Weight Loss

Semaglutide is a promising option for individuals seeking effective weight loss solutions. This medication, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has shown significant efficacy in aiding weight loss when used in higher doses. The use of the GLP medications semaglutide and tirzepatide, popularized by the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro has changed the world, creating a weight loss revolution.

At Austin Plastic Surgeon we take a holistic approach to helping you reach your aesthetic goals, with wellness and weight management becoming a passion of ours.   

While Brazilian butt lifts, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers are the hot topics of conversation, helping someone reach their ideal body weight before surgery is the key to success. In the past, we would request patients to lose weight and come back when they have done so for their surgery. This has changed with some of the new medications that have recently become available. This “skinny shot” can help you reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively.

To find out more about our weight-loss program, contact one of our three locations at the relevant number below, or use our simple form and follow the directions on-screen to get started.

The Weight-Loss Revolution

Weight loss medications such as semaglutide have gained increased attention and acceptance, partly due to influential figures like Oprah Winfrey sharing their weight loss journeys. Oprah’s openness about her struggles and successes has helped to destigmatize discussions around weight loss, encouraging individuals to explore their options further in a less judgemental environment. This mainstream acceptance reflects a growing recognition of the complexity of weight management and the importance of a multifaceted approach to achieve sustainable results.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the function of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body. ⁽¹⁾ By binding to GLP-1 receptors, Semaglutide:

These combined actions help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. This leads to a significant decrease in weight over time as patients are consuming fewer calories per day. 

Semaglutide was first designed as a treatment for diabetic patients, however, it also had unexpected but profound weight loss properties. This was not only a huge benefit to diabetic patients, but also to those looking to lose weight healthily. The first medication available was Ozempic, and a new medication called Wegovy was released specifically for the treatment of obesity. Both of these medications are semaglutide.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide and semaglutide are both medications that target weight loss and blood sugar control, but they differ in their mechanisms of action and formulations. Known under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, tirzepatide is an investigational medication that combines two hormone actions: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Like semaglutide, tirzepatide helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduces appetite, and promotes weight loss by influencing metabolism and signaling in the body.

How Do You Use Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are also known for their simplicity of use. They are either once-weekly injections that patients can perform in the comfort of their own homes, or taken orally. Although currently, the oral forms are not as effective as injections, this is likely to change in the near future as research in this area continues.

 The most notable aspect of weight loss treatment with semaglutide and tirzepatide is that patients do not feel hungry or feel as if they are dieting. With effective semaglutide treatment, the long-term goal at Austin Plastic Surgeon is to help our patients create better dietary habits and lose weight safely. 

What is Compound Semaglutide?

A compounded medication is specially prepared by a pharmacist based on a prescription from a healthcare provider. Compounded medications allow for precise dosing adjustments to meet individual patient needs, especially when standard dosages are not suitable or effective. In the case of semaglutide and tirzepatide, compounding medications can also mean more cost-effectiveness for the patient. Choosing a compounded medication offers flexibility, customization, and the ability to address specific patient needs that may not be met by commercially available medications.

How Effective Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for Weight Loss?

Semaglutide are extremely effective for weight loss, as is evidenced in several research studies. One of the first studies to evaluate the effectiveness of semaglutide enrolled almost 2000 patients. These patients underwent 68 weeks of treatment with semaglutide. The study found that they lost an average of 15% of their body weight, translating to an average weight loss of 35 pounds. ⁽²⁾ A meta-analysis of various medical databases also concluded that semaglutide was a safe, sustainable, and incredibly effective tool for weight management. ⁽³⁾

What’s the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide targets multiple pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, leading to reduced food intake, weight loss, and improved glycemic control. Unlike semaglutide, which only targets GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide is a dual agonist that targets GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. ⁽⁴⁾

Are Semaglutide Safe?

The ongoing obesity crisis in the United States and worldwide has meant that many diet medications have come and gone over the years. In many cases, their side effects limited their effectiveness, leading to disappointing results. In semaglutide clinical trials for the treatment of weight loss, patients had limited side effects during the 68-week treatment. Over 90% of patients who started the treatment completed their 68-week treatment course. The most common adverse issues were gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, but in general, semaglutide are extremely well tolerated. ⁽²⁾

Semaglutide Treatment

Patients starting their weight loss journey at Austin Plastic Surgeon can come before their surgery, after their procedure, or may simply be interested in decreasing their weight and improving their overall health. During your consultation, we will speak with you to discuss your overall aesthetic goals and develop a skinny shot treatment plan with your provider. This will include a combination of the following:

Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Several groups of patients are great candidates for the skinny shot.

The best candidates are patients who:

At Austin Plastic Surgeon we have a BMI limit of 33 for our body contouring procedures. This is to help keep patients safe and to make sure patients are good candidates for the procedure to achieve their aesthetic goals. In the past, we asked patients to lose weight and then come back after they reached a set weight. Now at Austin Plastic Surgeon, we can work with you to help you achieve your goal weight so that you can safely proceed with your surgery and reach your aesthetic goal!

Skinny Shot Consultation

Patients will meet Dr. Franco or one of the other esteemed surgeons, or wellness providers on our team for a thorough evaluation. We will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine the best treatment. We will discuss the benefits of semaglutide for an individual’s weight loss journey, creating a personalized treatment plan. This can be done in conjunction with a consultation for surgical treatments or a standalone procedure. The Austin Plastic Surgeon team will also discuss if other treatments in combination would be beneficial. The risks and benefits of semaglutide or tirzepatide treatments will be discussed during the consultation, and you will be free to ask questions at this time.

Semaglutide Before a Surgical Procedure

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide can prepare you for your aesthetic procedure, after your surgery to improve your overall results, or as a standalone treatment. At Austin Plastic Surgeon we strive for patients to be at their ideal weight before surgery. This can be challenging as many of us have struggled with weight management. 

This new skinny shot can be used in preparation for your surgery or to improve your overall health. Surgeries such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and liposuction cannot change visceral or internal fat. This is where weight loss with semaglutide can decrease visceral fat. This is an area that we have never been able to treat previously in plastic surgery. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are some of the most exciting interventions to become available for patients.

Cost of Semaglutide in Austin

Achieving your goal weight before plastic surgery is important for patient safety and reaching your desired results. Our team can help you get ready for a procedure with a semaglutide weight loss program in Austin, including the skinny shot. Reach out now to discuss your aesthetic goals with one of our surgeons by calling (512) 309-5879.

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FAQ

References

1. Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 2022;23(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1 
2. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 
3. Qin W, Yang J, Deng C, Ruan Q, Duan K. Efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis including the 2‐year STEP 5 trial. Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism. Published online November 28, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15386 
4. Chavda VP, Ajabiya J, Teli D, Bojarska J, Apostolopoulos V. Tirzepatide, a New Era of Dual-Targeted Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity: A Mini-Review. Molecules. 2022;27(13):4315. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134315