Semaglutide Injections

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA

Semaglutide Injections Dr. Jeffrey Lee Boston area

Semaglutide, known under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is the most common GLP-1 weight loss medication currently available. The patient loses weight by way of reducing their overall food intake because longer, more sustained satiation following a meal. Semaglutide injections were originally developed to support patients with type 2 diabetes, but have now been approved by the FDA for weight loss use. (1)

Dr. Jeffrey Lee and his staff have faithfully served the Boston area through his practice and passion for combining science and surgery with the beautiful and artistic nature of the human body and is now offering weekly semaglutide regimens for his patients. Weight loss is one of the hardest struggles someone can face, so let us help you reach your goal weight!

Take the next step in your journey by contacting JL Plastic Surgery to create your semaglutide injection plan. Call or text us at (617) 340-2822, or request a consultation using our online form.

Losing Weight with Semaglutide

Obesity levels have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The condition primarily arises when caloric intake is regularly and consistently more than the level of exerted calories, causing the body to store extra energy as fat deposits in the body. Just some of the health issues that can arise from obesity are cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia (increased and/or too much fatty material in the blood), insulin resistance, fatty liver, regular hyperventilation, sleep apnea, kidney and gallstones, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. (2,3) Even worse, the psychological toll of obesity is a harsh reality for individuals to face.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has been shown to effectively aid in appetite control and promote satiety in individuals struggling with excess weight or obesity. With semaglutide injections, patients can achieve a stable, healthy weight without the need for invasive surgery.

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide works by binding to the GLP-1 receptors and make the patient feel satiated for longer. The hormone GLP-1 is responsible for digestion speed, gastric emptying, gastronomic satisfaction, and appetite control or activation. When you eat a meal, your body naturally releases this hormone to control your ingestion. Activation of these receptors with semaglutide allows patients to take back control over their appetite by reaching satisfaction with smaller portions and eliminating their food thoughts and cravings. Patients have reported decreased appetite, absence of cravings, and even an aversion to high-fat foods. (4)

Benefits of Semaglutide

Semaglutide injections have gained significant popularity because of their proven effectiveness. Their benefits include the following:

  • Effective Weight Loss: Clinical trials have shown that Semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.
  • Long-Acting Injectable Medication: Semaglutide is an injectable medication that only requires administration once a week. This convenience greatly enhances patient compliance and ensures long-term success in weight management.
  • Appetite Control: Semaglutide acts on the brain’s appetite centers to reduce hunger and promote satiety, leading to reduced calorie intake and improved portion control.
  • Improved Body Mass Index (BMI): Semaglutide has been shown to significantly reduce BMI, a measure of body fat based on height and weight. By achieving a healthier BMI range, individuals can reduce their risk of various medical conditions associated with excessive weight.
  • Enhanced Metabolic Health: Weight loss achieved through Semaglutide treatment improves metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance, which increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

  • Cardiovascular Health Benefits: Semaglutide has demonstrated positive effects on cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of adverse events such as heart attacks and strokes in individuals with obesity and related comorbidities.
  • FDA-Approved Treatment: Brands such as Wegovy and Ozempic are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management. This approval validates the safety and efficacy of this treatment option.

Candidates

Semaglutide injections are a convenient yet powerful way to reduce your weight. Overweight and obese individuals who have struggled with their weight and need a convenient solution are prime candidates for an injection plan. Injections can also serve as an alternative to complex bariatric surgery, which can require months of planning and recovery, as well as total lifestyle changes. The most suitable candidates are:

  • Those who are looking for body contouring surgery but have been asked to lower their BMI beforehand.
  • Those who have tried other weight loss methods without success
  • Patients who are committed to making lifestyle changes and incorporating healthy eating habits and regular exercise into their routine

Personal Consultation

Dr. Lee recommends scheduling a consultation despite the low-risk, non-surgical nature of a semaglutide injection treatment plan. You will be started on a regimine that is tailored to your specific needs based on your weight, medical history, goals, and other factors discussed during your consultation. Most patients will start with a 0.25 mg dose and increase to 0.5 mg after four weeks. (2) Your dose may increase or decrease depending on the your weight loss results. Start your weight loss journey with semaglutide today by scheduling your consultation at JL Plastic Surgery.

Procedure

When it is time for your injection, we will show you how to self inject. You will be given preloaded single-use syringes that will be good for 4 weeks. Ideal injection sites include the torso, upper arms, and thighs. In the first few weeks of your treatment plan, it is important to self-monitor for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and dehydration. It is common for patients to experience these at the start due to a drastically reduced appetite. (2)

Some patients do experience indigestion more frequently due to the medication.(5) We recommend over the counter antacid medications if this occurs in addition to smaller, more frequent meals. More advanced medication is almost never necessary.

Results

Patients normally begin noticing the results of their semaglutide injections within two to three weeks. It is likely that more significant weight loss will occur after this period. We recommend focusing on healthy eating habits and increasing activity while on semaglutide to maximize a patient’s weight loss potential. After a few months on a consistent dose, it is possible to reach a plateau in your weight loss. If this occurs, We will likely increase your dose so you can continue to see results in your weight loss journey.

Treatments for “Ozempic Face”, “Ozempic Breast”, and “Ozempic Body”

“If you lose a significant amount of weight, skin laxity may occur. “Ozempic face”, “Ozempic breast”, and “Ozempic body” are terms that describe the phenomenon of excess skin sagging after the use of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. This is similar to what can happen with significant weight loss after weight loss surgery. If you are deemed a good candidate, there are surgical options to tighten the excess skin and lift the tissue in areas that have fallwen. These may include:

Cost of Semaglutide Injections in Boston

The cost of a semaglutide injection plan can be found in our nonsurgical pricing page. Pricing includes your appointment/assessment and 4 weekly doses. You will be required to make an in-person appointment once every 4 weeks to be assessed and to receive your additional doses. If you are interested in incorporating semaglutide injections into your weight loss journey, then schedule a consultation or call our office at (617) 340-2822 and take the next step toward a healthier life.

What do I need Before I start Semaglutide?

Semaglutide Injections Dr. Jeffrey Lee Boston area

We ask that you come with bloodwork results to your first appointment. You will not be allowed to start semaglutide injections without the proper baseline bloodwork. These include Complete Blood Count, Complete Metabolic Panel including Liver Function Tests, Lipid Panel, A1C, and TSH. You can get these through your PCP or out of pocket at a nearby lab.

FAQ

Do semaglutide injections hurt?

Most patients report only feeling a small pinch, describing a flu shot to be more painful. The needle is similar to an insulin syringe needle, so the pain is minimal.

How long will it take to reach my goal weight with semaglutide?

This differs for each patient based on their activity level, calorie intake, and starting weight. Schedule a consultation to discuss your plan.

How long will it take to reach my goal weight with semaglutide?

This differs for each patient based on their activity level, calorie intake, and starting weight. Schedule a consultation to discuss your plan.

Can semaglutide be used as a standalone weight loss method?

While semaglutide can significantly aid in weight loss, it is most effective when used in conjunction with other strategies such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. A comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of weight management is crucial for long-term success.

How long do I have to take semaglutide for?

Once you reach your goal weight, We will put you on a weekly dosage schedule to maintain a reduced appetite and suppress food noise. Long term weight loss plans differ from patient to patient.

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. Panuganti KK, Kshirsagar RK, Nguyen M. Obesity. Nih.gov. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459357/
  3. Kommu S, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. PubMed. Published 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
  4. AsthmaStats – Asthma and Obesity | CDC. www.cdc.gov. Published March 4, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/asthma_stats/asthma_obesity.htm#:~:text=Obesity%20is%20a%20risk%20factor
  5. Shu Y, He X, Wu P, Liu Y, Ding Y, Zhang Q. Gastrointestinal adverse events associated with semaglutide: A pharmacovigilance study based on FDA adverse event reporting system. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022;10. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.996179