Medically Assisted Weight Loss
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami, FL
Medically assisted weight loss is a safe and efficacious way for patients to achieve a healthy weight under the supervision of a medical professional. Weight gain can be due to factors such as genetic predisposition, certain medications, lifestyle habits, and other contributing causes. Weight loss with the traditional methods of dieting and exercise alone can prove to be insufficient for many individuals seeking to improve their health and well-being. However, in recent years, multiple effective GLP-1 medications have entered the mainstream, helping patients safely and successfully manage their weight.
The Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami (PSI Miami), a premier clinical and surgical center in South Florida, is proud to offer GLP-1 medications, including tirzepatide and semaglutide, to help patients on their weight loss journeys. Located in sunny Miami, our practice is home to many experts who are deeply committed to providing the highest quality service to each patient.
To schedule a personal consultation at our state-of-the-art clinic, please contact us online or call (305) 446-7700.
Contents
- 1 About Medically Assisted Weight Loss
- 2 Benefits of Medically Assisted Weight Loss
- 3 Suitable Candidates
- 4 Personal Consultation
- 5 Preparation
- 6 Procedure
- 7 Results
- 8 Corresponding Procedures
- 9 Cost of Medically Assisted Weight Loss in Miami
- 10 FAQ
- 10.1 What is the ideal BMI for medically assisted weight loss?
- 10.2 How long will it take to see the results of my medically assisted weight loss treatment with GLP-1 injections?
- 10.3 What happens if my progress plateaus during my medically assisted weight loss treatment?
- 10.4 Will I be allowed to undergo any other treatments or procedures while undergoing medically assisted weight loss?
- 11 References
About Medically Assisted Weight Loss
Medically assisted weight loss at PSI Miami is a way for patients to treat weight-related conditions and achieve substantial weight loss under the careful supervision and guidance of our medical team. While some patients can achieve healthy weight loss through dieting or regular exercise, many patients find these methods difficult and insufficient. At PSI Miami, we offer both semaglutide and tirzepatide to help patients achieve their healthy weight goals.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) is an injectable weight loss medication. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist designed to target the metabolic pathway that controls insulin and lowers blood sugar. Additionally, semaglutide can help increase feelings of satiety in patients after eating smaller portions, leading to effective weight loss. (1)
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide (Zepbound®, Mounjaro®) is a dual-receptor agonist, meaning it activates both the GLP-1 receptors and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides) receptors. (2) By mimicking these hormones, tirzepatide can potentially help patients achieve greater weight loss results. The best medication for your weight loss journey will depend on your current weight, medical history, and goals.
Benefits of Medically Assisted Weight Loss
There are many benefits patients can experience that can positively transform their lives. A few of these benefits include:
- Weight Loss: Our treatments can help patients increase their satiety levels, leading to a decrease in body fat and overall weight with smaller meal portions.
- Improved Health and Longevity: Achieving a healthy weight can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of developing or worsening weight-related conditions.
- Sustainable Weight Management: Our structured program and professional guidance help ensure each patient’s weight loss is sustainable and manageable.
- Personalized Treatment Options: Each treatment plan is tailored to their unique situation and concerns, allowing for more successful outcomes.
- Convenient Medication: GLP-1 injections are designed to be injected once a week, and patients can administer these injections themselves at home.
To find out how you may benefit from our medically assisted weight-loss program, please contact us online or call (305) 446-7700.
Suitable Candidates
The ideal candidates for medically-assisted weight loss include men or women interested in long-term weight loss and management who have at least one weight-related condition. (3) Those who have struggled to lose weight through healthy lifestyle changes alone are also recommended for this treatment.
All candidates interested in either tirzepatide or semaglutide should be in good overall health, with realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. Patients should also be free of any underlying medical conditions that impact their ability to take the medication long-term. Our team will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is asked to attend a personal consultation before starting their weight loss treatment. This meeting is not only a chance for our team to get to know each patient but also to understand how we can best help. After determining candidacy, we will then craft a treatment plan, choosing the most suitable weight loss medication for the patient’s needs. Each treatment plan includes ongoing support and monitoring from our team to ensure healthy, effective weight loss. Each patient will receive a written quote for their treatment, as well as any necessary preparation instructions.
To schedule your personal consultation at our Miami office, please call (305) 446-7700 or contact us online, and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.
Preparation
Each patient will receive a set of personalized instructions at their consultation, guiding them on how to prepare for the start of their weight loss treatment. While preparation is minimal, each individual should ensure they follow our instructions for the best treatment outcome.
Patients should ensure they are eating a nutritious and balanced diet each day while also making sure they stay hydrated. Patients should be prepared to continue to incorporate other healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, into their routine.
Procedure
Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are once-weekly injections designated for injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Patients can choose to receive their injections at the PSI Miami office, or they can administer their injections themselves in the comfort of their own home. It is recommended that patients rotate injection sites weekly to avoid overusing any one particular area.
Results
Following the injection, patients can return to their daily routines immediately as there is no associated downtime with GLP-1s. However, some patients may experience nausea, headaches, fatigue, or gastrointestinal changes, but these effects will likely subside within several days as their body continues to adjust to the medication. (3)
As both semaglutide and tirzepatide are long-term weight medications, the results of each patient’s treatment will gradually become more apparent. Patients will start to notice a decrease in hunger and appetite typically within the first few weeks of regular injections. Throughout each patient’s treatment, we may adjust the dosage depending on their progress.
Corresponding Procedures
After substantial weight loss, it is common for patients to experience loose skin. While this development is completely natural, loose skin can cause discomfort, chafing, and it can also impact one’s self esteem. For patients experiencing skin laxity after losing weight, we often recommend skin removal procedures, including a tummy tuck.
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and tissue around the waist. A tummy tuck can also be used to repair separated abdominal muscles, a condition known as diastasis recti, which commonly occurs as a result of weight gain. A tummy tuck can provide patients with a slimmer, flatter abdomen and overall more defined figure.
To learn more about the other treatments that may be performed after weight loss, please read our blog!
Cost of Medically Assisted Weight Loss in Miami
The cost of each patient’s weight loss treatment can depend on several factors, including the type of medication, the dosage, and the length of time the patient remains on the medication. Each patient will receive a quote at their personal consultation after we create a customized treatment plan.
Additionally, PSI Miami offers exciting specials year-round.
To unlock the cost of your medically assisted weight loss treatment, please schedule a consultation at our office by contacting us online or calling our office at (305) 446-7700.
FAQ
What is the ideal BMI for medically assisted weight loss?
Patients who undergo medical weight loss often have a BMI of at least 30. However, patients with a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition may be recommended for a GLP-1 medication.
How long will it take to see the results of my medically assisted weight loss treatment with GLP-1 injections?
Patients can often start to see noticeable reductions in cravings and increased satiety with smaller food portions after the first few weeks of committed participation. Each patient’s timeline will slightly vary depending on their medication, dosage, and individual reaction. Adhering to a healthy routing, including regular exercise, can help enhance results.
What happens if my progress plateaus during my medically assisted weight loss treatment?
If you stop losing weight during your treatment, we will help you modify your plan. This may include adjustments in dosage, exercise output, or even caloric intake. We are committed to helping you see substantial results.
Will I be allowed to undergo any other treatments or procedures while undergoing medically assisted weight loss?
Patients can undergo another procedure to complement the effects of their medically assisted weight loss treatment. Some patients choose a form of IV therapy to help maximize their nutritional intake while they get used to the GLP-1 medication. Patients should wait to undergo any body contouring procedures until after they achieve their stable goal weight. Please reach out to a member of our team for more information and assistance.
References
- Sharath Kommu, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. Nih.gov. Published February 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/#article-162828.s5
- Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. PubMed. Published February 20, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/
- Rodriguez PJ, Goodwin Cartwright BM, Gratzl S, et al. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide for Weight Loss in Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2024;184(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.2525
