Aesthetic Use of Poly-L-Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers in Medication-Driven Weight Loss Due to GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Real-World Case Series from Latin America.

BACKGROUND

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly prescribed for diabetes and obesity management. The medication-driven weight loss (mdWL) induced by GLP-1RAs may lead to facial hollowing, laxity, and wrinkle accentuation. Minimally invasive strategies are needed to restore facial harmony in this population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) and hyaluronic acid fillers for facial rejuvenation in women undergoing GLP-1RA-induced mdWL.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This retrospective, multicenter, real-world case series included 15 women (aged 30-50 years) from four Latin American countries who used GLP-1RAs for mdWL and were treated with PLLA-SCA and hyaluronic acid filler injections. Outcomes were assessed through clinical photos at baseline and around 85-100 days (D90) using the Facial Laxity Rating Scale (FLRS), Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS; participant and investigator assessments), and a satisfaction questionnaire. Safety events were recorded.

RESULTS

Participants achieved 17.9% weight reduction from baseline. At D90, FLRS scores decreased from 4.5 (SD 2.2) to 2.6 (SD 1.8; p<0.001), and WSRS scores from 3.1 (SD 1.5) to 1.9 (SD 1.0; p=0.003). Eight patients (53%) reduced FLRS by ≥2 points, and 11 of 13 patients (85%) with baseline WSRS >1 showed improvement. All participants reported aesthetic improvement (pGAIS), with 40% rating "exceptional improvement". Investigator GAIS confirmed improvement in 100% of cases. At D90, 87% were satisfied or very satisfied. No serious adverse events occurred; transient ecchymoses and edema resolved spontaneously within 72 hours.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of PLLA-SCA and hyaluronic acid fillers is an effective strategy to correct facial skin laxity, volume loss, and smooth nasolabial fold and wrinkles following GLP-1RA-induced mdWL with a satisfactory safety profile. These findings suggest that a combined injectable approach may be beneficial to address the aesthetic impact of mdWL in real-world clinical practice among Latin Americans.