7. Impact of GLP-1 Agonist Weight Loss Drugs on Surgical Wound Complications Following Plastic Surgery Procedures

PURPOSE: GLP-1 agonists have gained FDA approval for managing type 2 diabetes. However, they have been increasingly utilized for their weight loss side effect profile. Although of low incidence rate, surgical site wound complications have been observed in patients using these medications. Given the paucity of literature on weight loss medications and its implications in plastic surgery, this study aims to evaluate the impact of weight loss medication on postoperative surgical site outcomes in patients undergoing common plastic and reconstructive procedures. METHODS: The TriNetX National Health Research database was queried to identify patients undergoing panniculectomy, abdominoplasty, and breast reduction. Patients with diabetes, cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, or metabolic diseases were excluded. Postoperative outcomes, specifically surgical wound infections, breakdown, or dehiscence within 30 days post-procedure were assessed based on patients’ GLP-1 agonist use status. RESULTS: The risk of surgical site complications in patients taking GLP-1 agonists compared to those not on these medications was significantly higher: 3.8% vs. 0.63% for panniculectomy, 5.56% vs. 0.15% for abdominoplasty, and 1.92% vs. 0.66% for breast reduction, respectively, all with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Patients using GLP-1 agonists experienced higher rates of surgical site complications across all evaluated procedures. This underscores the necessity of patient counseling regarding the implications of these weight loss medications prior to surgery, along with the potential need for a strategic perioperative management plan to enhance surgical outcomes.