Weight Loss Injections

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

Semaglutide is a peptide-based medication that helps the release of insulin and reduces your appetite. It can also manage diabetic symptoms and aid in a patient’s weight loss. Typically taken to manage excess weight, semaglutide initiates weight loss by stimulating a glucose-dependent release of insulin from the pancreas and curbing hunger. (1) For patients struggling with their weight, semaglutide treatment can help them achieve their weight-loss goals and maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Monika Kiripolsky is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained  laser and cosmetic surgeon practicing in Beverly Hills. With multiple areas of expertise, Dr. Kiripolsky is dedicated to providing all-encompassing aesthetic services for her patients. To learn more about semaglutide and what treatment can do for you, schedule your consultation with her today by calling (424) 652-6563. You may also fill out our online form and we will get back to you soon.  

All About Semaglutide

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) that is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. (1) It is part of a class of antidiabetic medications that promotes rapid weight loss. When combined with diet and exercise, semaglutide is a helpful stepping stone to achieving your health goals.

Insulin Regulation

If the body does not naturally produce enough insulin, it cannot use sugar properly. This results in blood sugar irregularities and incorrect energy intake. Semaglutide actively reduces blood sugar levels to regulate Type 2 diabetes. This has the same effect when applied to weight regulation in patients without the condition. When insulin is consistent, your appetite decreases and your blood sugar levels out, allowing patients to use the energy already stored in the body. 

Semaglutide Treatment Options

Studies show that semaglutide used in overweight patients can induce the loss of 9-17% of the patient’s body weight within 68 weeks of use. (1) Consistent use of semaglutide can both induce weight loss and help a patient keep it off. Due to recent improvements of the drug, semaglutide injections have an extended half-life, making weekly injection treatments possible. (2)

What is Tirzepatide?

Like semaglutide, tirzapatide has been shown to achieve substantial weight loss in clinical trials, making it an appealing option for individuals struggling to lose weight through conventional means. It is a novel medication that mimics the effects of two hormones, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide). These hormones play key roles in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite.

Benefits

Semaglutide treatment may benefit you by improving

  • Weight fluctuation
  • Waist circumference
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Blood pressure

Keeping a healthier weight using semaglutide reduces your risk of cardiovascular conditions, developing type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Carrying less weight also improves joint health, behavioral health, and increases your lifespan. Losing weight through diet and exercise is typically difficult. Semaglutide treatment can both improve your weight loss rate and support behavioral and lifestyle habits that are already in place.

Ideal Candidates

Semaglutide is an adequate treatment option for those with a BMI of 30 or higher and are looking for a way to enhance or safely speed up weight loss. If you have a BMI of 27 or greater and have weight-related ailments like high cholesterol or hypertension, semaglutide treatments can promote healthy weight loss. You must be in good overall health with no underlying conditions. You must have realistic expectations and a commitment to eating healthier, maintaining an exercise routine, and a willingness for positive lifestyle changes to aid weight loss.

You may not be a good candidate for semaglutide if you have the following attributes:

  • History of depression
  • Digestion problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Pancreatitis

Personal Consultation with Dr. Kiripolsky

During your private consultation with Dr. Kiripolsky, she will ask about your complete medical history to assess your candidacy for semaglutide treatment. This appointment will provide time to ask questions and voice any related concerns about your treatment plan. Dr. Kiripolsky will perform a comprehensive physical examination to confirm your health. All necessary blood tests will also be performed, and she will provide treatment instructions and details. If you are deemed a good candidate, a portion of this appointment will be spent exploring your treatment options. 

After your consultation, a member of Dr. Kiripolsky’s staff will assist you with scheduling several follow-up appointments. To closely follow your progress and assess dosage, she will meet with you periodically throughout the treatment process. 

Preparation

Before starting your semaglutide treatment, you must first implement a healthy diet and exercise routine into your daily life, aiming for at least 30 minutes of continuous exercise most days of the week keeps you active and on track. By doing this beforehand and continuing it throughout your plan, you give yourself a better chance of reaching your goals. Staying hydrated before, during, and after your treatments can greatly increase your health and prevent potential side effects. Keep a consistent sleep schedule and manage your stress levels to help control your blood sugar.

Inform Dr. Kiripolsky about your allergies, daily medications, and herbal remedies you currently take. Semaglutide might hinder their efficacy, especially if the oral treatment plan is your preferred method. 

Semaglutide Treatment

Patients administer weekly injection treatments themselves from the comfort of home. The medication is pre-packaged in single use syringes  for convenience. Ideal treatment areas including the fleshy lower stomach, thigh, or the upper arm. Injections should happen once a week around the same time of day for best results. (3) 

Dr. Kiripolsky customizes her treatment plan to each patient to help them achieve their weight loss goals with minimal side effects. With her over 20 years of medical expertise, Dr. Kiripolsky knows how to achieve transformative results with her patients while keeping them at the lowest dosing possible.

Recovery & Results

Semaglutide treatment may cause dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and headaches. These can be curbed by starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it as treatment continues. To prevent regaining lost weight, please continue the daily habits put in place before and during your treatment plan. Rapid weight loss treatments often result in some weight gain when the treatment is terminated, but maintaining commitments to your health preserves your hard work.

The results of semaglutide can be gradual or fairly rapid depending on patient circumstance. You may not experience weight loss until after the first 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. After your dose is increased, you may start to notice slimming effects. If at any point you are concerned about treatment or its effects, please contact Dr. Kiripolsky immediately to reevaluate. 

If you are curious about other treatments offered by Dr. Kiripolsky, read her blog for more information.

How Much Does Semaglutide Treatment Cost in Beverly Hills?

The cost of semaglutide treatment is completely dependent on your chosen application process and its length. Longer treatment lengths can sometimes lead to better results, and Dr. Kiripolsky explains your perceived trajectory during your private consultation. To schedule yours today, call our Beverly Hills office at (424) 652-6563.

FAQ

What happens if I accidentally miss a dose of semaglutide?

If you miss a dose, administer it when you remember.  Do not double up your dose if you forget and five days have passed.

Is semaglutide the same thing as insulin?

No. Semaglutide is not a type of insulin or a suitable substitute for insulin. For this medication to work, the body must already procedure insulin. It helps with insulin regulation, but cannot create insulin from scratch.

Can I take semaglutide if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are currently or planning on being pregnant soon after or during semaglutide treatment, you are not permitted to receive it. In fact, those who plan on getting pregnant must wait for several weeks after treatment to avoid risking early pregnancy loss.

How long will my semaglutide treatment be?

The amount of time you spend on semaglutide is determined by the amount of weight you wish to lose.

How can I track my own weight loss progress throughout semaglutide treatments?

You may consider monitoring your weight and waistline circumference during treatment by taking occasional measurements. This also helps you assess if the treatment is working for you.

References

  1. Chao AM, Tronieri JS, Amaro A, Wadden TA. Clinical Insight on Semaglutide for Chronic Weight Management in Adults: Patient Selection and Special Considerations. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2022;Volume 16:4449-4461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s365416
  2. Ghusn W, De la Rosa A, Sacoto D, et al. Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(9):e2231982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982
  3. Isaacs DM, Kruger DF, Spollett GR. Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes With Oral Semaglutide: A Patient-Centered Approach. Diabetes Spectrum. 2020;34(1):7-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.2337/ds20-0016