Semaglutide

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

Semaglutide is an injection that helps you lose weight by regulating appetite control and increasing feelings of satiety. Approximately 50% of Americans will be obese by 2030,(1) and as more adults struggle with excess weight, medical weight loss programs with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are becoming increasingly popular weight loss solutions.

The team at FACES+ takes a holistic approach to weight loss and will help you adjust your lifestyle for long-lasting results. Why wait to meet your body goals, when you are just a few appointments away from achieving your dream body?

Contact our office in San Diego or call (858) 453-7722 to learn more about how semaglutide can help you achieve your goal weight.

About Semaglutide

Excess weight can negatively impact one’s physical and emotional well-being and can lead to an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular health issues, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. With the approval of the FDA, weight loss medications like semaglutide now offer a medically-supported solution to assist patients in their weight management journey.

Semaglutide belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). It has gained significant attention for its potential benefits in weight loss. It triggers the production of insulin in your body by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. Semaglutide also stimulates glucagon secretion from the pancreas which helps your body break down excess fat. (2) Many patients prefer medical weight loss over surgical routes because it leverages the natural process of the body to help you achieve your goals, does not involve incisions, and there is no associated downtime.

Semaglutide for Long-Term Vitality

Semaglutide is a convenient, low-risk weight-loss solution. At FACES+, we help patients combine semaglutide injections with lifestyle changes because factors such as exercise, work, stress, and diet also affect a person’s weight. (3) If you are looking for a long-term solution to weight management, this is one of the best ways to enhance your health and maintain your vitality.

See more about our Longevity & Regenerative treatments.

Semaglutide Benefits

Semaglutide treatment can help you meet your body goals and feel more comfortable in your skin. The benefits include the following:

  • Significant Weight Loss: Semaglutide usage can lead to considerable weight loss, often surpassing traditional weight management approaches.
  • Appetite Control: Semaglutide regulates appetite by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone in our body, making individuals feel fuller for longer periods and reducing cravings.
  • Improved Metabolic Health: Semaglutide helps address underlying metabolic issues associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
  • Enhanced Overall Health: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of breast, colorectal, kidney, and liver cancer. (4) Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) reduces your risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, and hypertension. Obese individuals are also at a higher risk of stroke or heart attack. Semaglutide will enhance your vitality by helping you maintain a healthy BMI.
  • Customized Treatment Approach: The dosage and treatment plan can be tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring an optimized approach for sustainable weight loss.
  • Increased mobility: By supporting your body in maintaining a healthy BMI, you will also notice an increase in mobility and you can enjoy an increased quality of life. As you lose weight, the pressure on your joints will decrease, and your strength will improve because regular exercise will become easier to maintain.

Our medical weight loss program will support you throughout the entire process to enhance your overall well-being.

Semaglutide Candidates

If you are considering a medical weight loss program to eliminate stubborn fat and you are willing to lead a healthy lifestyle, you are likely a good candidate for semaglutide injections. Successful weight loss requires dedication and commitment to lifestyle changes. You will need to be prepared to live a healthy lifestyle and eat nutritious meals to support your body during your treatment. Candidates should demonstrate a genuine desire to make long-term changes to their eating habits, exercise routine, and overall lifestyle to optimize their outcomes with semaglutide.

Consultation

During your consultation at FACES+, our Physician Associate will ask about your lifestyle and expectations to determine the most effective weight loss strategy. They will discuss lifestyle changes you can make to enhance your weight loss program.

How to Prepare for Semaglutide Treatment

  • Medication Adjustments: It is important to inform us about any current medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you take to evaluate if adjustments are necessary.
  • Blood Thinners: You may need to discontinue the use of medications and supplements that thin the blood before semaglutide treatment. This helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during injection.
  • Nicotine Cessation: Smoking and nicotine use can hinder the effectiveness of weight loss efforts. Candidates may be advised to stop smoking and abstain from nicotine use before, during, and after semaglutide treatment.
  • Education and Support: Understanding the treatment process, setting realistic expectations, and availing oneself of educational materials provided can help individuals mentally prepare for their weight loss journey.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Embracing a healthy diet and regular exercise routine before starting semaglutide therapy can contribute to enhanced outcomes. We may advise candidates on lifestyle modifications to optimize their results.

Semaglutide Treatment Process

During the treatment, we will cleanse your skin and inject semaglutide into your thigh, hip, or abdomen. You can return home immediately after, and the appointment only takes approximately 15 minutes. Please arrive in comfortable clothing that you can easily remove for the injection. Although you can return home immediately, you will need to rest after your first injection and monitor how you feel. Adequate rest, regular exercise, and nutritious meals will be a crucial part of your weight loss program to help you attain your goal weight.

Semaglutide Recovery & Results

Patients can resume normal activities immediately after receiving the injection. However, it is essential to adhere to the lifestyle changes recommended during the treatment to maximize outcomes and maintain sustainable weight loss.

Results from semaglutide therapy gradually manifest over time as patients consistently adhere to the prescribed regimen. While actual weight loss varies for each individual, studies have shown significant weight reduction in those receiving semaglutide treatment. Regular follow-up appointments will allow for ongoing monitoring and provide an opportunity to address any concerns or modifications needed along the way.

Post-Weight-Loss Body Contouring

After weight loss, our esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven R. Cohen can put the finishing touches on your body and contour your figure with our body treatments. After massive weight loss, some patients experience sagging skin – so-called “Ozempic Body,” “Ozempic Face”, and “Ozempic Breasts”. At FACES+, our body contouring treatments can eliminate excess skin and help you achieve a smooth contour so you can enjoy the results of your hard work.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess skin for a smoother abdomen. After weight loss, it is common to experience droopy skin that does not conform to your new shape. The good news is, that you do not have to live with it. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Cohen will make a discrete incision along your bikini line to remove excess skin for a smoother abdomen. He may also repair separated abdominal musculature caused by pregnancy or excess weight.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that eliminates excess fat for a smoother, slimmer silhouette. We can use liposuction to sculpt your figure after your weight loss program for a more athletic look. Liposuction is one of the most straightforward ways to eliminate excess fat for long-lasting results. During the procedure, Dr. Cohen will insert a tiny cannula to remove fat with suction. We can perform liposuction during your tummy tuck to help you achieve your ideal figure.

Facial Fat Grafting

Facial fat grafting, also known as facial fat transfer or fat injection, is a popular cosmetic procedure that involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the face to restore volume, improve contours, and rejuvenate the overall appearance. Resolve facial hollowing due to “Ozemic Face” with this simple procedure.

Breast Lift

A breast lift after massive weight loss is a transformative procedure that helps restore the shape, firmness, and position of the breasts following significant weight reduction. This procedure, also known as breast ptosis correction or mastopexy surgery, aims to address sagging breast tissue, excess skin, and changes in breast volume that commonly occur after losing a substantial amount of weight.

Cost of Semaglutide in San Diego

The cost of your semaglutide treatment will depend on the amount of weight you need to lose and the length of your treatment. Many patients stay on semaglutide as a long-term weight loss solution, but your treatment plan will depend on your metabolism and your body goals.

Contact our office in San Diego or call (858) 453-7722 to get started on your weight loss journey.

FAQ

How often is semaglutide administered?

The most common formulation of semaglutide for weight loss is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.

Is semaglutide safe to take with other medications?

Semaglutide is compatible with most medications. However, you will need to discuss your medications during your consultation to ensure the best results.

Can I take semaglutide if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you will need to wait to start semaglutide. We can discuss your treatment plan during your consultation.

Can I use semaglutide as a short-term weight loss solution, or does it need to be long-term?

Yes, you can use semaglutide as a short-term weight loss medication, but many prefer to use it as a long-term solution due to its convenience.

Is semaglutide the same as tirzepatide?

No, although they are both GLP-1 medications, semaglutide is not the same as tirzepatide. Both injectables support weight loss, but they trigger slightly different responses in your body to help you achieve a slimmer look.

References

  1. Healy M. News: By 2030, nearly half of all U.S…. (The Los Angeles Times) – Behind the headlines – NLM. NCBI. Published December 19, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/7943/#:~:text=19%2C%202019-
  2. Research C for DE and. Medications Containing Semaglutide Marketed for Type 2 Diabetes or Weight Loss. FDA. Published online May 31, 2023. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/medications-containing-semaglutide-marketed-type-2-diabetes-or-weight-loss#:~:text=Semaglutide%20belongs%20to%20a%20class
  3. Masood B, Moorthy M. Causes of obesity: a review. Clinical Medicine. 2023;23(4):284-291. doi:https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmed.2023-0168
  4. Pati S, Irfan W, Jameel A, Ahmed S, Shahid RK. Obesity and Cancer: A Current Overview of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Outcomes, and Management. Cancers. 2023;15(2):485. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15020485