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.