Study Identifies Key Trends in GLP-1–Related Plastic Surgery Research
Key Takeaways
- A bibliometric analysis of the 50 most-cited publications examining glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in plastic surgery found that nearly all influential papers were published between 2023 and 2025, underscoring the rapid emergence of the field.
- Research has coalesced around three primary themes: aesthetic facial aging, perioperative safety and management, and body contouring after pharmacologically induced weight loss.
- Authors concluded that the literature remains largely descriptive and called for prospective, outcomes-based studies to guide evidence-based surgical decision-making.
The rapid adoption of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for medical weight management has fueled a surge of interest in their implications for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, according to a new bibliometric analysis published online ahead of print in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Bibliometric Analysis Highlights Rapid Growth of GLP-1 Research in Plastic Surgery
Investigators analyzed the 50 most-cited publications examining the intersection of GLP-1 RA therapy and plastic, aesthetic, or reconstructive surgery using the Web of Science Core Collection. The analysis evaluated publication trends, citation performance, contributing authors and institutions, geographic distribution, journals, and thematic research patterns.
Nearly all of the highly cited studies were published between 2023 and 2025, reflecting the rapid emergence of this area of investigation. The United States accounted for the majority of influential publications, although the authors found no dominant research centers or investigative groups driving the field.
Keyword network and thematic analyses identified three major research domains. These included aesthetic facial aging and soft-tissue changes associated with GLP-1 RA-induced weight loss, perioperative management and safety considerations, and body contouring following pharmacologically induced weight reduction. The analysis also demonstrated an evolving shift in the literature from metabolic and bariatric surgery topics toward aesthetic outcomes and procedural decision-making.
The authors noted that despite rapid publication growth, the literature remains relatively immature. Much of the available evidence consists of descriptive reports and expert opinion rather than prospective clinical investigations evaluating surgical outcomes or patient-reported measures.
"The literature on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in plastic surgery is rapidly expanding but remains conceptually immature and largely descriptive," the authors wrote. "This bibliometric analysis highlights current research priorities, influential contributions, and critical gaps, underscoring the need for prospective, outcome-driven studies to inform evidence-based surgical practice."
Source
Alfayez H, et al. Mapping the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery: a bibliometric analysis of the 50 most cited studies. Aesthetic Plast Surg. Published online July 20, 2026. doi:10.1007/s00266-026-06155-w.