Weight Loss

Medical weight loss solutions have taken the world by storm. Treatments like Ozempic/Semaglutide and Mounjaro/Tirzepatide are on everyone’s minds. Dr. Lisa Brostrom at New Image Plastic Surgery is excited to offer Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections to facilitate a successful weight loss journey when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

What are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Injections?

Semaglutide is a generic compounded formulation of Ozempic. It provides the same results as Ozempic, but due to its unique formulation, it is generally better tolerated. Tirzepatide is similarly a generic compounded formulation of Mounjaro.  Both Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are peptides which have traditionally been used for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.  They have been found to successfully assist with weight loss while treating medical problems associated with obesity like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone while Tirzepatide mimics both the GLP-1 hormone and another metabolic hormone called GIP.  In some cases where patients are not effectively losing weight with semaglutide or are experiencing side effects, Tirzepatide is a great alternative.  Subcutaneous injections work to reduce appetite and food cravings by delaying gastric (stomach) emptying and tricking your brain into thinking you are fuller for longer. This allows you to make healthier food choices by reducing spontaneous and mindless food intake. The result is not only weight loss but a healthier lifestyle.

Who Is a Candidate for Weight Loss Injections?

Ideal candidates for weight loss treatment using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections are adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It is also ideal for those with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. These medications work well for candidates who have been unsuccessful in accomplishing their desired weight loss goals with diet and exercise alone.  Schedule a consultation with Dr. Brostrom at New Image Plastic Surgery to determine whether you are a good candidate for Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections.

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Treatment

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide treatment consists of a once-weekly injection that is self-administered. During your consultation, you will discuss your lifestyle, habits, and health conditions that may be contributing to your weight gain. Next, Dr. Brostrom will create a custom plan that includes precisely dosing your weight loss medication to achieve your goals while minimizing side effects. You will be given extensive instructions on administering your injections to allow you to continue your treatment from home with confidence. Your results and response to treatment will be closely monitored during follow-up appointments, and dosage adjustments will be made as necessary. Treatment duration and injection frequency can vary from patient to patient.

Body Contouring After Weight Loss

Following significant weight loss, patients are often left with excess skin in multiple areas of their bodies. While they have adopted healthier lifestyles and improved their overall well-being, this excess skin is typically resistant to diet and exercise. In many cases, the skin also shows decreased elasticity, making it difficult to achieve the desired appearance through non-surgical methods.

Body contouring procedures can address these concerns, helping to restore a more youthful and toned appearance to the body, breasts, and face/neck. Dr. Brostrom will create a personalized treatment plan to effectively remove excess skin and address tissue laxity or sagging, allowing you to look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside.

Weight Loss Injection Results

After starting injections, you may notice feelings of fullness and staying fuller longer. For the first several weeks of treatment, your body will adjust to the reduced food intake, and you may experience mild nausea or fatigue. This will subside as your body becomes familiar with the medication, and adjustments will be made if these side effects persist. Patients should not expect to experience weight loss until after your dose is increased after the first month of treatment.  From this point on, patients can expect to lose 1-2 pounds a week when combining healthy lifestyle choices with their Semaglutide/Tirzepatide treatment. These medications are not meant to be taken long-term. Once you have reached your ideal weight, results must be maintained with a healthy diet, active lifestyle, and health monitoring.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation at New Image Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, TX, today. Visit our website to fill out an online contact form and get started.