Deciding the right route to go for fat reduction can be an overwhelming process that can involve input from healthcare providers, loved ones, and personal emotions. We want our patients to be well informed and confident in their choices, so we have plainly broken out what you can expect if you choose to take weight loss medications, or if you choose to go with Smartlipo™. If after reading this you still have questions or are feeling unsure, give us a call- Our medical professionals are always happy to discuss your options with you!
GLP-1 Agnostics- What are they and what are the implications?
GLP1-Agnostics are a class of diabetes medications that were created to help users manage diabetes through reducing hunger, slowing digestion, and thus, promoting weight loss. The most common agents include Semaglutide (Ozempic), Saxenda, Victoza, and Wegovy. You may have also heard about a new upcoming class GLP-1/GIP agonists, which will be sold under the names Tirzepatide or Mounjaro. While these medications can be very beneficial for users who live with type 2 diabetes or struggle with obesity, these are complex medications with many risks that must be weighed carefully, and in consultation with your healthcare provider.
Things to Consider with GLP1-Agnostics and Semaglutide:
- Must be prescribed and closely monitored by healthcare professionals, as these medications can be harmful and potentially deadly if misused.
- Medications only work while you are taking them, meaning you will need to continue taking them indefinitely if you want to maintain weight loss.
- Oftentimes, these medications are very expensive, and are currently in short supply.
- Change in face structure (commonly coined “Ozempic face”) due to fat being burned disproportionately in various areas.
- Physical side effects include, but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
How Does SmartLipo™ Compare to Weight Loss medications?
First, note that liposuction is not meant to be a weight loss alternative. Liposuction removes fat cells from targeted areas, and once the fat is removed it will never come back. Unlike Semaglutide and other weight loss medications that will only be effective while you are actively taking the medication, liposuction coupled with healthy lifestyle choices can lead to permanent and life long results.
Liposuction is a routine and thoroughly understood procedure, while the impacts of GLP1-Agnostics are not fully understood as they are still fairly new to the market. Additionally, as there is high demand and shortages of GLP1-agnostics available to the public, knock off brands with even lesser-known side effects are beginning to pop up. Liposuction accounts for just shy of 15% of all cosmetic surgeries performed across the globe, and doctors like ours who specialize in this surgery have performed it countless times. While there are risks with any surgery that requires anesthesia, liposuction is so widely performed that the risks, and risk reduction options, have been studied comprehensively and are well known to cosmetic surgeons.
Cost is also a common factor in deciding whether or not to go the surgical route. While SmartLipo™ will require a larger upfront investment compared to medications, lipo is a permanent solution. While filling one prescription may be cheaper in the short term, if you plan to maintain results, you will need to account for staying on these medications for life. As you can imagine, the costs of being on an expensive medication indefinitely can quickly supersede that of a one time procedure.
Ultimately, the decision to get liposuction (or to go on a GLP1-Agnostics medication) should be taken very seriously and should not be rushed. Our team of healthcare professionals are here to support you and provide unbiased information to assist you in making the decision that is best for you. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and to learn more about your options!