Consensus Statements on Managing Aesthetic Needs in Prescription Medication‐Driven Weight Loss Patients: An International, Multidisciplinary Delphi Study

BACKGROUND: To handle the increasing influx of prescription medication-driven weight loss (mdWL) patients in aesthetic practices, clinicians must be aligned on identifying discerning factors and strategies for managing this unique patient population. OBJECTIVES: (1) Define the mdWL patient; (2) describe the mdWL patient's aesthetic expectations; (3) determine the most relevant methods of assessing mdWL patients in clinical practice; (4) determine the effects of mdWL on specific facial tissue layers; (5) identify important treatment considerations for the mdWL patient; and (6) identify the temporal sequencing of non-surgical options in the mdWL patient. METHODS: Preparatory research included patient interviews, market research, and a systematic literature review. Following this, an international, multidisciplinary three-round Delphi study was conducted to collect information on practice setting, physician and patient demographics, and previous experience, and for panelists to vote on consensus statements regarding managing mdWL patients in aesthetics. RESULTS: mdWL is best defined by the percent of BMI lost within ≤ 6 months. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis is an effective quantitative assessment, while photo-numeric scales and patient-reported outcome measures are relevant qualitative measures. Tissue layers most affected by mdWL include the skin and superficial and deep fat pads. A major concern for aesthetic mdWL patients seeking aesthetic treatments is the fear of appearing to have gained weight following treatments, while for physicians it is ensuring their mdWL patients look healthy and natural. The key selection and critical timing of aesthetic treatments throughout the mdWL journey are described. CONCLUSIONS: The first global consensus-based guidelines for understanding and managing the aesthetic needs of mdWL patients are presented.