From the Corner Office, April 2026
Recently, I have been seeing an increasing number of new and existing patients who have lost a significant amount of weight with the help of GLP-1 medications. These patients are now dealing with the unintended consequences of acute weight-loss. While they are loving their new, lighter, more comfortable bodies, they are unhappy with how their faces look drawn, gaunt, tired, older, and unhealthy. I first wrote about the aesthetic impact of GLP-1 medications in 2024. At that time approximately 6% of American adults were using the revolutionary drugs to manage their diabetes and/or help them lose weight. In just the past two years, that number has doubled with about 12% of American adults reporting the use of these medications. For women aged 50-64, it is estimated that 20% are currently using these medications!
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1, aka Semaglutide) promotes insulin secretion and regulates replenishment of insulin stores in pancreatic beta cells, which lowers circulating blood sugar. It promotes a feeling of satiety by binding to cells in the brain stem and hypothalamus, and slows gastric emptying which promotes a feeling of fullness while eating. Because these medications slow gastric emptying, it is now recommended that patients stop taking them two weeks before any surgery requiring general anesthesia to minimize the risk of aspiration. They can then be resumed after surgery.
Two well-advertised GLP-1 medications include Ozempic, which was developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes and Wagovey, which is the same medication marketed as a novel and effective weight-loss medication. These two medications are delivered via a once-per-week, self-administered injection.
A newer medication, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), is the first diabetes medication to target both hormones that regulate blood sugar levels: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This medication has been shown to be even more effective than GLP-1 alone in improving type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. Zepbound is the brand name of the same medication targeted towards weight-loss. Both of these are also injected weekly.
Lastly, newer oral versions of these medications are coming to market such as Rybelsus, which is a once-per-day oral GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been shown to be equally effective to the injectable semaglutides.
Needless to say, the race is on to develop ever more effective and easier to administer medications in this category with the understanding that they need to be taken for one’s lifetime or risk worsening type 2 diabetes and/or putting back the weight that was lost.
To combat the often dramatic and acute weight loss-induced facial de-volumization that accompanies the use of GLP-1 +/- GIP medications, injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers seem tailor-made. These effectively replace the lost facial volume that occurs due to dramatic fat loss, allow for precise, millimeter artistic control, often last for years when injected deeply on bone, and are unaffected by weight gain or loss. For those who follow our practice, you are well aware of the Injecta-Lift technique I developed to three-dimensionally replenish lost facial volume and restructure the face, making it appear more balanced, youthful and beautiful. The only difference in patients with significant, acute facial volume loss is the increased amount of filler needed to address the problem. In response to some recent concerns patients have brought to me, I want to stress that when HA fillers are placed deeply, they last for years and do not move or migrate.
To correct sagging neck skin, the treatment options range from minimally invasive Profound RF to surgical procedures, including a direct neck lift or a deep plane lower face and neck lift, depending on the degree of sagging, the patient’s age, skin type, aesthetic goals and many other mitigating factors.
If you are taking one of these medications, it is important for me to stress that you need to eat a healthy, protein-rich diet and practice weight-bearing strength training or else risk significant loss of muscle mass in addition to fat. Eat healthy, get fit, and thanks to medical science and the techniques at my disposal, look great!
On another note, as a very proud Dad I want to announce that my youngest son Benjamin is now the second doctor in the family! Last week he successfully defended his Ph.D. dissertation, “First-Order PINNs and the Least Squares Finite Element Method” at Emory earning his doctorate in applied mathematics! Ben is not only a brilliant and kind young man, but he is respected and beloved as well. While most Ph.D. defenses at Emory are attended by 10-15 professors, classmates and family, Ben had about 70 people in attendance with standing room only. Way to go Ben!!
Thank you for trusting us to keep you looking naturally more beautiful!
Seth A. Yellin, MD, FACS
Founder & Director, Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery, Laser & Aesthetics Center
A Proactive Approach to Aging Gracefully
Aging is a natural process, but many of the visible signs, such as fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven tone, and dullness, begin earlier than most people realize. Starting in our mid-20s, our bodies begin to produce less collagen and elastin, the essential building blocks that keep skin smooth, firm, and resilient. Over time, environmental factors like sun exposure, stress, and pollution accelerate this breakdown, leading to premature aging if the skin isn’t properly supported.
Collagen loss happens gradually but consistently, about 1% per year starting in your mid-20s, which means prevention is just as important as correction. Aesthetic treatments help stimulate collagen production, improve cellular turnover, and maintain skin health before damage becomes deeply visible. When done regularly, these treatments help slow the aging process and preserve youthful skin, rather than chasing changes once they’ve already occurred.
What you put into your body matters just as much as what you put on your skin. Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and alcohol can contribute to inflammation and collagen breakdown, while hydration, antioxidants, lean proteins, and healthy fats help support skin repair and glow from within. Skin is a reflection of overall wellness, and nourishment plays a powerful role in how it ages.
Consistency is the key to real results. In-spa treatments paired with proper at-home skincare create the strongest foundation for long-term skin health. Occasional treatments alone are like going to the gym once a month and expecting results—it simply doesn’t work. That’s why we offer complimentary consultations, where we take the time to understand your concerns and create a personalized skincare journey tailored to you. We would love to welcome you into our spa and help you maintain healthy, radiant skin at every stage of life.
Sarah McPherson, Medical Aesthetician & Licensed Laser Practitioner
