Weight Loss Treatments
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, Boerne and McAllen, TX
Medically-assisted weight loss is an effective, evidence-based approach to reducing body fat and achieving sustainable results.
Obesity is the abnormal accumulation of fat in the body and is caused by an imbalance between food intake and energy expenditure. This condition can be complicated by a variety of genetic, cultural, and societal factors. (1) This condition is complex and can lead to the risk of developing a variety of negative health effects, such as hypertension or high cholesterol. If you have been struggling to lose weight, one of our transformative weight loss treatments may help you achieve the results you desire.
At New Life Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, our team of trained experts is dedicated to helping patients feel more comfortable and confident in their skin. Led by Dr. Daniel Lee, our practice has quickly become one of the top aesthetic destinations in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley, known for consistently providing exceptional results.
To schedule a consultation and start your treatment, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our McAllen office at (956) 969-8369 or our Boerne office at (830) 515-5193.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 About Weight Loss Treatments
- 3 Benefits
- 4 Candidates
- 5 Personal Consultation
- 6 Preparation
- 7 Procedure
- 8 Recovery & Results
- 9 Corresponding Procedures
- 10 Cost of Weight Loss Treatments in San Antonio
- 11 FAQ
- 11.1 How long will it take to achieve my weight loss goals after starting my weight loss treatment?
- 11.2 Are there any side effects to taking weight loss treatments?
- 11.3 How do weight loss treatments work?
- 11.4 Who is a good candidate for weight loss treatments?
- 11.5 Can my weight loss treatment be combined with another for more comprehensive results?
- 12 References
Before and After Photos
About Weight Loss Treatments
Our weight loss treatments are a safe and effective way for patients to reduce their weight under the guidance of an expert. At New Life Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we offer a variety of weight loss medications to help patients achieve their goals, including medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. We are monitoring investigational treatments like retatrutide as they progress through clinical trials, but they are not currently available.
Semaglutide*
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved injectable medication that was originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but has been tremendously effective for weight loss. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, meaning it mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help lower blood sugar, increase the release of insulin, and reduce one’s overall appetite. (2)
Tirzepatide*
Tirzepatide is a dual receptor agonist that replicates both the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors as well as the GLP-1 receptors. This FDA-approved treatment is known for being highly effective and further enhances insulin secretion, with patients reducing their body weight by an average of 16.5-22.4% after 72 weeks. (3)
Retatrutide
Retatrutide is an investigational medication currently undergoing clinical trials for obesity treatment. Early data suggest it may be highly effective, with ongoing studies assessing its use in both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. (4)
*Semaglutide and tirzepatide may be used off-label for weight management when clinically appropriate.
Benefits
Medical weight loss offers numerous advantages that extend just beyond numbers on a scale. Several benefits of our weight loss treatments include:
- Effective Weight Management: Our weight loss treatments provide proven methods to achieve and maintain a healthy weight long-term, emphasizing sustainability rather than quick-fix or crash diets.
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Improving one’s weight can reduce risks associated with obesity, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Weight loss treatments can help increase energy levels, mobility, and overall physical comfort, enabling patients to fully engage in their daily activities.
- Personalized Support: Patients will have continuous guidance, access, and support from our team throughout their treatment.
- Boosted Confidence: Losing weight can help patients feel better and more confident about their bodies, leading to improvements in their self-esteem and overall happiness.
- Long-Term Strategies: Undergoing a structured weight loss treatment can help equip patients with strategies and tools to prevent future weight gain.
Candidates
The most suitable candidates for our weight loss treatments consist of those interested in losing and effectively managing their weight long-term. Interested patients should also have a BMI of over 30 or a BMI of 27 with one or more weight-related conditions. (2) Each candidate should be in good overall health and free from underlying medical conditions that may impair healing. Realistic expectations should also be held regarding what our treatments can accomplish, and all prospective patients should be willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle to enhance the results of their treatment. Each patient’s eligibility will be determined by our wellness specialist during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
Before starting their weight loss journey, each patient will need to attend a personal consultation. During this meeting, one of our wellness specialists will explain the details of our treatments before conversing with the patient about their medical history, current prescriptions, concerns, and desired results. Using this information, the wellness specialist will craft a treatment plan. Each treatment plan includes ongoing support and monitoring from our team to ensure progression is healthy, safe, and efficient.
To schedule your personal consultation at either of our offices, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our McAllen office at (956) 969-8369 or our Boerne office at (830) 515-5193.
Preparation
Once a treatment plan has been established, the wellness specialist will prepare a set of personalized guidelines to help them prepare for the start of their treatment. It is strongly recommended to adopt healthy lifestyle habits in advance, such as regular exercise, maintaining a nutritious diet, and staying hydrated. While preparation is straightforward, each guideline set by our wellness specialist should be followed to minimize any side effects and help the body adjust more quickly.
Procedure
Semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide are each administered as part of a regular, weekly series of injections, typically on the same day each week for consistency. Our wellness specialist will show the patient how to take their medication, which will be self-administered by the patient in the comfort of their own home. When receiving their first injection, the wellness specialist will cleanse and sterilize the patient’s skin. They will then show the patient how to inject their medication subcutaneously using a fine needle. Patients need to keep their medication refrigerated between doses to maintain its potency.
All three treatments can be delivered into either the thigh or abdomen, while semaglutide and tirzepatide can also be delivered into the upper arm. The patient’s session will be fairly quick, becoming much quicker once performed at home.
Recovery & Results
After receiving their injections, patients can immediately return to their daily routines, as there is no downtime associated with semaglutide, tirzepatide, or retatrutide. As their bodies adjust to the medication, many individuals may experience effects such as nausea, soft stools, or other gastrointestinal changes, which typically subside within several days.
Throughout the patient’s treatment, they will be able to experience a gradual decrease in their overall appetite and cravings, as well as increased feelings of satiety after eating smaller portions of food. As their weight continues to decline, many patients can also see more controlled blood sugar levels, as well as a decrease in overall blood pressure and cholesterol. Once patients reach their desired weight, they may have the option to either stop treatment or go on a maintenance dose. If treatment ends, patients should be aware that their previous habits and appetite may return, leading them to regain their lost weight.
Results may vary. Weight loss and other outcomes are dependent on many individual factors, including adherence to prescribed treatment and lifestyle changes.
Corresponding Procedures
Many procedures can be performed to complement the effects of the patient’s weight loss treatment. As patients lose weight, some may experience inelastic skin that will not retract. This can cause the development of loose skin or ptosis (sagging). Our team can perform liposuction and Emsculpt to help the patient enhance the results of their weight loss.
To learn more about the other procedures that may be performed alongside your weight loss treatment, please read our blog!
Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as suction-assisted lipectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate stubborn deposits of fat from various areas using a suctioning tube called a cannula. This procedure is one of the most widely performed cosmetic procedures in the world and can effectively leave patients with more slender and sculpted curves.
EMSCULPT
EMSCULPT is a non-invasive body contouring procedure that can increase muscle mass and reduce excess fat. This treatment utilizes high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM) to induce muscle contractions, leaving them with a more toned and contoured figure.
Cost of Weight Loss Treatments in San Antonio
The cost of each weight loss treatment can vary between patients, depending on the medication prescribed, their desired goals, the length of treatment, and more. Our wellness specialist will disclose the pricing of each patient’s treatment once a plan is determined.
New Life Cosmetic Surgery and Medspa additionally offers various financing options to help each patient achieve their goals in a financially feasible way. Our patient coordinators will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding financing during the consultation.
To learn more about the cost of your weight loss treatment, please contact us online. To speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation over the phone, please call our McAllen office at (956) 969-8369 or our Boerne office at (830) 515-5193.
FAQ
How long will it take to achieve my weight loss goals after starting my weight loss treatment?
Each patient’s weight loss timeline can vary.
Are there any side effects to taking weight loss treatments?
Yes, some patients may experience temporary side effects, such as nausea or gastrointestinal changes, but many find that these effects diminish as their body adapts to their medication.
How do weight loss treatments work?
Weight loss medications mimic hormones in the body that affect appetite regulation, helping patients feel fuller from smaller portions and making it easier to reduce calorie intake.
Who is a good candidate for weight loss treatments?
Suitable candidates include patients with a BMI of 30 or above, or those with a BMI of 27 or above with one weight-related condition. Individuals who have struggled to lose weight traditionally may also be considered.
Can my weight loss treatment be combined with another for more comprehensive results?
Yes, we offer many procedures that can be performed to complement the effects of your weight loss. For more information, we recommend discussing these options with your wellness specialist during your personal consultation.
References
- Panuganti KK, Kshirsagar RK, Nguyen M. Obesity. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459357/
- Kommu S, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. PubMed. Published February 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
- Farzam K, Patel P. Tirzepatide. PubMed. Published February 20, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585056/
- Lilly’s phase 2 retatrutide results published in The New England Journal of Medicine show the investigational molecule achieved up to 17.5% mean weight reduction at 24 weeks in adults with obesity and overweight | Eli Lilly and Company. Eli Lilly and Company. Published 2022. https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lillys-phase-2-retatrutide-results-published-new-england-journal
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any weight loss program or medication.
