The ‘Ozempic Effect’: Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss (Updated 2025)

Losing significant weight is a life-changing achievement. That’s true whether you accomplish your goals through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or, more recently, with groundbreaking weight-loss medications. For many people, however, it’s only part of the journey. Once the weight is gone, excess skin and stubborn fat deposits can remain, hiding the body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

Our practice in Marina del Rey is seeing a sharp increase in plastic surgery after weight loss patients from Los Angeles and elsewhere who want body contouring surgery to create a more natural, proportional shape.

The Rise of Weight Loss Medications

The new generation of GLP-1 weight loss medications has gained enormous popularity over the past few years. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce appetite and help regulate blood sugar, making them highly effective tools for people looking to shed excess pounds.

Many patients who come to us for body contouring have used these medications to achieve meaningful, sustainable weight loss. Once they reach a stable goal weight—ideally maintained for several months—they’re ready to explore cosmetic surgery options to address the physical effects of that weight loss, particularly loose, sagging skin.

Why Surgery May Be Necessary After Weight Loss

While weight loss improves overall health, it doesn’t always result in the smooth, firm body shape people envision. That’s because skin stretched by weight gain often loses elasticity and doesn’t snap back on its own, especially after significant weight loss.

Even with good muscle tone and a healthy lifestyle, loose skin can remain on the abdomen, thighs, arms, breasts, and face. Cosmetic surgery is the only effective solution for removing and tightening that excess tissue, restoring a natural-looking contour, and helping patients thoroughly enjoy their transformation.

 The Bikini Body Lift

One of the most effective procedures for removing excess skin—either due to significant weight loss or aging—is a technique I developed called the Bikini Body Lift. This 360° lifting procedure is a unique and innovative variation of the circumferential body lift that combines a tummy tuck, a lateral thigh lift, a buttocks lift, and pubic lift to tighten and contour the entire lower body.

The procedure includes: 

• Precise 360° incisions around the waistline (designed to be concealed underneath underwear or a bikini) 
• Removal of excess skin from the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, and mons pubis 
• Elevation of tissue to restore buttocks volume and shape 
• Tightening and closure in a way that smooths and firms the thighs and buttocks 

Popular Body Contouring Procedures After Weight Loss

Besides the procedures mentioned above, such as tummy tuck surgery and lateral thigh lifts, patients considering plastic surgery after weight loss often choose to combine other procedures to address multiple areas at once. Common options include:

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

Removes sagging skin from the upper arms, often referred to as “bat wings.”

Thigh Lift

Tightens and reshapes the inner or outer thighs after weight loss.

Breast Lift or Augmentation

Restores volume and position to breasts that may have changed after weight loss.

Facelift or Neck Lift

Tightens facial skin that may appear loose or aged after significant weight loss.

Every patient’s journey is unique. After consulting with you and performing a thorough physical exam, I create a surgical plan that’s tailored to your body, your goals, and your health status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Surgery After Weight Loss

How long should I wait after losing weight to have surgery?
You should be at or near your goal weight for at least 6 months and maintain that weight consistently. This helps ensure the best, longest-lasting results.

Will there be visible scars?
I meticulously place incisions to minimize the visibility of scars. During a Bikini Body Lift, I make incisions that even the smallest bikini bottoms will conceal. Over time, scars in other areas fade until they’re barely noticeable.

Do I need to stop taking weight-loss medications before surgery?
In most cases, yes. GLP-1 medications can slow stomach emptying and affect anesthesia, so you’ll likely be advised to pause your medication several days to a week before surgery. Dr. Stoker will work closely with you and your prescribing physician to ensure a safe plan.

Am I too old for body contouring surgery?
Age is less important than overall health. Many patients in their 50s and 60s undergo successful post-weight-loss surgery. If you’re in good health and cleared by your primary doctor, you may be a great candidate.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Stoker for Body Contouring Surgery

Dr. David Stoker is a board-certified plastic surgeon known internationally as an expert in body contouring surgery. Patients from Beverly Hills to Santa Monica trust him for his meticulous techniques, personalized care, and track record of beautiful, natural-looking results. He’s also published research on safe, effective body contouring procedures and frequently contributes to conversations about combining surgeries and managing complex post-weight-loss cases.

Your Next Step

Losing weight is a powerful accomplishment. Finishing your transformation with cosmetic surgery can help you feel fully at home in your body—confident, comfortable, and aligned with the healthy life you’ve created.

If you’ve reached your goal weight and are ready to explore body contouring surgery, we invite you to request a consultation with Dr. Stoker using the online form or call our office at (310) 300-1779.