Semaglutide

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Non-Invasive Procedures semaglutide

Semaglutide is an FDA-approved medication that has completely transformed diabetes management and is a great tool for achieving significant weight loss. It has been proven to get rid of hunger cravings by increasing the production of a hormone called insulin. With monitored use, you’ll be able to shed pounds more easily and make smarter eating choices. When used alongside a regular workout routine, semaglutide can promote the long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy weight. Most importantly, you’ll get a major boost in confidence from noticing your new, slimmer, more attractive body. 

Dr. Suresh Koneru, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience, recognizes the potential of semaglutide as an effective treatment option. With his expertise in both plastic surgery and weight management, Dr. Koneru provides his patients with expert guidance on unique, personalized treatment plans. He also provides patients with follow-up body sculpting procedures to further enhance the results of their weight loss. 

To learn more about semaglutide and explore how it can benefit your weight loss journey, schedule a consultation with Dr. Koneru at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, Texas. Call us at (210) 499-5900 to take the first step towards a more fulfilling, active life.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is one of the most popular weight-loss treatments available today. You may be familiar with its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. These injections help patients who are willing to follow a healthy lifestyle and eating habits to not feel sensations of hunger. Semaglutide accomplishes this by increasing the production of insulin in the body. It is able to do this by acting like another important hormone, GLP-1, which is in charge of regulating insulin in the blood. 

Why is Insulin Regulation So Important? 

Insulin levels change throughout the day. They are most affected by what and when we eat. Insulin works to process glucose (a type of sugar) that we get from food in order to make sure its levels don’t get too high in the bloodstream. People with type 2 diabetes have prolonged high blood sugar that usually requires medication to regulate it, but it still poses risks. Having high blood sugar increases your chance of developing heart and artery diseases, kidney diseases, and nerve damage. (1) 

When you take semaglutide, your body sends signals to the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that allows you to feel hunger. This process stops you from feeling hungry, so you’ll be less likely to want to eat. All in all, semaglutide tricks your brain into thinking that the body has already eaten enough. 

Research-Backed Results 

When semaglutide was first made available to the public in 2017, there were numerous studies to back its effectiveness. In one study, participants with an average BMI of 37.9 benefited most from 2.4 mg weekly injections of semaglutide. The results were astounding; they lost an average of 28% of their original weight. (2) The study was completed over a 68-week period, showing that semaglutide is capable of helping patients achieve and maintain weight loss over time. 

Benefits of Semaglutide

There are many reasons why semaglutide is a game-changer and so highly requested among patients: 

  • You’ll achieve weight loss without feeling hungry. 
  • Healthy weight loss promotes better energy levels, places less stress on your joints, and increases your oxygen levels- helping you feel more alert and increasing your physical capabilities. (3) 
  • You can better manage your appetite and blood sugar levels prior to surgery. 
  • You’ll feel good in your body; this can be a huge part of how you feel about yourself in general.
  • It is offered in the form of weekly injections, making it easy to manage if you have a busy lifestyle. 
  • It has been found to contribute to heart health. (4)

Dr. Koneru prescribes a form of semaglutide that includes a medication to minimize common side effects like nausea, headaches, diarrhea, and constipation. 

Who is a Good Candidate for Semaglutide?

For safety reasons, candidates need to have a BMI between 25 and 35. Dr. Koneru mostly prescribes semaglutide to patients who are looking to control their eating habits prior to a body sculpting surgery. He aims to help his patients achieve a BMI of less than 30. After reaching this BMI, you’ll also qualify for a body-contouring procedure to further sculpt your curves and eliminate any stubborn fat deposits that remain. 

Personal Consultation 

At Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, Texas, we are committed to providing you with expert guidance throughout your semaglutide journey. Dr. Koneru will offer you unparalleled support and care, ensuring that you feel confident and informed every step of the way. Your personal consultation with Dr. Koneru will focus specifically on discussing the efficacy of semaglutide for your unique situation. To get started today, give us a call at (210) 499-5900. You can also request a consultation through our contact form, and one of our staff members will be in touch to arrange your one-on-one session. In the first phase of your treatment, Dr. Koneru will schedule weekly weigh-in appointments and monthly appointments to adjust the dosage. 

Clinically-Proven Results

Depending on your own lifestyle, baseline weight, eating habits, and metabolism, results may come quickly or take some time. Some patients are able to lose a few pounds within the first couple of weeks, while for others, it may take a few more weeks. Our staff will be sure to carefully monitor how you’re responding to the medication and adjust to a higher or lower dosage at follow-up appointments. 

Procedures After Weight Loss

While weight loss can be an amazing accomplishment in one’s life, it can sometimes come with some drawbacks like loose skin and lost tissue volume. There’s a reason “Ozempic butt, face, breast, and body” are common. To combat these effects, Dr. Koneru offers follow-up procedures to get you feeling your best: 

  • Even after major weight loss, you may still have stubborn fat and excess skin in the midsection. For this problem, a tummy tuck procedure can sculpt your abdomen to complete your final look. 
  • If you’re looking for a less invasive option, liposuction can help suction away remaining fat after your weight loss. If you have good skin elasticity, this procedure can be the ideal option for permanently removing fat. 
  • If you experience sagging skin in the lower half of your face and neck after losing a significant amount of weight, a facelift can completely erase these effects. With just subtle incisions hidden around the ear and hairline, you can both appear and feel rejuvenated after semaglutide. 
  • BodyTite and FaceTite/NeckTite are devices for patients looking for a less invasive alternative that tightens the skin. With the power of a type of heat energy called radiofrequency (RF), excess fat around the body and/or face can melt away. The RF also stimulates collagen and elastin production, proteins that make your skin more youthful and firm. 
  • Semaglutide can have profound effects on a person’s appearance, particularly in the face. Patients who have “Ozempic face” or a loss of tissue volume in the face may be interested in dermal fillers to restore lost volume.

To get an idea of other procedures that may appeal to you, feel free to read through our blog. 

Cost of Semaglutide Injections in San Antonio 

When determining the pricing of semaglutide, we take into account various factors such as the dosage required, the duration of the treatment, and any additional services and appointments that may be necessary. During your consultation, you’ll receive an accurate estimate.  If you plan on using semaglutide to treat type 2 diabetes, your insurance may cover the cost. Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery also offers financing options to make treatments as affordable as possible for every patient. 

Lose weight in a healthy way with semaglutide. To contact Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, call (210) 499-5900 or complete a form and we will respond as soon as possible to your inquiry.

FAQ

What dosage of semaglutide is most effective for weight loss? 

To start, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of 0.25 mg weekly. After a month has passed, they may increase the dosage to 0.5 mg. Depending on your needs, it will be slowly increased to a stable dose.

Can I take semaglutide while on insulin? 

Semaglutide can be taken alongside insulin, but you’ll need to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and discuss it with your doctor. 

Can I still gain weight while taking semaglutide? 

Semaglutide decreases your appetite, making you much less likely to overeat. However, you can still gain weight if you eat processed foods and foods that contain a lot of sugar and/or fat. 

What will happen if I miss a dose of semaglutide? 

If you happen to miss a dose of semaglutide, you should receive it as soon as possible. So long as it hasn’t been more than 5 days after your dosage date, you’ll be able to continue with your treatment plan as usual. If it has been more than 5 days, you should wait until your next weekly dosage date. Taking too much semaglutide can result in low blood sugar, nausea, or gastrointestinal issues. 

Can I stay at a certain dosage of semaglutide without increasing it? 

If you’re finding that your appetite is reduced and you’re seeing results at a particular dose, there is no need to increase your dosage after 4 weeks. 

References

  1. Mouri Mi, Badireddy M. Hyperglycemia. National Library of Medicine. Published 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430900/
  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). doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 
  3. Vaughan RW, Cork RC, Hollander D. The effect of massive weight loss on arterial oxygenation and pulmonary function tests. Anesthesiology. 1981;54(4):325-328. doi:10.1097/00000542-198104000-00013 
  4. Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine. Published online October 27, 2021:jim-2021-001952. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/jim-2021-001952