At the ASDS 2025 meeting in Chicago, NewBeauty gathered three dermatologists who are seeing the GLP-1 aesthetic shift play out in real time: New York City dermatologist Rishi Chopra, MD, Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD and Grosse Pointe, MI dermatologist David Balle, MD. As more patients use these medications for a variety of reason, including weight management and longevity, dermatologists across the country are treating the same pattern: rapid weight loss revealing rapid aging.
Featured Experts
- Rishi Chopra, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Carolyn Jacob, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
- David Balle, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Gross Pointe, MI
Why GLP-1 Weight Loss Changes the Face So Quickly
Dr. Jacob says patients often come in confused about why their faces no longer match their bodies. “Your fat in your face was kind of fluffing up your face. So, it’s like a balloon losing its air when you lose the fat. But you’re also losing bone and muscle as you age. You also lose the dermal white adipose tissue. The skin’s getting thinner if you’re losing weight, and those major fat pads are starting to go away.”
It’s not just facial fat. Nutrient intake often drops, too. “Your skin is still aging, and you’re also losing nutrients by not eating enough. That is not good for your skin’s overall health. So the skin itself starts to break down faster.”
Dr. Chopra is also seeing pronounced changes. “I’m very surprised at the level of laxity and significant volume loss and sagging that we’re seeing in GLP patients because they’re losing weight very quickly.”
Why Dermatologists Want Patients to Start Early
All three experts emphasized the same point: the biggest mistake is waiting until the weight loss is complete. Dr. Jacob says treatment needs to happen “along the way, not at the end.”
Dr. Chopra believes early support can change the entire trajectory. “If you do fill that area with a Sculptra or hyaluronic acid filler, the skin now feels that there’s something there, and it doesn’t look as depleted. It will undergo the shrinking at the timeline that you want it to, rather than excessive shrinking initially.”
What’s Working Best in Dermatology Offices Right Now
Across practices nationwide, dermatologists agree that the most effective approach for GLP-1 patients blends volume restoration, skin tightening, collagen stimulation and improved muscle tone. Biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse continue to play a pivotal role. “We’re all losing collagen anyway. Women lose it faster than men, and this speeds that process along,” says Dr. Balle.
Dr. Jacob also sees a clear advantage in the thoughtful, precise use of hyaluronic acids. “I’m not filling a hole. I’m precisely putting hyaluronic acid into areas of volume depletion. If you’re doing it along the way, you’re going to cause some stimulation of new collagen production.”
Tightening technologies remain equally important in managing laxity. “I’m using Thermage, Sofwave, Ulthera and a new device called AVAVA Miria. It not just tightens but almost volumizes,” says Dr. Chopra.
Dr. Jacob adds that pairing injectables with energy-based devices strengthens outcomes over time. She often turns to Sofwave for a lifting effect, explaining: “You’re going to cause some stimulation of new collagen production from using hyaluronic acid and from using products like Sculptra or Radiesse.” She also incorporates EmFace for muscle stimulation and notes that early treatment often benefits the jawline and under-chin area the most.
A New Type of Patient and a New Kind of Conversation
Many GLP-1 users have never had aesthetic treatments, so education is an essential part of the first visit. “I don’t think they’re ready to hear it yet, but unfortunately, a lot of them think they need surgery,” says Dr. Chopra. “We have to redirect that conversation. There are noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments that could help them along the way.”
Dr. Balle agrees that dermatologists should initiate the discussion. “These people want to talk about it, but it’s better if we start the conversation because they feel uncomfortable. We can help with great education on the skin, peptides, antioxidants, retinoids and tightening.”
What Doctors Expect to See in 2026
As GLP-1 use evolves, dermatologists anticipate greater emphasis on treatments that leverage the body to stimulate change, metabolic-skin crossover care and a continued surge in hair loss cases. “Everything’s moving toward regenerative medicine. Most of the skincare that we do is preventative or regenerative,” says Dr. Jacob.
Dr. Balle notes that GLP-1-related shedding is already reaching new levels. “This is a second wave. We have great treatments available, including exosomes, prescription medication and topicals. We can really help with that part of their appearance.”
The bottom line: dermatologists now treat GLP-1 patients the way they treat aging itself, proactively, strategically and with an eye toward collagen, volume and overall skin health. The earlier the conversations start, the better the long-term outcomes look.
