8 February 2026

Transforming Skin Health: The Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Revolutionizing Dermatology: The Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

The session at the 2026 South Beach Symposium, led by Dr. Michael Gold and Dr. Karan Lal, highlighted a crucial evolution that many healthcare providers are currently experiencing: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are becoming integral to our medical practices.

These medications are no longer sidelined; they are at the forefront of treatment strategies. Whether it involves prescribing them, managing their effects, or advising patients who are already on them, these agents are transforming the landscape of both medical and aesthetic dermatology.

Beyond Weight Loss: A Broader Application

Initially developed to address type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists—most notably semaglutide and tirzepatide—have rapidly branched out into the realm of obesity management. Their influence is now penetrating into areas such as inflammatory skin diseases, aesthetic enhancements, and body contouring.

Dr. Gold shared compelling personal insights, emphasizing how these medications can be “game-changing” for patients. Improvements in metabolic control, increased energy levels, and enhanced quality of life are significant enough to merit serious consideration from clinicians.

The dermatological implications of these medications are becoming increasingly significant. Both Dr. Gold and Dr. Lal pointed out the mounting evidence suggesting that GLP-1 agents may facilitate quicker improvements in inflammatory conditions, including psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), particularly in patients grappling with obesity.

Preliminary data indicate that a reduction in systemic inflammation may enhance the effectiveness of traditional biologic therapies. Although this approach is not yet considered standard practice, it hints at a future where metabolic modulation could act as a supplementary strategy in treating inflammatory dermatoses.

Aesthetic Tradeoffs: Understanding Changes

The aesthetic consequences of GLP-1 therapy—often colloquially described as “Ozempic face”—are clinically understood as facial lipoatrophy and the redistribution of soft tissue. Rapid weight loss can expose volume deficiencies in areas such as the temples, cheeks, periorbital region, jawline, and neck.

These alterations may resemble patterns previously associated with HIV-related lipoatrophy, a comparison that resonated deeply with many attendees. Importantly, both Dr. Gold and Dr. Lal warned against prematurely assuming that patients will experience distress over these changes.

Dr. Gold emphasized a vital lesson for clinicians: it is common to project one’s own aesthetic preferences onto patients. Some individuals may actually appreciate a leaner, more angular appearance and may not be distressed by changes that a clinician might instinctively wish to “correct.” The essential takeaway is to engage patients in conversation about their concerns before suggesting any interventions.

Muscle loss emerged as another important theme during the discussion. The weight reduction associated with GLP-1 therapy does not solely target fat; it also affects lean muscle mass, particularly in the absence of appropriate nutritional guidance and resistance training.

This muscle loss can have downstream effects on both functional abilities and appearance, particularly in the arms, abdomen, and gluteal regions.

Management Strategies: Timing is Key

When it comes to aesthetic interventions, timing is a critical factor. Early intervention—prior to the onset of significant skin laxity or excess—affords non-surgical options a greater chance of success. Once patients develop considerable pannus or extreme skin laxity, the effectiveness of energy-based devices and injectables diminishes, often necessitating surgical referral.

For cases of facial lipoatrophy, hyaluronic acid fillers offer immediate volume restoration, while biostimulatory agents like poly-L-lactic acid provide longer-lasting collagen stimulation. Data from a multicenter prospective study suggest that a combination approach, utilizing the immediacy of hyaluronic acid alongside the durability of biostimulators, may yield optimal outcomes.

While published data continue to emerge, this aligns with real-world clinical experiences. Body contouring technologies, such as ultrasound-based skin tightening and muscle-stimulating devices, were discussed as complementary tools rather than as replacements for weight loss.

These modalities appear to be most effective when used early and in conjunction—addressing skin laxity, residual adiposity, and muscle tone simultaneously. Notably, upper arm laxity was highlighted as a common and distressing concern among patients undergoing GLP-1 therapy.

Prescribing Realities and Safety Considerations

Dr. Lal shifted the focus to the nuances of prescribing these medications. Gastrointestinal side effects remain the predominant barrier to patient adherence. Adjusting dosing strategies, such as dividing weekly doses into smaller, more frequent administrations, may help alleviate issues like nausea and vomiting for some individuals.

Emphasizing the importance of nutritional counseling, Dr. Lal noted that it is essential—not optional—in preventing complications such as hair loss, sarcopenia, and heightened signs of skin aging. More serious, albeit rarer, concerns—such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and endocrine tumors—underscore the necessity for proper medical oversight when prescribing these medications.

Both speakers cautioned against dispensing these treatments casually without appropriate monitoring, especially in practices focused solely on aesthetics.

Looking Ahead: A New Paradigm in Dermatology

GLP-1 receptor agonists are no longer confined to the realm of endocrinology; they are now influencing the course of inflammatory diseases, reshaping aesthetic timelines, and prompting dermatologists to adopt a more holistic view of metabolism, nutrition, and body composition.

As the body of evidence continues to grow—particularly regarding the anti-inflammatory effects and combination strategies in aesthetic treatments—the dermatology community must remain engaged, informed, and focused on patient-centered care.

The session’s most consistent message was not about tools or injectables, but rather about perspective: these medications often enable patients to feel better than they have in decades. Our role as healthcare providers is not to reflexively “fix” every visible change but to collaborate with patients in their journey—both medically and aesthetically—through a transformative process that is as intricate as it is impactful.