Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Post-Operative Outcomes in Aesthetic & Body Contouring Surgery: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have rapidly expanded in use for weight loss, resulting in a growing population of patients presenting for aesthetic and body-contouring procedures. Despite their increasing prevalence, the effects of GLP-1 RAs on postoperative wound healing and surgical outcomes remain poorly defined. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from database inception through May 2026. Studies comparing postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing aesthetic and/or body-contouring surgery with and without GLP-1 RA exposure were included. Primary outcomes included infection, wound dehiscence, delayed wound healing, hypertrophic scarring, seroma, hematoma, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Twelve studies comprising 29,357 patients met inclusion criteria, with 10 studies included in quantitative synthesis. In pooled observational analyses, GLP-1 RA exposure was associated with increased risk of delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring. Subgroup analysis comparing GLP-1 RA users with patients who had previously undergone bariatric surgery demonstrated decreased seroma rates in the GLP-1 RA group. CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1 RA use in patients undergoing aesthetic and body-contouring surgery was associated in pooled observational analyses with increased risks of delayed wound healing and hypertrophic scarring, while GLP-1 RA use was associated with lower seroma rates in comparison with patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. As GLP-1 RA use become increasingly prevalent, further prospective studies are needed to clarify their perioperative effects and optimize patient selection and surgical outcomes.