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GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections

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GLP-1 weight loss injections offer a medical approach to weight management that has helped many individuals achieve—and maintain—significant weight loss in a safe and effective manner.

At Gardens Plastic Surgery, weight loss injections are typically administered by our knowledgeable Aesthetic Physician Assistant, Ashley Gordillo (Santamaria). Patients can also benefit from the skill and expertise of board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Preston Gardner, FACOS, who provides guidance on surgical body contouring options for patients who have reached their weight loss goals.

What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications originally developed for diabetes management but have proven effective for weight loss. They work by regulating appetite, slowing digestion, and helping patients feel full longer. These injections have gained recognition for their ability to support substantial weight loss without the need for bariatric surgery.

What Can Patients Expect from the GLP-1 Treatment Process?

The process typically involves:

  • Prescription and Dosing: Patients begin with a low dose, which is gradually increased over time to minimize side effects and optimize results.
  • Administration: The medication is injected either in-office by Ashley or at-home by the patient once weekly using a small, pre-filled pen-like device.
  • Weight Loss Progress: Many patients start noticing weight loss within a few weeks, with more significant results occurring over several months.
  • Lifestyle Considerations: While GLP-1s can be highly effective, they work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular physical activity—including a high protein intake and exercises designed to build muscle and improve body definition.
  • Assessing Side Effects: Some individuals may experience nausea, mild digestive discomfort, or changes in appetite, which typically subside as the body adjusts.

How Do GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections Work?

GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By slowing gastric emptying and increasing feelings of fullness, they reduce overall calorie intake, making it easier for patients to lose weight.

When Is the Right Time for Body Contouring After GLP-1 Weight Loss?

For the best surgical outcomes, patients should maintain their ideal weight for at least six months before undergoing body contouring. While traditional guidelines for bariatric surgery patients recommend waiting 12 to 18 months, GLP-1 medications do not have a universally established timeframe. The key is ensuring weight stabilization before surgery, since undergoing surgery while still losing weight may lead to additional sagging and the potential need for revisions later.

At Gardens Plastic Surgery, our providers work closely with patients to determine the most effective approach for achieving their aesthetic and functional goals. If you have reached or are approaching your goal weight with the help of GLP-1 medications, a consultation can help you understand your options for body contouring surgery.

What Are the Options for Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring?

After significant weight loss, many patients are left with excess skin that can impact both comfort and confidence. Our providers offer a range of post-weight loss surgical procedures designed to refine body contours and remove redundant skin.

Common procedures include:

  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): The most frequently requested surgery, a tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the underlying muscles. A traditional tummy tuck results in a low, bikini-line scar, while a more extensive belt lipectomy (circumferential body lift) may be needed for those with substantial skin laxity.
  • Arm Lift (Brachioplasty): An arm lift removes excess skin from the upper arms, improving contour and reducing sagging.
  • Thigh Lift: A thigh lift targets loose skin on the inner thighs, particularly in patients experiencing age-related skin laxity.
  • Breast Surgery After Weight Loss: Patients commonly choose a breast lift, with or without augmentation, to restore shape and volume or a breast reduction if excess tissue remains post-weight loss.

Contact Gardens Plastic Surgery in Palm Beach Gardens, FL today to schedule an appointment and take the next step in your weight loss transformation.