Medical Weight Loss
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX
Medical weight loss with semaglutide is a treatment that effectively reduces excess fat, helping people to lose weight. Weight loss is a common goal for many individuals seeking to improve their overall health and well-being. While there are various methods available, semaglutide is an innovative approach that has gained significant attention.
At Avante Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ahmadi offers non-surgical weight loss treatment for patients in Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, and beyond. An expert plastic surgeon first and foremost, he provides semaglutide as a weight loss solution for its life-changing medical and aesthetic effects. For more information about non-surgical weight loss, call (281) 265-2639 or contact us online.
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Special Offer
Sign up or switch to our weight loss program and apply the fees, up to $2000, towards your face, breast, or body contouring surgery and receive a free consultation. Restrictions apply. Call our office for details!
Before and After Photos
About Non-Surgical Weight Loss
For many people, excess weight is an unfortunate fact of life. It can cause countless health problems as well as physical discomfort and self-consciousness. Surgical solutions like sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass can be effective options. However, not everyone wants to undergo an invasive procedure. Luckily, the discovery of semaglutide as a non-surgical weight loss treatment has brought about a convenient and straightforward option for addressing excess weight.
What is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide goes by the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, all medications that have become increasingly popular for their effectiveness in promoting weight loss. It is a peptide– a building block of proteins – that affects the release of hormones. Working as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide increases insulin release and decreases glucagon release. This helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. It also slows down gastric emptying, the process by which the food and liquids that you consume pass through your stomach. This reduces your appetite, causing you to consume fewer calories. Both of these effects work directly to promote significant weight loss.
Benefits of Semaglutide Treatment
There are many benefits to receiving non-surgical weight loss treatment with semaglutide. These include:
- Lower blood sugar
- Substantial weight loss
- Avoiding invasive surgery
- Reduced appetite
- Renewed self-confidence and improved self-esteem
- Achieving a slimmer, more beautiful figure
- An opportunity to eat healthier with less distracting hunger
Semaglutide not only aids in weight reduction but also promotes sustainable weight management. Clinical trials have shown that individuals who incorporate semaglutide into their weight loss program experience significant reductions in body mass compared to those using a placebo. In addition to its weight loss benefits, semaglutide has been associated with several other positive outcomes. It has been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and decrease the prevalence of obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. (1)
Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?
Non-surgical weight loss with semaglutide is most effective in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher. Candidates with weight-related comorbidities like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure may seek treatment.
If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be able to receive semaglutide treatment:
- Pregnant or breast-feeding
- Endocrine tumors
- Thyroid cancer (including family history)
- Kidney disease
- Diseases of the stomach
If diet and exercise have failed to move you closer to your target weight and you want to avoid surgery, semaglutide treatment could be right for you. However, studies show that semaglutide treatment in combination with a healthy and active lifestyle will provide better results than either weight-loss solution alone. (2)
Personal Consultation
At your personal consultation, we will walk you through the semaglutide treatment process. We will ask you a series of questions about your medical history. Be prepared to provide information on any past or current medical conditions that you have had, as well as prescription medications that you have taken. We will conduct a medical examination that may include blood tests. With this information, we can determine whether or not semaglutide is right for you.
Dr. Ahmadi values patient safety as highly as he does patient satisfaction. He will want to make sure that semaglutide is the right weight loss solution for you. If you are a good candidate, he will create a personalized plan for your treatment. You can also discuss your procedure schedule as well as the treatment cost. To schedule your consultation, call (281) 265-2639 or fill out this form.
Preparation
We will provide personalized instructions that will increase the chances of success in your semaglutide treatment, which may include changes to your diet and lifestyle. We may also ask you to stop taking certain medications. Maintaining a regimen of healthy eating and exercise will improve your results as the semaglutide begins to take effect. Semaglutide alters major chemical processes in your body, so it is important to follow the preparation instructions closely to avoid complications.
Semaglutide Treatment
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection. Depending on your case, the thigh, arm, or abdomen may be used as injection sites. When you arrive for your treatment session, we will clean the area, then inject the semaglutide formula, and the process will be complete. The procedure is simple and quick, and you may go about your day as usual afterward.
As your semaglutide treatment progresses, Dr. Ahmadi will continue to monitor your progress and ensure that your body is responding properly. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, as this can lower your blood sugar in combination with semaglutide. For similar reasons, make sure to never miss a meal. Continue to refrain from ingesting any medicine that may affect the success of your treatment. If you are feeling any unusual or adverse side effects, please let us know immediately.
What Are the Side Effects of Semaglutide?
Like any medication, semaglutide can have side effects. The most common side effects reported include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and transient, resolving on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. It is important to discuss any concerns or side effects with Dr. Ahmadi.
Results
The weight loss effects of your semaglutide treatment will come about gradually. You may notice a change in your appetite and eating habits, and you will slowly begin to lose weight. Most patients lose about 6% of their body weight after three months and about 11% at ten months. (3) Your results will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.
To learn more about the procedures we offer, visit our blog.
After Weight Loss Surgery
Sometimes, losing massive amounts of weight can leave you with excess skin that sags and folds. After weight loss surgery is a collection of treatments that address excess skin and remaining pockets of fat, optimizing your aesthetic once the weight is gone. These cosmetic surgeries can be the finishing touch of your weight loss journey, bringing you closer to your ideal body.
Neck Lift
A common aesthetic procedure after weight loss is the neck lift. Neck lifts involve a surgeon removing excess skin and fat to better define the jawline and contour the neck. This treatment can address sagging and loose skin, double chins, and jowling.
Breast Lift
Losing weight can cause a loss of volume in the breast. This can lead to sagging breasts that have lost their perkiness. A breast lift can remove excess skin, tissue, and fat, reshaping the breast and lifting its position on the chest. This procedure can also involve the reshaping and repositioning of the nipples, to better suit the breast’s improved and newly symmetrical shape.
Cost of Semaglutide in Sugar Land
The exact cost of semaglutide treatment will depend on the details of your particular condition. We can discuss this further at your consultation. To learn more about how much non-surgical weight loss costs at Avante Plastic Surgery in Sugar Land, call (281) 265-2639 or visit our contact page.
FAQ
How does semaglutide work?
Semaglutide works by acting on specific receptors in the brain that control hunger and satiety. By activating these receptors, semaglutide helps to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and ultimately lead to reduced calorie intake. Additionally, semaglutide also slows down the emptying of the stomach, further contributing to its weight loss effects.
Will I feel hungry on semaglutide?
While semaglutide does curb hunger, it will not stop appetite altogether. You will still have the desire to eat, though you will be inclined to eat less.
How long do people stay on semaglutide?
The duration of treatment with semaglutide varies depending on individual goals and response to the medication. In clinical trials, treatment durations went up to 68 weeks. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s guidance regarding the duration of treatment and any necessary adjustments to your regimen.
Will I need to stay on semaglutide forever to keep a steady weight?
While it is safe to stay on semaglutide for long periods if you are taking it to treat type 2 diabetes, doctors recommend that you halt usage once you have achieved your desired weight. Although your regular appetite will return once off of semaglutide, you can maintain your weight if you continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly.
Will semaglutide make me lose weight quickly?
Semaglutide is not a “quick fix” for weight loss. While it is effective, it will take several months before you see a noticeable difference.
What is the dosage of semaglutide?
The initial dose of semaglutide is gradually increased over several weeks to minimize potential side effects and allow the body to adjust. It is important to note that semaglutide should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for the best weight loss results.
References
- Lingvay I, Brown‐Frandsen K, Colhoun HM, et al. Semaglutide for cardiovascular event reduction in people with overweight or obesity: SELECT study baseline characteristics. Obesity. 2022;31(1):111-122. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.23621
- Chao AM, Tronieri JS, Amaro A, Wadden TA. Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:4449-4461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s365416
- Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982