Weight Loss

At Regional Plastic Surgery Center & Spa, our board-certified plastic surgeons are proud to offer personalized weight loss programs. Some of the most effective solutions available today are GLP-1 medications, which are designed to aid in weight management by regulating hunger, enhancing fullness, and improving blood sugar control.

Our physicians have helped several patients safely and successfully lose weight with treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and have described these options in greater detail below. If you have any questions about our weight loss programs, do not hesitate to contact our office.

Losing Weight Prior to Plastic Surgery
What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Benefits
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Candidacy
Types of GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Administration
GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Risks and Side Effects
Maximizing Your GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Results
What to Eat While Taking GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

Do I Need to Lose Weight Before Cosmetic Surgery?

Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) are often encouraged to lose weight before surgery to reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes. This is because excess weight increases the likelihood of a plethora of issues, such as:

Hypertension
Heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Stroke
Cancers (e.g., endometrial, liver, kidney)

What’s more, a high BMI can impact the course of your body or facial plastic surgery, frequently causing wound healing complications, infections, blood clots, and longer procedure times. Weight loss can reduce these risks significantly, enhance aesthetic outcomes, and contribute to longer-lasting results.

The recommended amount of weight to lose before surgery varies based on factors like age, overall health, and starting weight. Generally, patients are advised to lose 5–10% of their body weight prior to the procedure (for example, someone weighing 200 pounds might aim to lose 10–20 pounds).

A balanced diet and consistent exercise play a crucial role in successful weight loss. Incorporating fiber-rich foods, lean protein, and regular physical activity can help you achieve and maintain your goals. Additionally, medications such as GLP-1 agonists, like semaglutide or tirzepatide, may be an option for eligible individuals.

What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?

GLP-1 – short for glucagon-like peptide-1 – is a naturally-occurring hormone primarily produced in the gut, with smaller amounts produced in the brain. It plays a key role in normal physiology, particularly in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. Under normal conditions, GLP-1 is released in small amounts throughout the day, with levels increasing during meals to signal fullness and regulate appetite. Additionally, GLP-1 enhances insulin efficiency, improving blood sugar regulation and increasing insulin sensitivity. GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications designed to mimic the effects of this hormone by activating the body’s GLP-1 receptors.*

What Are the Benefits of GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?

GLP-1 agonists can offer several advantages for qualifying patients, including:

Significant weight loss
Increased insulin production
Reduced insulin resistance and hemoglobin A1C (HgbA1C)
Lowered blood sugar levels
Slower gastric emptying, ergo a feeling of “fullness”
Decreased cravings
Reduced risk of weight-related complications, such as stroke or heart attack

Am I Eligible for GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication?

You may be a candidate for GLP-1 weight-loss medication if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30. Alternatively, you may be eligible for this type of treatment if your BMI is above 28 and you have an accompanying weight-related health condition (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol).

Meanwhile, you should not use GLP-1 medications if:

You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You are allergic to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any of their ingredients

What Types of GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Are Available?

Semaglutide

Originally developed as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes, semaglutide’s potential in aiding weight loss has gained significant recognition. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several medications used for weight loss, such as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, and Rybelsus®. Semaglutide works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the body, which are vital for glucose metabolism and appetite control. These medications can reduce food intake and calorie consumption, paving the way for successful weight loss.

Tirzepatide

Also produced under the brand name Zepbound®, tirzepatide combines the actions of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists.* This often provides a greater reduction in appetite than semaglutide alone, making tirzepatide the better choice for certain patients.

Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are customized formulations of medications within the GLP-1 receptor agonist and GLP-1/GIP dual-agonist classes, respectively. These compounded versions may be prescribed for various reasons, including the need for a specific formulation, insurance denial of brand-name options, cost considerations, or addressing local shortages of the brand-name drugs. These alternatives can provide greater accessibility while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of their brand-name counterparts.

How Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications Administered?

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are administered in once-weekly injections, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. If your lab work indicates you are a candidate for semaglutide or tirzepatide, our physicians can prescribe the medication and schedule a product consultation appointment. We will provide education on the medication, demonstrate the first injection, and offer instructions on how to administer subsequent injections at home.

The medication will be prescribed with an initially low starting dose. This low starting dose should allow the body to adjust to the medication, reducing the likelihood of side effects such as nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. Based on your response, goals, and tolerance, the dosage will gradually increase each week.

Furthermore, it is important to note that responses to semaglutide vary among individuals. Our physicians will closely communicate with you and any member of your healthcare team to maximize your results and ensure the safest, most effective treatment.

What Risks and Side Effects Are Associated With GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?

GLP-1 weight loss medications can cause side effects because they significantly increase levels of a hormone that the body normally produces in much smaller amounts. This surge can overwhelm the body’s natural processes. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, which are typically more intense in the days following an injection or after a dosage increase. These effects usually subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

The detoxification process that takes place during rapid weight loss can also contribute to a patient feeling unwell. Additionally, a significant reduction in appetite may lead to skipping meals or not eating enough, which can cause low blood sugar and worsen symptoms like nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and upset stomach. Extended periods without eating can further aggravate digestive side effects.

In some rare cases, semaglutide can cause serious problems with your pancreas, gallbladder, or kidneys. More severe issues include gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), thickening of the bowels (leading to bowel obstruction and potentially surgery,) pancreatitis, thyroid tumors (seen in animal studies) and kidney issues.

Many individuals who take weight loss medications or lose weight rapidly through other methods not only shed fat but also significant amounts of muscle. This can be harmful to your health, as losing too much lean body mass – such as muscle, bones, and organs – can slow your metabolism. Rapid weight loss can also lead to sagging skin and the appearance of “Ozempic face,” a condition where the face appears more hollow or sunken due to muscle loss.

For various reasons, including cost and side effects, people may decide to stop taking these medications, leading them to regain the weight they lost. As such, patients are usually advised to stay on these medications indefinitely.

How Can I Maximize My GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication Results?

While GLP-1 weight loss medications alone can yield impressive results, combining them with lifestyle modifications can amplify their benefits and support long-term health. Adopting a nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and otherwise adhering to the pointers below are crucial for achieving and sustaining weight loss.

Follow a healthy diet. You can enhance weight loss by pairing semaglutide with a healthy diet rich in whole foods and balanced macronutrients. By incorporating fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your diet and avoiding processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive snacking, you can stay on track in your weight loss journey.

Maintain and build muscle. As mentioned above, muscle loss is possible with these treatments. For this reason, we advise you to be mindful of the role that muscle plays in your comprehensive wellness; specifically, it increases your resting metabolic rate, which is the energy expended just for your body to perform its basic daily functions. Because a higher protein diet can prevent you from losing too much muscle, our doctors recommend aiming for four to five ounces (28-35 grams) of protein per meal. Smoothies can be an excellent way to consume protein, as they are often easy to consume when you are not very hungry.

Develop an exercise routine. Exercise, specifically strength training, is key to preventing excess muscle loss. For those just starting out, bodyweight exercises such as squats, push-ups, and lunges can be an effective way to build strength without the need for equipment.

Consistency is vital. Consistently taking your medication can maintain stable drug levels in your body and improves effectiveness. Develop a schedule and take semaglutide at the same time each week.

Stay hydrated. When taking semaglutide, drinking plenty of water can reduce side effects such as constipation and dehydration.

Monitor your progress. It is important that you keep track of your weight loss progress and record any changes in your overall health. Our doctors can assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. We are also happy to communicate with your other doctors as needed.

What Should I Eat While Taking GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications?

Although semaglutide does not have specific dietary restrictions, the medication is best paired with a reduced-calorie diet for weight loss. Since GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying and often lead to side effects like nausea, bloating, and heartburn, it is important to choose foods that minimize discomfort. Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, which can worsen these symptoms, and opt for bland, low-fat options like crackers or toast if nausea occurs.

While GLP-1 medication can regulate blood sugar, high-sugar foods can interfere with its effectiveness by causing blood sugar spikes. Low-glycemic foods – such as non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and berries – can provide a steady release of glucose and support blood sugar stability. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, or calories (e.g. fried foods, baked goods, and sugary drinks) can aid weight loss efforts. Additionally, when first starting the medication, many patients find it helpful to eat half of what they normally would to ease digestion and prevent overconsumption.

For those facing hurdles in their weight management journey, GLP-1 weight loss medications can offer hope. By following a structured dosing regimen and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, individuals can achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. To learn more about our weight loss options, we encourage you to contact Regional Plastic Surgery Center & Spa.