The Skinny Shot - Houston Semaglutide Weight Loss Plan | Basu Aesthetics (2023)

Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery is committed to helping people reach their ideal body goals and to do so, achieving the ideal weight prior to surgery is key to our success. In the past we would request patients lose weight and come back when they have done so for their surgery. This has changed with the new medications that have recently become available for patients. These medications are in the Semaglutide and Tirezepatide family of medications. The skinny shot can help you reach your goals and is part of our comprehensive approach for our patients.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide is a GLP -1 receptor agonist, that means it acts like a glucagon like peptide. This drug was first designed as treatment for diabetic patients, however it was found to have profound weight loss properties in patients. This was a huge benefit to diabetic patients, but also the population as a whole. The GLP-1 was shown to affect appetite and food intake. It decreases a person’s appetite which in turn leads to weight loss. The first medication on the market was Ozempic. Because of its effectiveness on weight loss as well as a newer medication called Wegovy, it has been released for the treatment of obesity. Both medications are Semaglutide medications. Semaglutides are administered via a weekly injection that patients can do in the comfort of their own home.

How does Semaglutide cause weightloss?

Semaglutides are designed to mimic GLP-1 which helps regulate appetite and calorie intake. Patients on Semaglutide experience an overall decrease in appetite and food cravings. This leads to a significant decrease in weight over time as patients consume fewer calories per day. The revolutionary part of this treatment is that patients are not hungry or feel they are “dieting.” The long-term goal is that with Semaglutide, our patients create better dietary habits.

How effective are Semaglutides for Weight Loss?

Semaglutides have proven to be extremely effective in several studies. One of the first studies evaluating the effectiveness of Semaglutides included more than 1,000 patients. These patients were treated for 68 weeks and lost an average of 15% of their body weight (with an average weight loss of 35 pounds).

A second study that included 900+ patients showed that patients on average lost 17% of their body weight (an average of 41 pounds) at 68 weeks. It is important to remember that everyone in these studies were counseled on improving dietary habits and increasing physical activity. The results of these studies are truly exciting for our patients.

Is the Skinny Shot (Semaglutide) safe?

Many medications have come and gone to treat obesity. Side effects were experienced with led to disappointing results. In Semaglutide clinical trials for the treatment of weight loss, patients experienced few side effects during the 68-week treatment. Over 90% of patients that started treatment completed their 68-week treatment course.

The most common adverse issues were gastrointestinal issues such nausea and diarrhea. In general, semaglutides are extremely well tolerated.

What is the Skinny Shot treatment process at Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery?

Your weight loss journey at Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery is available to all patients. We can begin treating patients prior to their surgery, following their surgery, and any patient who’s primary focus and goal is weight loss and improved health, exclusively.

During your consultation we will discuss your overall aesthetic goals and develop a skinny shot treatment plan for you.

This will include a combination of the following:

Semaglutide weekly injections – These can be done at home.

Monthly office visits to track progress and titrate dosing of the medication for appropriate weight loss while minimizing side effects

Dietary counseling

Am I a candidate for the Skinny Shot treatment?

There are many patients who qualify and benefit from the Skinny Shot treatment.

Patients in overall good health that are overweight (BMI greater than 25) or suffer from obesity (BMI greater than 30). Patients wanting to improve their overall shape and figure. We often have patients scheduling consultations for liposuction or a tummy tuck with the goal and hope of losing weight. It is important to remember that liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries are not weight loss procedures. However, with the addition of the Semaglutide Skinny Shot therapy we can now fully treat patients. We will begin your Skinny Shot treatment plan prior to surgery to help you reach your ideal body weight prior to surgery.

Candidates for Skinny Shot Semaglutide treatment are:

• Patients that are overweight or obese.
• Patients that want to decrease their weight and improve their overall health.
• Patients who are not diabetic or currently on any diabetic medications.
• Patients who do not have a history of thyroid cancer.
• Patients who do not have any pancreatic issues.
• Patients who have realistic expectations that the best results are when Semaglutides are combined with lifestyle changes that include diet and exercise.
• Patients who want to improve their overall appearance.
• Patients wanting to reach their ideal body weight prior to surgery are great candidates for as this will improve their overall results.

Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery has a BMI limit for our body contouring procedures. This was established for patient safety and to make sure patients achieve their aesthetic goals and results. Now we work with you to help you achieve your goal weight so that you can safely proceed with your surgery and reach your ultimate aesthetic goal!

How does Semaglutide Skinny Shot treatment work in combination with plastic surgery?

Semaglutide medication (Skinny Shot treatment) can be done in preparation for your aesthetic procedure, after your surgery to improve your overall results, or as a standalone treatment.

Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery strives for patients to be at their ideal weight prior to surgery. This can be challenging as many of us struggle with weight management. This new skinny shot can be used in preparation for your surgery or to improve your overall health. Surgeries such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers and liposuction cannot change visceral or internal fat. Semaglutides can decrease the visceral and internal fat. This is an area that we have never been able to treat previously in plastic surgery. Semaglutides in combination with surgery is one of the most exciting interventions to become available for patients.

What to expect with our Semaglutide Skinny Shot program:

1. You will begin with an initial consultation. This can be done specifically for weight loss or in combination with your surgical consultation.
2. You will be evaluated and the risks and benefits of the medications will be discussed.
3. Once your treatment plan has been established, you will start on once weekly injections.

• The medications have to be titrated to an effective dose.
• You will have monthly visits at our office to check your progress and adjust your medication dosage.

The goal of including Semaglutide treatment with your surgical procedure is to help you achieve your ideal body weight prior to surgery for the best possible aesthetic result.

It has been shown that patients with a lower BMI undergoing plastic surgery have a lower risk of complications. The total body treatment including Semaglutides not only improves your results, it may also make your surgery safer.

Ready to learn more about our Skinny Shot program?

To take the first step toward your ideal body weight with the Semaglutide skinny shot, contact us, call our Houston office today at (713) 799-2278.