GLP-1 Injections for Weight Loss
Losing weight can have a positive impact on both your overall health and the outcomes of certain treatments, including plastic surgery. For those aiming to lose around 20 pounds or more, GLP-1 injections—such as Semaglutide or Tirzepatide—provide an effective weight-loss solution. Dr. Russell Babbitt and Laura Hilliard, PA-C offer this innovative treatment to help individuals achieve their weight-loss goals, whether they’re preparing for a major surgery or simply seeking to improve their well-being.
Why Lose Weight Before Plastic Surgery?
Reaching a healthier weight before surgery offers several benefits:
- Improved Surgical Outcomes: Excess weight can increase surgical risks and may affect the precision of your results. Weight loss helps create a more defined contour, enabling Dr. Babbitt to achieve even better outcomes.
- Lower Complication Risks: Reducing body weight can diminish the risk of complications during and after surgery, including issues related to anesthesia, wound healing, and infection.
- Sustained Results: By reaching a stable weight before surgery, patients are better positioned to maintain their results over time.
Whether you’re preparing for a tummy tuck, liposuction, a full Mommy Makeover, or other advanced treatment, losing extra pounds before surgery can often significantly help improve the final results.
How GLP-1 Injections Work
Medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic the body’s GLP-1 receptor, which is a hormone activated in the gut after eating. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications work by regulating blood sugar levels and reducing appetite, which can ultimately lead to effective weight loss. When used in conjunction with a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle, GLP-1 injections are capable of helping patients lose 20 pounds or more, often within a period of months.
This treatment helps:
- Suppress appetite, making it easier to adopt healthier eating habits.
- Improve metabolism, enhancing the body’s ability to burn fat.
- Encourage consistent, steady weight loss without extreme dieting or invasive measures.
Candidates for weight loss injections with GLP-1s are typically individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or those with a BMI of 27 along with at least one weight-related health condition. During your consultation, Laura Hilliard, PA-C can talk with you about whether GLP-1 injections may be appropriate before you undergo a plastic surgery procedure or simply to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What Does the Weight Loss Injections Process Involve?
The process typically involves weekly injections of GLP-1s, often over the course of six months or as recommended by our providers. The best treatment plan for your needs will be determined during the initial consultation and will be an ongoing discussion during your treatment. It is important to note that these medications can affect the body’s blood sugar levels, so our team will monitor your health along with your weight loss progress during the treatment process.
By losing weight before your procedure, you are not only investing in the potential for better results, but also in your long-term health and confidence. If you have questions about GLP-1 injections for weight loss or other advanced treatments available from Dr. Babbitt, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.