BACKGROUND: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonizts are being increasingly prescribed for weight management. Although recent studies suggest variable surgical outcomes in patients using these medications, specific effects on breast surgery remain unclear.
OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative outcomes following breast implant explantation with mastopexy between patients using GLP-1 receptor agonizts and matched controls.
METHODS: This retrospective comparative case series included 30 patients using GLP-1 receptor agonizts who underwent breast implant explantation with mastopexy, matched 1:1 with 30 control patients based on age, body mass index, and smoking status. Primary outcomes included overall complication rates, wound healing complications, and postoperative infections. Secondary outcomes included weight loss, revision rates, and nutritional parameters.
RESULTS: GLP-1 patients demonstrated numerically higher overall complication rates compared to the controls (20% vs. 10%, p=0.47). Despite achieving greater weight loss (7.8 kg vs. 0.5 kg, p<0.001), GLP-1 patients experienced more wound healing complications (13.3% vs. 3.3%, p=0.35) and seroma formation (10% vs. 0%, p=0.24). GLP-1 patients had significantly lower serum albumin (4.06 ± 0.22 vs. 4.22 ± 0.17 g/dL, p=0.003) and prealbumin levels (23.52 ± 3.39 vs. 25.55 ± 3.10 mg/dL, p=0.02). No significant differences were observed in infection rates or revision requirements.
CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study indicates that patients using GLP-1 receptor agonizts showed directional trends toward higher complication rates despite achieving significant weight loss. The observed nutritional differences, including low albumin and prealbumin levels, may contribute to increased wound healing complications. These findings suggest potential tissue-specific effects that warrant further investigation and specialized perioperative management protocols for breast surgery patients.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Comparative Case Series.
