Consensus Statements on Managing Aesthetic Needs in Prescription Medication-Driven Weight Loss Patients: An International, Multidisciplinary Delphi Study.

Summary

Through a three-round international Delphi process grounded in interviews, market research, and a literature review, experts defined medication-driven weight loss (mdWL), identified affected facial tissue layers (skin; superficial/deep fat), and recommended 3D volumetric analysis plus PROMs for assessment. The consensus outlines sequencing and timing of non-surgical treatments and highlights patient/physician concerns to guide aesthetic care in the GLP-1 era.

Key Findings

• mdWL best defined by the percentage of BMI lost within ≤6 months.
• 3D volumetric analysis is recommended for quantitative assessment; photo-numeric scales and PROMs for qualitative assessment.
• mdWL primarily affects skin and both superficial and deep facial fat pads.
• Consensus details selection and timing of non-surgical treatments across the mdWL journey and addresses patient/physician concerns.

Clinical Implications

Adopt 3D volumetric analysis and PROMs for mdWL assessment; prioritize skin and fat pad changes; plan treatment sequencing to avoid an appearance of weight regain while maintaining natural, healthy outcomes.

Limitations

• Consensus-based guidance lacks randomized comparative evidence.
• Panel size and voting thresholds not specified in the abstract; external validity may vary by practice setting.

Future Directions

Prospective validation of proposed assessment tools and treatment sequencing, and head-to-head studies of aesthetic interventions stratified by mdWL trajectory and tissue changes.