Research
Hormonal
GLP-1 receptor agonists delay gastric emptying, increasing the risk of aspiration during anesthesia, necessitating specific preoperative discontinuation guidelines.
If you take Ozempic and have surgery, tell your surgeon. You likely need to stop the drug 1-7 days before surgery to prevent vomiting during anesthesia. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Discontinuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists should be considered prior to general anesthesia due to delayed gastric emptying while on these medications.
Why this rating
Supported by ASA guidelines and anecdotal evidence of increased vomiting.
Source
Implications of Ozempic and Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Facial Plastic Surgeons
Clinton D. Humphrey et al. · Facial Plastic Surgery · 2023
DOI 10.1055/a-2148-6321
narrative_reviewCited 57×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Rapid weight loss induced by GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., semaglutide) causes significant facial volume depletion and skin laxity, resulting in an aged appearance termed 'Ozempic face'.Moderate
- Facial volume loss from GLP-1 agonists can be effectively treated with dermal fillers, skin tightening techniques, and surgical interventions.Moderate
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