The Semaglutide program for weight loss at SGK Plastic Surgery is designed to help patients achieve their ideal look. While surgery is a vital step in any cosmetic protocol, patients need to be close to their ideal weight before they can undergo any procedure.
In the past, patients were instructed to lose a significant amount of weight before undergoing surgery. Thankfully, new medications now make this process much easier on the patient. Our comprehensive Semaglutide program gives patients a leg up in the fight to lose weight, enabling them to achieve their goals faster and with less resistance.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it mimics the function of the peptide hormone glucagon. The drug was first designed as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes, but it was later found to be profoundly effective as a weight loss treatment.
The GLP-1 has been found to reduce appetite and overall food intake by increasing the patient’s insulin levels and reducing glucagon secretion, in turn stabilizing blood sugar levels. Semaglutide treatments involve weekly injections that patients can carry out in the comfort of their own homes.
How does Semaglutide lead to weight loss
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist, meaning that it mimics the peptide known as GLP-1, which helps with managing hunger and food intake. Simply put, Semaglutide injections result in decreased hunger levels, ensuring that patients eat fewer calories and lose weight. The best part of this protocol is that patients are able to achieve their weight loss goals without having to go through long periods of hunger. Over time, they adapt to their new caloric intake and lead a healthier lifestyle.
How effective is Semaglutide for weight loss?
Several studies have been conducted that have proved the efficacy of Semaglutide. In one study, more than 1,000 patients were treated with Semaglutide over the course of 16 months and lost roughly 15% of their overall body weight. Another study showed a 17% drop in body weight over the same time period.
It is worth mentioning that the patients in these tests followed an exercise regimen and diet that helped to facilitate their lifestyle. While Semaglutide can work wonders on its own, it is far more effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Is Semaglutide safe?
Generally speaking, Semaglutide is not associated with any major side effects. Over 90% of participants in the Semaglutide studies were able to finish the trial without any issues. That said, some patients experienced gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea.
What does the treatment involve?
Semaglutide injections typically start at a mild dosage and can be increased over time, if needed. These painless injections are usually administered in areas such as the abdomen, upper arm, or thighs.
During the consultation, patients will have the opportunity to express their concerns, allowing us to curate a treatment plan that will get them where they want to be.
The treatment process ultimately includes:
- Weekly semaglutide injections, which the patient can carry out themselves at home
- Monthly office appointments to ensure that the patient is progressing and free of side effects
- Dietary counseling
Who is a candidate for Semaglutide?
Semaglutide can only be prescribed to patients by a licensed weight loss specialist. While the treatment is typically recommended for patients with a BMI of 30 or higher, BMIs of as low as 25 can also qualify. This is especially true for patients suffering from conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
During the private consultation, we perform a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s medical history and current status to verify that they are indeed a candidate for the procedure. A history of tumors and/or cancer may render one unfit for the procedure.
Some criteria for ideal candidates include:
- Patients who are overweight or obese
- Patients who are looking to achieve substantial weight loss and improve their general health
- Patients who are not diabetic and are not taking any diabetic medication
- Patients who are free of pancreatic issues and cancer (especially thyroid cancer)
- Patients who are willing to make the lifestyle changes necessary to get the most out of their treatment
- Patients who are looking to achieve their ideal aesthetic
At SGK Plastic Surgery, we place BMI limits on most of our surgical procedures to ensure that they are only performed under safe conditions. Our Semaglutide program helps patients get to where they need to be in order to qualify as candidates for these surgical treatments. Contact us to set up a consultation and learn more about our program.
How does Semaglutide treatment work in combination with plastic surgery?
Semaglutide medication can be employed at various times in conjunction with a surgical procedure. It can be carried out before the aesthetic procedure, after the surgery (to further enhance one’s results), or by itself.
SKG surgery prioritizes weight management and takes BMI levels very seriously when a patient is considering treatment. While maintaining a healthy weight can be a major challenge for patients, Semaglutide injections can help bridge the gap. While procedures such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and liposuction can achieve some fantastic results, they are ineffective at dealing with visceral or internal fat. Semaglutide can address this fat and, when combined with surgery, can achieve some remarkable results.
Why choose SGK Plastic Surgery?
Throughout her career, Dr. Kim has helped thousands of patients in the Houston metro area reach their aesthetic goals. Her extensive educational and training background enables her to curate customized treatment plans that are tailored to her patient’s unique goals. As founder of SGK Plastic Surgery, she strives to stay up-to-date with all of the latest developments in the realm of plastic surgery and cosmetology, ensuring that she provides her patients with the best care available.
In addition to her expertise and passion for outstanding results, Dr. Kim is well-renowned for her empathy. She gives every one of her patients the space to express any concerns that they may have, ensuring that they feel comfortable throughout the treatment process. As such, her patients always walk away looking and feeling their best.
Contact us today to schedule a private consultation and learn more about our Semaglutide program.
