As the popularity of GLP-1 agonist medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy continues to grow, plastic surgeons across the country are seeing a corresponding rise in patients seeking body contouring procedures to address excess skin following significant weight loss. At the forefront of this emerging trend is Dr. Millicent Rovelo, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with practices in Beverly Hills and Whittier, California, who has noted a marked increase in consultations for tummy tucks and related procedures.
Dr. Rovelo, who earned her undergraduate degree in Physiologic Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, brings a dual-certification in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Her extensive training, which includes a five-year General Surgery residency at Louisiana State University and a second residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at USC, has positioned her as a leading expert in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Her practice serves a wide range of patient needs, from cosmetic enhancements to post-bariatric body contouring and breast reconstruction.
One of the most visible impacts of the current weight loss medication trend is the increase in patients struggling with loose, excess skin, particularly around the abdomen. These changes are often the result of rapid and substantial weight reduction achieved through GLP-1 treatments, which include medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide. While these medications offer effective non-surgical options for weight management, they do not address the resulting skin laxity that can cause both functional and aesthetic concerns.
“Patients come in excited about their weight loss journey, but many are disheartened by the loose skin that remains,” said Dr. Rovelo. “Surgical interventions like abdominoplasty offer a definitive solution by removing excess tissue and restoring a tighter, smoother abdominal contour.”
Dr. Rovelo’s Beverly Hills clinic specializes in aesthetic procedures including tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and liposuction, while her Whittier practice—affiliated with the PIH Health System—offers a focus on reconstructive surgery. The diversity in her practice allows her to work with a broad patient population, from those seeking cosmetic enhancements to individuals recovering from major health transformations.
With affiliations at several prestigious hospitals including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Providence St. Johns Health Center, and PIH Whittier, Dr. Rovelo maintains an active surgical schedule while also contributing to the education of future plastic surgeons. She volunteers as faculty for the USC Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery resident aesthetic clinic and serves as a mentor and supervisor for surgical residents.
Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Rovelo co-hosts The Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Podcast with fellow surgeon Dr. Jay Calvert. The podcast explores various aspects of plastic surgery, from technical considerations to patient expectations and recovery timelines. It has become a popular resource for individuals researching cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, offering insight and education from two practicing professionals.
Dr. Rovelo emphasizes a tailored approach for every patient, ensuring that each surgical plan aligns with the individual’s specific goals and physiological needs. During consultations, patients are encouraged to discuss their aesthetic desires, medical history, and post-surgical expectations in detail. From there, Dr. Rovelo creates a comprehensive treatment plan designed to support not only physical transformation but also psychological well-being.
The recent uptick in post-Ozempic surgical cases reflects a broader shift in how weight management is approached in the U.S. As more patients pursue medically assisted weight loss, the need for follow-up surgical care has become increasingly prominent. Procedures like abdominoplasty, once viewed primarily as elective cosmetic options, are now being considered essential components of holistic body transformation.
“We’re seeing a new wave of patients who are motivated, health-conscious, and ready to take the final step in their body transformation,” said Dr. Rovelo. “For many of them, a tummy tuck isn’t just about appearance—it’s about comfort, mobility, and completing the journey they started with weight loss medication.”
Dr. Rovelo also works closely with bariatric patients who experience similar issues with skin laxity. Her deep understanding of post-weight loss anatomy and surgical correction techniques allows her to offer highly effective solutions to patients who may otherwise be left with lingering physical concerns after losing substantial amounts of weight.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rovelo has remained committed to patient-centered care. Whether guiding someone through a cosmetic enhancement or reconstructive procedure, she focuses on empathy, transparency, and long-term outcomes. Her surgical philosophy centers around natural-looking results and individualized care that supports both form and function.
As GLP-1 medications continue to impact the field of weight management, physicians like Dr. Rovelo are playing a key role in helping patients navigate the next phase of their transformation. With a blend of clinical precision and artistic sensitivity, she offers a unique and much-needed service in an evolving healthcare landscape.
For more information about Dr. Millicent Rovelo’s services, or to schedule a consultation, visit her official online profiles and practice pages:
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