When Can I Resume Semaglutide After Surgery?

If you are planning to get plastic surgery but are not yet at your ideal weight, semaglutide injections offer a safe, effective solution to slim down. However, it’s important to understand how this medically managed weight loss treatment can affect your surgical journey. From “Do I need to stop semaglutide before surgery” to “When can I resume semaglutide after surgery?” this blog post covers the timing considerations you should know.

Before Surgery Considerations

Semaglutide can help you shed excess pounds and get you within a healthy BMI for surgery (calculate your Body Mass Index here). Maintaining a stable weight is key for best results, so be aware that you may not be able to get your procedure the moment you hit your target number on the scale.

Do I Need To Stop Semaglutide Before Surgery?

Before undergoing surgery, your surgeon and medical team will likely recommend stopping semaglutide. This is because semaglutide slows gastric emptying, which can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the lungs) during anesthesia.

How Long To Stop Semaglutide Before Surgery

Most surgeons advise stopping semaglutide at least 7 to 10 days before your procedure. However, the exact timing may vary depending on your overall health and the complexity of your operation. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine when to stop semaglutide before surgery.

Post-Surgery Considerations

Restarting Semaglutide After Surgery

Resuming semaglutide after surgery requires careful timing. Your body needs time to recover from the procedure and adjust to the healing process without the potential complications associated with semaglutide’s effects on the gastrointestinal system.

How Soon Can I Start Semaglutide After Surgery?

Typically, patients can restart semaglutide 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, once they’ve resumed a normal diet and their surgeon confirms it is safe. It’s essential to wait until your digestive system is fully functioning and you’re no longer at risk for nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.

Special Considerations for Body Contouring Patients

If you’re planning body contouring surgeries like a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a mommy makeover, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:

• Future Skin Sagging: Rapid weight loss from semaglutide can result in loose or sagging skin. This is especially relevant for patients seeking body contouring, as excess skin may require surgical correction to achieve smooth, contoured results.
• Weight Stability: Achieving a stable weight before surgery is critical for long-lasting results. If you are actively losing weight on semaglutide, consider pausing weight loss efforts until after your procedure to avoid additional changes that could affect your results.
• Recovery Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for healing. Semaglutide can suppress your appetite, so you’ll need to ensure that you’re consuming enough protein and calories to support recovery after surgery.

Every patient’s health journey is unique, which is why my practice prioritizes clear communication and personalized care. If you are taking semaglutide or any other weight-loss medication, share this information during your consultation so that we can create a tailored surgical plan for you.

Put the Finishing Touches on Your Weight Loss Journey

Planning a plastic surgery procedure while using semaglutide requires careful preparation. If you would like to discuss your surgical journey in-depth, including the use of weight loss injections before and after your procedure, please request a consultation or call us at (713) 571-0600 to get started.