Weight Loss

Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX

A before and after of a female patient after using the Skinny Shot from Austin Plastic Surgeon
*Results not typical.

Semaglutide is an option for individuals seeking to lose weight. This medication, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, has been shown to aid in weight loss when used in higher doses. The use of the GLP medications semaglutide and tirzepatide has created what may be called a weight loss revolution.

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we take a holistic approach to helping you reach your aesthetic goals, with wellness and weight management being a passion of ours.   

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While Brazilian butt lifts, tummy tucks, and mommy makeovers are hot topics of conversation, helping someone reach their ideal body weight before surgery is the key to success. In the past, we would request patients to lose weight and come back when they have done so for their surgery. This has changed with some of the new medications that have recently become available. This new option can help you reach your weight loss goals.

To find out more about our weight-loss program, contact one of our three locations at the relevant number below, or use our simple form and follow the directions on-screen to get started.

The Weight-Loss Revolution

“We have never had a medication in my medical lifetime that has had such a positive impact on the healthcare of America. I have personally lost about 85lbs on the medications and it has been life-changing for me as I have struggled with my weight my entire life. My father died at a young age from coronary artery disease and diabetes. These medications have had a dramatic impact on my future health.” *

– Dr. Franco

Weight loss medications such as semaglutide have gained increased attention and acceptance, partly due to influential figures like Oprah Winfrey sharing their weight loss journeys. Oprah’s openness about her struggles and successes has helped to destigmatize discussions around weight loss, encouraging individuals to explore their options further in a less judgmental environment. This mainstream acceptance reflects a growing recognition of the complexity of weight management and the importance of a multifaceted approach to achieve sustainable results.

A real Austin Plastic Surgeon patient before & after the Skinny Shot
*Results not typical.

About Our Approach

We combine personalized care with carefully chosen treatments to optimize your health and well-being. Our holistic approach integrates weight loss solutions, hormone therapies, and comprehensive wellness evaluations to help you achieve your health goals and enhance your quality of life.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the function of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body. (1) By binding to GLP-1 receptors, Semaglutide:

  • Enhances insulin secretion
  • Suppresses glucagon release (which reduces blood sugar levels)
  • Delays gastric emptying
  • Promotes satiety

These combined actions have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. This can lead to weight loss over time as patients are consuming fewer calories per day. 

Semaglutide was first designed as a treatment for diabetic patients, however, it also had weight loss properties. This was not only a benefit to diabetic patients, but also to those looking to lose weight.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide and semaglutide are both medications that target weight loss and blood sugar control, but they differ in their mechanisms of action and formulations. Tirzepatide is a medication that combines two hormone actions: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Like semaglutide, tirzepatide helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduces appetite, and promotes weight loss by influencing metabolism and signaling in the body.

How Do You Use Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are once-weekly injections that patients can perform in the comfort of their own homes. They are considered long-term medications; it is important that patients adhere to a regular injection schedule as intended.

While taking these medications, patients often do not report feeling hungry or feel as if they are dieting. The long-term goal at Austin Plastic Surgeon is to help our patients create better dietary habits and lose weight safely. 

What’s the Difference Between Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide targets multiple pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism, leading to reduced food intake, weight loss, and improved glycemic control. Unlike semaglutide, which only targets GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide is a dual agonist that targets GLP-1 and glucagon receptors. (4)

Semaglutide Treatment

Patients starting their weight loss journey at Austin Plastic Surgeon can come before their surgery, after their procedure, or may simply be interested in decreasing their weight and prioritizing their overall health. During your consultation, we will speak with you to discuss your overall aesthetic goals and develop a treatment plan with your provider. This will include a combination of the following:

  • Weekly semaglutide injections – These can be done at home.
  • Monthly office visits to track progress and titrate dosing of the medication.
  • Dietary counseling.

Who is a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Several groups of patients are candidates for this medication.

  • Patients in good general health who are overweight (BMI greater than 25) or suffer from obesity (BMI greater than 30).
  • Patients who want to improve their overall shape and figure. 
  • Patients who want to reach their ideal body weight before surgery.

Candidates are often patients who:

  • Do not have a history of thyroid cancer.
  • Do not have any pancreatic issues.
  • Have realistic expectations.
  • Are willing to make lifestyle changes that include diet and exercise.

At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we have a BMI limit of 33 for our body contouring procedures. This is to help keep patients safe and to make sure patients are good candidates for the procedure to achieve their aesthetic goals. In the past, we asked patients to lose weight and then come back after they reached a set weight. Now at Austin Plastic Surgeon, we can work with you to help you achieve your goal weight so that you can proceed with your surgery and progress toward your aesthetic goal!

Personal Consultation

Patients will meet Dr. Franco or one of the other esteemed surgeons or wellness providers on our team for a thorough evaluation. We will take note of medical history and conduct a physical exam to determine the best treatment. We will discuss how semaglutide works on an individual’s weight loss journey, creating a personalized treatment plan. This can be done in conjunction with a consultation for surgical treatments or as a standalone procedure. The Austin Plastic Surgeon team will also discuss if other treatments in combination would be beneficial. The risks and benefits of semaglutide or tirzepatide treatments will be further discussed during the consultation, and you will be free to ask questions at this time.

Semaglutide Before a Surgical Procedure

Semaglutide and tirzepatide can be taken in preparation for an aesthetic procedure, after a surgery, or as a standalone treatment. At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we strive to help patients be at their ideal weight before surgery. It can be challenging to lose weight on one’s own; we provide nutritional advice and ongoing support for our patients on their weight loss journeys. 

This medication can be used in preparation for your surgery or to prioritize your overall health. Surgeries such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and liposuction cannot change visceral or internal fat. This is where weight loss with semaglutide can help. This is an area that we have never been able to treat previously in plastic surgery, making semaglutide and tirzepatide a relevant option for patients who want to lose weight before their procedure.

Cost of Semaglutide in Austin

Achieving your goal weight before plastic surgery is important for patient safety and reaching your desired results. Our team can help you get ready for a procedure with a semaglutide weight loss program in Austin, including GLP-1 medication injection regimens. Reach out now to discuss your aesthetic goals with one of our professionals by calling (512) 309-5879.

To reach our other locations, call:

Testing & Screening

Accurate and personalized data helps us tailor treatments specifically for you and your current situation.

Pheno Testing

PhenoType Testing is a pioneering assessment that delves into your unique genetic makeup. This comprehensive test analyzes various genetic markers to reveal how your body processes nutrients, responds to different types of exercise, and reacts to specific medications.

How It Works

  • Comprehensive Genetic Analysis: PhenoType Testing evaluates a range of genetic factors that impact your metabolism, hormone levels, and overall health. This includes insights into how your genes affect weight management, nutrient absorption, and predisposition to certain health conditions.
  • Personalized Health Insights: The test results provide detailed reports on your genetic predispositions and how they may influence your wellness. This includes recommendations tailored to your genetic profile, helping you make informed decisions about your diet, exercise, and lifestyle.
  • Customized Wellness Plans: With these insights, we can tailor your weight loss and wellness plans to better suit your individual needs. Whether it’s adjusting your dietary intake, optimizing your exercise regimen, or selecting treatments, PhenoType Testing ensures that every aspect of your program is personalized.

Benefits of PhenoType Testing

  • Tailored Nutrition and Exercise Plans: Get a better understanding of how your genetics might affect your nutritional needs and exercise responses, allowing for a more personalized experience.
  • Optimized Treatment Strategies: Enhance your weight loss journey and overall wellness with treatments and strategies that align with your genetic profile.
  • Early Detection and Prevention: Identify potential health risks and predispositions early on, enabling proactive measures to maintain optimal health.

Why It’s Essential

Incorporating PhenoType Testing into your wellness program means moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. By leveraging detailed genetic insights, we create a more precise approach to your weight loss and overall health. This personalized strategy aims to ensure that every aspect of your plan is tailored to your unique genetic profile, enhancing your results and supporting long-term success.

Lab Testing

Custom Labs: Tailored blood tests provide insights into your overall health and help guide personalized treatment plans. These can be completed on-site or shipped to your home to complete at your convenience.

Hormone Therapies, Peptides, & Supplements

Hormone and peptide therapies can be included in your treatment plan.

Hormones play a crucial role in one’s weight, appetite, metabolism, and fat storage. Peptides like Sermorelin aim to stimulate natural growth hormone production with the goal of supporting muscle growth and improving body composition.

Body Composition & Metabolic Health

Sexual Enhancement

We offer personalized supplement plans with the goal of supporting various aspects of health, including metabolism and overall well-being. Sexual enhancement treatments intend to improve sexual health and performance.

How It Enhances Your Journey: Supplements can support your weight loss efforts by addressing nutritional deficiencies and targeting metabolic function. Sexual enhancement treatments may contribute to one’s overall well-being and confidence, potentially enriching your weight loss experience.

  • Customized Supplements: Tailored supplement plans to support your health and wellness goals.
  • Sexual Enhancement Treatments: Solutions designed to improve sexual health and performance.

Body Composition & Metabolic Health

Welcome to the future of personalized wellness with our Body Composition and Metabolic Health tools. Our technologies aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of your body’s unique needs, allowing us to further tailor your wellness journey.

Why Body Composition and Metabolic Health Matter

Understanding your body composition and metabolic health is important for optimizing weight loss and overall wellness. Body composition analysis and metabolic assessments offer insights into how your body processes nutrients, burns fat, and maintains muscle mass. This knowledge is essential for crafting a personalized plan that maximizes results and enhances your health journey.

Our Tools

1. Shape Scale

The Shape Scale is a device that provides a detailed analysis of your body composition, including fat percentage, muscle mass, and overall body shape. The Shape Scale is designed to capture data and track changes over time.

How It Enhances Your Journey: By offering measurements of body fat and muscle mass, the Shape Scale enables us to better monitor your progress. This data helps in making informed adjustments to your weight loss and wellness plan.

2. Lumen

Lumen is a tool that measures your metabolic rate by analyzing the CO2 levels in your breath. This device provides real-time insights into your metabolism and offers personalized nutrition recommendations based on your metabolic state.

How It Enhances Your Journey: Understanding your metabolic rate allows us to tailor your nutritional intake and exercise regimen to match your unique metabolic needs. By using Lumen, we aim to optimize your diet and lifestyle, your metabolic potential, and ultimately help you reach your weight loss goals.

Benefits of Comprehensive Body Composition and Metabolic Health Monitoring

  • Customized Wellness Plans: With detailed insights from Shape Scale and Lumen, we create personalized weight loss and wellness plans that address your specific body composition and metabolic needs.
  • Data-Driven Adjustments: Regular monitoring allows us to track your progress and make data-driven modifications to your plan.
  • Enhanced Results: By aligning your wellness strategies with your unique body composition and metabolic rate, we aim to support your overall health goals.

Discover how Shape Scale and Lumen can provide you with a more personalized approach to health and weight loss.

Take the next step towards a customized wellness plan. Contact us today to learn more about how our Body Composition and Metabolic Health tools can be incorporated in your health journey!

Regenerative Medicine & Scar Treatments

Membership Program: Unlock Exclusive Benefits

Join our Biohacking Beyond Beauty Membership for only $149 per month and enjoy a range of exclusive benefits:

  • Custom Wellness Check: Kickstart your journey with our comprehensive wellness check, which includes a comprehensive consultation and initial labs to evaluate your health status.
  • APS Cost Coverage: Applied to medications or supplements.
  • Monthly Wellness Visit: Ongoing support and evaluations to track your progress.
  • Shape Scale Examination: One complimentary scan per month to monitor body composition.
  • Discounts:
    • 10% off all medspa services.
    • 10% off supplements.
    • 10% off subsequent labs.
    • 10% off wellness medications (hormones, peptides).
  • Exclusive Offers:
    • Skinny Shot for $349 or Skinny Shot Plus for $549.
    • Yearly Membership: Pay $1788 upfront and bank it towards any wellness services.
    • Acorn: First 10 free (+ annual fee). Afterward, $500 off.
    • Lumen: Complimentary with full-year membership; includes device, AI food log, nutrition coaching, and a 1-year subscription.

Stand-Alone Options:

  • Lumen Device: $399, including AI food log and nutrition coaching.
  • ShapeScale Package: 10 scans for $100 or $25 for a single scan.
  • Labs: Health Check for $199, Hormone (male or female) for $179, TSH or Testosterone for $179.

Why Join? Our membership offers unmatched value, combining comprehensive wellness services with significant discounts and exclusive offers. Whether you’re looking to transform your health, streamline your wellness journey, or receive personalized support, our program is designed to meet your needs.

Explore the full potential of our Biohacking Beyond Beauty program and take control of your wellness today. Contact us to learn more and schedule your consultation!

Weight Loss Solutions

Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Phentermine

Description: Our weight loss medication program is designed to include integrative services and devices to complement each other and enhance your journey. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are treatments that manage appetite and improve metabolic function, while Phentermine intends to provide a boost in energy and appetite suppression.

How It Enhances Your Journey: These medications work synergistically with our wellness program to create a multi-faceted approach to weight loss.

FAQ

How does semaglutide work?

Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of a hormone naturally produced in the body that regulates appetite and food intake. By increasing feelings of fullness, slowing down digestion, and reducing hunger, semaglutide intends to aid in weight management.

Does semaglutide have any side effects?

Common side effects of semaglutide may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Do I need follow-up appointments for a semaglutide weight loss program?

Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar levels, and potential side effects is essential during semaglutide therapy. Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

*Results not typical.

References

  1. Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of type 2 diabetes. Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 2022;23(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1 
  2. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. 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 
  3. Qin W, Yang J, Deng C, Ruan Q, Duan K. Efficacy and safety of semaglutide 2.4 mg for weight loss in overweight or obese adults without diabetes: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis including the 2‐year STEP 5 trial. Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism. Published online November 28, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15386 
  4. Chavda VP, Ajabiya J, Teli D, Bojarska J, Apostolopoulos V. Tirzepatide, a New Era of Dual-Targeted Treatment for Diabetes and Obesity: A Mini-Review. Molecules. 2022;27(13):4315. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134315