Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

Offered at our convenient location in Denver

Weight loss with GLP-1 medication is a popular and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with obesity. Examples such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are injectable weight loss treatments that work by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.

At Millard Plastic Surgery, we understand that weight loss is a personal journey. As a leading practice specializing in liposuction, we understand the importance of offering comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique needs. That’s why we’re excited to introduce non-surgical weight loss options utilizing GLP-1s semaglutide and tirzepatide. We believe that providing thorough information is essential in empowering potential patients to make informed decisions about their health. If you are interested in learning more about GLP-1 medications for weight loss, we encourage you to call our practice, located in Denver, at (303) 792-5665, to schedule a personal consultation with us.

About Weight Loss

Excess weight is an ongoing problem for many people in the United States and around the world. Almost one-third of Americans and an estimated 650 million adults worldwide are classified as obese. (1)(2) Obesity is a serious medical condition characterized by an excessive amount of body fat. It is a complex issue that affects individuals both physically and psychologically, and its effects on overall health cannot be overstated. People with obesity are at an increased risk of developing many chronic conditions, including:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Joint problems
  • Infertility
  • Increased risk of surgical complications

Will I See Real Results With Weight Loss Medications?

With GLP-1 medications, patients can safely reach their goal weight in a matter of months. After 68 weeks, study participants lost an average of almost 15% of their body weight compared to -2.4% who took a placebo. (3)

GLP-1 Medications

Although there are many different GLP-1 medications, two of the most effective and most popular are semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications are primarily available in injectable form. The frequency of injections may vary depending on the individual’s specific treatment plan, however, the most common is a once-weekly injection.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a medication that has shown significant benefits in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It activates GLP-1 receptors throughout the body, resulting in various metabolic effects, including the regulation of blood sugar levels, improved glycemic control, increased insulin secretion, reduced appetite, and weight loss.

Semaglutide’s mechanism of action stems from its ability to mimic the effects of the hormone GLP-1, which is naturally produced in the gut. By activating GLP-1 receptors, semaglutide initiates a cascade of physiological responses that contribute to its therapeutic effects on blood sugar regulation, weight loss, and overall metabolic health.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that activates both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. It stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon production, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas that works in opposition to insulin. While insulin helps to lower blood sugar levels by promoting glucose uptake and storage, glucagon works to increase blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.

Weight Loss Before Plastic Surgery

Excess weight can have an impact on both the safety and efficacy of a plastic surgery procedure. It can increase the risk of complications during surgery and impair the healing process, leading to suboptimal results. (4) Furthermore, being at your goal weight allows the surgeon to accurately assess your body proportions and create a surgical plan tailored to your individual needs. With a medical weight loss program, patients can easily reach a suitable weight before undergoing surgery.

Benefits of GLP-1 Medications

  • Effective Weight Loss: Clinical studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can lead to significant and sustained weight loss in individuals with obesity.
  • Appetite Suppression: GLP-1 medications help to reduce appetite and promote feelings of fullness, making it easier to adhere to a calorie-restricted diet.
  • Blood Sugar Control: These medications can also improve blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes, leading to better overall glycemic management.
  • Cardiovascular Health: GLP-1 medications have been associated with improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and markers of inflammation. (5)
  • Convenience and Ease of Use: Many GLP-1 medications are administered via injectable pens or pre-filled syringes, offering a convenient method of administration.
  • Customized Treatment Approach: The dosage and frequency of GLP-1 medications can be tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs and response to treatment.
  • Potential Long-Term Benefits: Research suggests that GLP-1 medications may have additional long-term benefits, including sustained weight loss maintenance and a reduced risk of weight regain.

Candidates for Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

Weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are designed to help individuals who meet certain criteria. Ideal candidates for this treatment may include those who:

  • Have a BMI over 30 or have a BMI over 27 and are struggling with obesity-related health issues
  • Have unsuccessfully attempted to lose weight through conventional means such as diet and exercise
  • Are motivated and committed to making lifestyle changes to support long-term weight management

Personal Consultation

Your personal consultation at Millard Plastic Surgery is an essential step towards achieving your weight loss goals. During this appointment, we will:

  • Review your medical history, including any previous weight loss attempts
  • Assess your overall health and weight-related concerns
  • Discuss your expectations, goals, and motivations for seeking semaglutide for weight loss
  • Provide detailed information about the treatment process, expectations, and potential side effects
  • Answer any questions or concerns you may have

Our expertise and personalized approach will ensure that you have a clear understanding of what to expect from semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight loss and help you make an informed decision regarding your treatment.

Call us at (303) 792-5665 or complete a short form to schedule your consultation at Millard Plastic Surgery.

“Ozempic Face”, “Ozempic Body”, & “Ozempic Butt”

“Ozempic face”, “Ozempic body”, and “Ozempic butt” are all terms that have been informally used to describe changes in facial and bodily appearance that some individuals may experience after massive weight loss. These changes typically involve the reduction of facial fat, facial hollowing, and skin sagging throughout the body. For patients experiencing these issues, we offer the following surgical options.

Facelift

A facelift is a comprehensive procedure that involves tightening the facial skin, muscles, and tissue to restore youthful contours and avoid “Ozempic face”. The aim is to address signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, deep folds, jowls, and loss of volume, resulting in a revitalized, youthful appearance.

Body Lift

Body lifting procedures can help patients overcome the effects of sagging skin after massive weight loss. Lifting for the upper body may involve:

Lifting for the lower body includes:

These surgeries can be performed as standalone procedures or in combination.

VASER Hi-Def

VASER Hi-Def is an advanced liposuction technique that utilizes cutting-edge technology to sculpt the body and enhance muscle definition. This innovative technique combines the power of ultrasound-assisted liposuction technology with meticulous surgical precision to achieve a sculpted physique and create high-definition results.

EMSCULPT Neo

Emsculpt Neo is a body contouring treatment that combines two powerful technologies to simultaneously build muscle and reduce fat. This non-invasive procedure utilizes electromagnetic technology, known as high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy, and radiofrequency (RF) energy to achieve remarkable results. With Emsculpt Neo, patients can achieve abdominal sculpting, buttock lifting, thigh firming, and arm strengthening.

For more information, see our post-weight-loss body contouring page.

Cost of Semaglutide and Tirzepitide in Denver

The cost of your weight loss treatment will be determined by your treatment plan. Our semaglutide plan is $429 a month and tirzepatide is $599 a month. For more information about GLP-1 medications, and to book a personal consultation at Millard Plastic Surgery, call (303) 792-5665 or complete our online form.

FAQ

Does semaglutide have side effects?

Semaglutide treatment can potentially cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects usually subside over time as the body adjusts to the medication. 

How often will I have to take semaglutide?

Semaglutide is typically administered through a weekly injection.

Is semaglutide suitable for everyone struggling with obesity?

While semaglutide has shown promising results in promoting weight loss, it is essential to determine individual suitability for this treatment. We conduct a thorough assessment of each patient, considering factors like medical history, current medications, and overall health status. Only candidates meeting specific criteria will be eligible for semaglutide treatment.

Is semaglutide a replacement for surgical weight loss procedures?

Semaglutide treatment for weight loss is a non-surgical alternative that can be considered for individuals who prefer a non-invasive approach or who do not meet the criteria for surgical interventions like a gastric sleeve. However, the decision to pursue semaglutide or any other weight loss method should be made based on individual needs and goals, taking into account medical advice from qualified professionals.

How long does it take to see results with semaglutide?

Semaglutide’s weight loss effects may vary among individuals. While some patients report noticeable weight loss within weeks, others may experience gradual improvements over time. It is essential to maintain consistency in drug administration, adhere to the prescribed dosage, and engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors to maximize the benefits of semaglutide for weight loss.

How effective is semaglutide?

Clinical studies have demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide can lead to significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Many patients experience substantial reductions in body weight, helping them achieve their weight loss goals.

References

  1. Panuganti KK, Kshirsagar RK, Nguyen M. Obesity. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459357/ 
  2. Sørensen TIA, Martinez AR, Jørgensen TSH. Epidemiology of Obesity. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. 2022;274. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/164_2022_581 
  3. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 
  4. Lucas Goldmann Bigarella, Ana Carolina Ballardin, Luísa Serafini Couto, et al. The Impact of Obesity on Plastic Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2021;42(7):795-807. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjab397 
  5. Kosiborod MN, Bhatta M, Davies M, et al. Semaglutide improves cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with overweight or obesity 1 and 4 exploratory analyses. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. Published online October 28, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14890