Weight Management
Losing weight is a major goal shared by many people, for both health and aesthetic reasons. We know it’s important to eat a healthy diet and get daily movement, but it can be frustrating when diet and exercise don’t seem to work. Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have made weight management easier than ever before.
At Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we offer prescription weight loss medication under the supervision of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet. Now, you can experience safe and effective weight management, knowing you’re in good hands. For a complete transformation, Dr. Heath also offers body contouring services to help patients feel comfortable in their skin and look their very best.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Also known as “skinny shots,” weight loss injections have become increasingly popular in recent years. What were originally medications intended for patients with diabetes are now known to be effective for weight management, too.
Currently, two major drugs exist: semaglutide and tirzepatide, which have many brand names depending on the drug’s indication (including Ozempic® and Zepbound®). Both drugs mimic hormones released by the presence of food in the enteral (intestinal) tract. Semaglutide mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), while tirzepatide mimics GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide or Gastric Inhibitory Peptide).
These medications work by controlling blood sugar, decreasing appetite, or both.
Why Do We Only Offer Tirzepatide?
In head-to-head studies, tirzepatide was proved to be superior to semaglutide. Tirzepatide, on average, had 6% less of a side effect profile and up to 16% more weight loss when compared to semaglutide. Dr. Heath and his team believe in only offering our patients the best, and both studies and previous patient experiences have indicated that the better medication is tirzepatide.
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Who Is a Candidate for Tirzepatide?
If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, want to lose a significant amount of weight, and have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight in the past, you may be a good candidate for tirzepatide weight loss injections.
The only contraindication to taking this medication is a personal or strong family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN-II). The black box warning on this medication refers to a study performed in rodents that were subjected to extremely high doses of these medications. In this study, rodents had a propensity to develop medullary thyroid cancer; however, data that follows human subjects taking FDA-approved dosing shows no evidence of increased incidence of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Additionally, patients with a known history of gastroparesis, a complication associated with severe diabetes, should take caution with this medication. During your consultation, all the risks and benefits relative to you and your medical history will be discussed in detail.
To find out if you are a candidate for medical weight management with tirzepatide, schedule a consultation with Magnolia Plastic Surgery by calling (504)571-5908.
How Does Medical Weight Management Work?
Your Consultation
During a weight loss consultation, you will spend 30 minutes one-on-one with Dr. Heath as he explains how the medication will be optimized to give you the best results possible. We can also incorporate the expertise of dieticians to help facilitate the weight loss journey when needed.
Our weight management program is tailored to each individual, so treatment specifics will vary from patient to patient.
How Does Tirzepatide Work?
Tirzepatide is designed to work in conjunction with diet and exercise to achieve optimal results. Studies have shown that patients can lose up to 26% of their body weight with one year of use. The medication is a once-weekly subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. While the pharmacology can be complex, the drug works in three basic ways:
- It stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin, which lowers the glycemic index. When there’s less sugar in the body, fat can be used as an alternative fuel source.
- It delays gastric (stomach) emptying. When we eat, we feel full sooner and for longer—therefore, we eat less. When the gap between calorie intake and calorie output is increased, we lose weight.
- The third and most interesting mechanism of action is complex, but essentially, tirzepatide slows down activity in the mesolimbic pathway. This pathway is the brain’s reward center, regulating what we like and want. While we still like alcohol, sugar, carbohydrates, pasta, bread, etc., we will not want them. Tirzepatide helps reduce the urge to snack and makes dieting easier, ultimately resulting in weight loss.
Body Contouring After Weight Loss
After losing a significant amount of weight in a short period of time, some patients may experience tissue laxity and sagging skin due to a lack of elasticity or other factors. Dr. Heath uses body contouring procedures to improve the shape and tone of the body after weight loss. Popular procedures patients choose include a tummy tuck, arm lift, and thigh lift, as well as breast procedures like a breast lift, and facial procedures like a facelift.
You and Dr. Heath will discuss your aesthetic goals and options to create a tailored treatment plan, either at your consultation or as you get closer to your goal weight. Combining our weight management program with body contouring procedures is a transformative, exciting, and affirming way to achieve your goals and be your most confident self.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost?
The cost of weight loss injections varies depending on the dose but starts at $275 per month. All new patients will receive $75 off their first month, and all patients who refer a new patient will receive $75 off their next dose per patient referred who commences their own weight management program.
Pricing is subject to change. The best way to get accurate pricing information is to schedule a consultation.
Medical Weight Management FAQ
What is the difference between compounded medication and brand name?
When a drug manufacturer cannot meet the demands of the general public for a medication, the FDA will put it on a short supply list. This will allow compound pharmacies to take the active ingredient in that medication and provide it to patients to meet a demand that the founder of the medication cannot meet.
A compounded version of a drug is basically the generic version where the active ingredient is the same. It can be provided to the patient in the form of prefilled syringes or vials where the medication needs to be drawn up based on the prescription provided by the prescribing physician.
How long do I need to take these medications?
These medications are FDA-approved to be taken long-term, but each patient is unique. Once your goal weight is met, we will work with you on a maintenance program that will decrease the frequency of injections or wean off of them completely. This process will be an ongoing discussion between you and Dr. Heath during your time in the weight management program.
What are the side effects?
Side effects of weight loss injections are typically mild but can include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in the initial phases of starting the medication. The most common side effect reported is constipation. Other side effects can include bloating, reflux, increased belching, and others related to delayed gastric emptying. A very rare but possible side effect is inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis.
What should I know about medication storage and administration?
This medication needs to be refrigerated. Approved injection locations include the abdomen around the belly button, the lateral thigh fat pad, and the posterior arm fat pad over the tricep muscle. Tirzepatide injection administration and location will be discussed during your consultation.
Interested in Weight Management in New Orleans, LA?
If you are struggling to lose excess weight, weight loss injections under the supervision of a medical professional may be a solution for you. Dr. Heath Charvet, known affectionately by his patients as Dr. Heath, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon known for his compassion and excellent results. He and his team are dedicated to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals and have a smooth journey along the way.