Struggling with excess body weight is not about a lack of willpower or effort. For many, the underlying medical issues are difficult to overcome, and undermine self-confidence taking a toll on your physical and mental health. Bariatric surgery is not for everyone and carries significant risks. Dr. Doolabh, a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, is happy to offer a medication-assisted weight management program that uses under-the-skin injections of FDA approved Semaglutide or Tirzepatide for safe, sustainable weight loss.
The “Skinny Shot” Weight Loss Injection
- Reduce your appetite
- Burn body fat
- Balance glucose and insulin levels
- Increase energy and lower inflammation
- Be a better plastic surgery candidate
Medication-Assisted Weight Loss with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide at Contemporary Plastic Surgery
What Are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Semaglutide and Tirzepetide are the active ingredients in medications like Ozempic®, WeGovy® and Mounjaro®. These ingredients send signals to your brain to ultimately lower blood sugar levels, burn through your body’s fat for energy, and curb your appetite by helping you feel full faster after eating. Both Semaglutide and Tirzepetide are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, In addition, Tirzepetide is also a gastric inhibitory protein (GIP) receptor agonist. This class of medication has been around for 20+ years, so it is well studied! Side effects, such as nausea and constipation, can be minimized with diet, supplements, over the counter and/or prescription medications. If you wish, Dr. Doolabh can recommend professional supplements that also support the GLP-1 agonist pathways.
Insurance does not cover the cost of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections when used solely for weight loss.
How Does the “Skinny Shot” Work?
- The injectable sends signals to your brain: when Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are sensed by the GLP-1 receptors in your hypothalamus, your brain responds by lowering your appetite.
- Balances your hormones: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide increase the amount of insulin (a hormone that helps glucose feed your body) and decreases the amount of glucagon excreted by your pancreas to overall lower your blood sugar levels.
- Slows movement in your stomach: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide slow the emptying of your stomach which means that you become full faster, and you eat less food.
Treatment Process
Consultation: After your initial in-office consultation with Dr. Doolabh, if you are a candidate, an order for some blood work will be issued. Once labs are reviewed, the correct medication and dose will be determined, and a prescription submitted to the pharmacy.
Medication Shipments: Your weight loss medication will be shipped to your door from the pharmacy for convenient, weekly at-home administration. Each shipment is a 4-week supply for injections between monthly check-ins with Dr. Doolabh. She is available to help you with the first injection if the accompanying pharmacy directions are confusing and to help you manage any concerns.
Managing Side Effects: It is common to experience nausea, constipation and/or fatigue. This may require de-escalating your dose or frequency until you feel better. If you do well, the dose will be gradually increased to the therapeutic levels to help you reach your target weight loss goal.
Long Term Outcomes: Some patients reach their goal and have made lifestyle modifications in diet and exercise, and they discontinue the medications after 6 months. Other patients may need a longer period of usage. Dr. Doolabh will help you throughout the process to make the best decisions for long term weight loss outcomes.
After significant weight loss, your skin may have lost elasticity and cannot bounce back. During your consultation with Dr. Doolabh, ways to remove or tighten the loose skin will be discussed, be it around the face, neck, breasts, tummy, or upper arms.
To learn more about Weight Loss Injections and our Weight Management program, call the office or request an appointment with Dr. Doolabh!