treatment can affect your surgical journey. From “Do I need to stop weight loss injections before surgery” to “When can I resume GLP-1 weight loss injections after surgery?” this blog post covers the timing considerations you should know.
Before Surgery Considerations
GLP-1 weight loss injections can help you shed excess pounds and get you within a healthy BMI for surgery (calculate your Body Mass Index here). Maintaining a stable weight is key for best results, so be aware that you may not be able to get your procedure the moment you hit your target number on the scale.
Do I Need To Stop GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections Before Surgery?
Before undergoing surgery, your surgeon and medical team will likely recommend stopping GLP-1 injections. This is because GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, which can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs) during anesthesia.
How Long To Stop Weight Loss Shots Before Surgery
Most surgeons advise stopping weight loss shots at least 7 to 10 days before your procedure. However, the exact timing may vary depending on your overall health and the complexity of your operation. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine when to stop GLP-1 before surgery.
Post-Surgery Considerations
Restarting GLP-1 Treatments After Surgery
Resuming GLP-1 weight loss injections after surgery requires careful timing. Your body needs time to recover from the procedure and adjust to the healing process without the potential complications associated with GLP-1’s effects on the gastrointestinal system.
How Soon Can I Start GLP-1 After Surgery?
Typically, patients can restart GLP-1 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, once they’ve resumed a normal diet and their surgeon confirms it is safe. It’s essential to wait until your digestive system is fully functioning and you’re no longer at risk for nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.
Special Considerations for Body Contouring Patients
If you’re planning body contouring surgeries like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a mommy makeover, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:
- Future Skin Sagging: Rapid weight loss from GLP-1 can result in loose or sagging skin. This is especially relevant for patients seeking body contouring, as excess skin may require surgical correction to achieve smooth, contoured results.
- Weight Stability: Achieving a stable weight before surgery is critical for long-lasting results. If you are actively losing weight on GLP-1, consider pausing weight loss efforts until after your procedure to avoid additional changes that could affect your results.
- Recovery Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for healing. GLP-1 medications can suppress your appetite, so you’ll need to ensure that you’re consuming enough protein and calories to support recovery after surgery.
Every patient’s health journey is unique, which is why my practice prioritizes clear communication and personalized care. If you are taking GLP-1 or any other weight-loss medication, share this information during your consultation so that we can create a tailored surgical plan for you.
Put the Finishing Touches on Your Weight Loss Journey
Planning a plastic surgery procedure while using GLP-1 requires careful preparation. If you would like to discuss your surgical journey in-depth, including the use of weight loss injections before and after your procedure, please request a consultation or call us at (713) 571-0600 to get started.
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