As populations of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) users consult medspas, spas and salons about addressing some of the side effects, including sagging skin and hair loss, it's important for these beauty and wellness pros to conduct their own research. While developed for dermatologists, a new collection of research articles sheds insights for any professional who is guiding a client through these issues.

Dermatologic Surgery, the official scientific journal of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), has published the special issue, “Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 and the Future of Aesthetic Outcomes.” This collection of articles offers early insights and discusses how to start thinking about a patient population that is actively redefining dermatologists’ approach to care, both procedurally and conceptually.

“For many of us, what started as an occasional discussion has become part of the daily clinical backdrop,” wrote the guest editors, including ASDS President Kavita Mariwalla, MD. “But the story is clearly bigger than weight loss. What we are seeing in practice suggests these medications behave less like a simple metabolic tool and more like a biologic modifier, with real effects on skin, soft tissue and healing. Those effects are now showing up in ways that directly impact dermatologic surgery.”

Several articles focus on how dermatologists have been adapting their practice in real time with treatments including regenerative approaches, collagen-stimulating therapies and topical adjuncts. This issue tackles the question of what GLP-1 medications are doing to the skin itself and their implications, such as perioperative risk, care coordination in Mohs surgery and broader systemic effects requiring a more integrated approach, especially with its use impacting issues like hair loss, lipedema, male aesthetics and oral-facial balance.

“There isn’t a single clean takeaway from this collection — and that’s probably appropriate for where we are right now. In many ways, this issue captures a moment where observation is moving faster than evidence, and where clinical judgment still carries a lot of weight,” they wrote.

Some of the articles in the special issue include:

• The Potential Role of Topical Skincare Approaches After Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Rapid Weight Loss — Sachin M. Shridharani, MD, FACS, Arianne Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, Erin Saltzman, MD, Lucy Carver, PhD, Elizabeth T. Makino, BS, CCRA, MBA, Tsing Cheng, PhD, Prithwiraj Maitra, PhD
• Aesthetic Concerns and Nonsurgical Treatment Trends In Patients with GLP-1 Agonist-Associated Weight Loss — Sabrina Fabi, MD, Jane Yoo, MD, Joely Kaufman-Janette, MD, Steve Dayan, MD, Charles Boyd, MD, Sara Sangha, PhD, Nazanin Ashourian, PhD
• GLPs Significantly Decrease the Risk of Post-Operative Surgical Complications: A TriNetX Retrospective Cohort Study — Marie Vu, MD, Madelyn Schmidt, BS, Smiti Gandhi, BS, Richard F. Wagner, MD
• The Potential for Delay in Coordinated Care of Complex Patients Receiving Mohs Micrographic Surgery Due to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists — Raymond J. Lin, BA, Yong-hun Kim, MD, Nahid Y. Vidal, MD
• The Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Hair Loss: Clinical Evidence and Proposed Mechanisms — Nikkia Zarabian BS, Mina Farah BA, Amanda Stines BS, Adam Friedman, MD

The authors graciously acknowledge Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Company, Galderma and Kenvue for supporting this supplemental issue.

About the Journal
Dermatologic Surgery, published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer, is the official publication for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS), International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) and the Dermatologic & Aesthetic Surgery International League (DASIL). Founded in 1975, this respected monthly journal is exclusively devoted to dermatologic surgery, publishing the most clinically comprehensive and up-to-date information in its field. Dermatologic Surgery provides today’s most expansive and in-depth coverage of cosmetic and reconstructive skin surgery and skin cancer through peer-reviewed original articles, extensive illustrations, case reports, ongoing features, literature reviews and correspondence.

About the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons who have the unique training and experience required to treat the health, function and beauty of patients’ skin, hair and nails. ASDS members are pioneers in the field, often involved in clinical studies that substantiate popular procedures to revitalize and repair skin, enhance skin care devices and improve standard techniques. Dermatologic surgeons are also experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to spreading sun safety awareness to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease. For more information, visit asds.net.