Semaglutide / Wegovy for Weight Loss
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology in New York offers semaglutide (Wegovy), an injectable medication for adults seeking to lose excess weight.
It helps patients feel fuller, eat less, and lose significant weight. With over 28 years of experience, our qualified medical team provides exceptional care and education on proper injection techniques. Wegovy represents an exciting new option for those who have struggled to achieve a slimmer shape through other means.
If you are considering a Semaglutide / Wegovy for Weight Loss or would like to learn more about this transformative procedure, we encourage you to contact our practice at (888) 680-2090. Consultations are available at our New York City location in Manhattan, our office in Scarsdale, or one of our offices on Long Island: Southampton, Smithtown, or Woodbury, as well as, Princeton, and Boca Raton. Our staff will be happy to assist you in scheduling a consultation with our team to explore your options and begin your journey toward a more confident and rejuvenated you.
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What Is Semaglutide (Wegovy)?
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription medication used for chronic weight management. It acts on receptors in the brain to increase feelings of fullness and decrease appetite. Semaglutide comes in a prefilled pen for a weekly injection just under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The average length of treatment with semaglutide is 68 weeks – it is intended for long-term use alongside diet and exercise. Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2021 specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or excess weight.
Wegovy® is the brand name for a semaglutide formulation produced by Novo Nordisk. By mimicking a natural hormone, Wegovy can help patients lose weight and improve their overall health.
Consultation & Preparation for Semaglutide Injections
Before starting semaglutide injections, patients should schedule a consultation with our doctor to discuss if this treatment is appropriate based on their medical history and weight management goals. If prescribed, the provider will explain how to properly inject semaglutide under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a prefilled pen device. They will also review common side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and when these require medical attention.
It is important to understand the injection technique, rotation of injection sites, safe storage requirements, and the weekly dose escalation schedule. Proper preparation and education help set realistic expectations about weight loss results, diet and lifestyle changes needed, and ongoing follow-ups to monitor progress.
Semaglutide Injection Procedure
Regimen
Patients should start with a weekly dose of 0.25 mg during the first month and increase to 0.5 mg in the second month. This gradual shift allows the body to adjust and avoid gastrointestinal side effects. Next, the dose should increase in the following way:
- 3rd month – 1 mg
- 4th month – 1.7 mg
- 5th month and onward – 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg (depending on the doctor’s recommendation)
The semaglutide injection itself is very quick and straightforward. No special preparations are involved. It simply requires inserting the pre-filled injection pen into the skin and pressing a button to deliver the medication. We will demonstrate this procedure during a consultation.
Injection Site
Choose an area of skin on the stomach, thigh, or upper arm that is not sore, bruised, or damaged. Wipe the area with an alcohol pad and let the skin air dry. Semaglutide should be injected in a different spot every time.
Insert the Needle
Grasp the skin firmly and insert the needle straight into it at a 90-degree angle. The entire needle should go in. It is important to inject it only into the skin. Do not direct this medication into a muscle or vein.
Inject the Dose
Once the needle is fully inserted, press the injection button on the end of the pen. Hold for 5-10 seconds, then remove the needle.
Discard the Pen
After the procedure, we recommend putting the used pen in a sharps disposal container. This will help prevent injuries and protect others.
Recovery After Weight Loss Injections
The recovery period after discontinuing semaglutide treatment varies for each individual. However, most people find that the effects of this medication begin wearing off within a few weeks to months after the last dose. Appetite and hunger levels start returning to normal during this time. It is important to continue following a healthy diet and exercise plan to maintain weight loss results.
Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as the body adjusts to no longer receiving semaglutide. Staying hydrated and slowly adapting eating habits can help ease digestion during recovery. Most people transition smoothly off of semaglutide, keeping a stable weight as long as they continue their improved lifestyle habits. Working closely with our doctor when discontinuing Wegovy can help ensure the appropriate recovery plan is in place for each patient’s health needs.
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Candidates for Semaglutide (Wegovy)
Failed Attempts to Lose Body Weight
Many candidates for semaglutide have tried but not succeeded in losing weight through diet, exercise, and/or other anti-obesity medications. As an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, Wegovy represents a new class of weight loss treatments.
Body Mass Index
Semaglutide is indicated for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30+ or 27+. People with a BMI in one of these ranges are eligible for treatment with Wegovy.
Additional Health Conditions
In addition to proper BMI, patients should have at least one other health condition associated with excess weight. These include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and fatty liver disease. Having one or more of these conditions in conjunction with obesity supports the use of semaglutide weight loss injections.
No Contraindications
Patients with certain diseases may not be eligible because semaglutide can increase the risks of health problems. For example, people with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should avoid semaglutide injections. Another contraindication is the presence of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Commitment to Lifestyle Changes
Semaglutide works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. Patients who are committed to following a diet and increasing physical activity are good candidates for this treatment. The medication works synergistically with lifestyle modifications for greater weight loss results. Patients should be willing to make and sustain these changes to get the most out of semaglutide therapy.
Benefits of Weight Loss Injections
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is a highly effective weight loss medication, especially if patients combine it with decreased calorie intake and exercise. It provides a wide range of benefits:
- Significant weight loss. Semaglutide helps patients lose weight and keep it off. In clinical trials, people lost an average of 14.9% of their initial body weight over 68 weeks.
- Lowers blood sugar levels. Wegovy can benefit patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Improves cardiovascular health. Semaglutide reduces cardiovascular risk factors, such as waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipids.
- Easy to use. Weight loss shots can be self-administered at home with an easy-to-use pen device.
- Well-tolerated. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They tend to be mild and decline over time.
Cost of Semaglutide (Wegovy) in New York
The cost of Wegovy in New York ranges from $900 to $1,500 per month without insurance. The price depends on dosing and on the variation in out-of-pocket expenses. Patients with public health insurance like Medicaid may have the medication fully or largely covered, while those with private commercial plans can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to the full out-of-pocket cost.
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology offers all major financing plans – CareCredit, PatientFi, and Alphaeon Credit – to help patients manage payments and facilitate weight loss with maximum comfort.
FAQs
People seeking the best possible results with semaglutide can benefit from the excellent care provided at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. With over 28 years of experience performing thousands of cosmetic procedures, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg stays at the forefront of the latest technology and techniques. He is Ivy League-trained and has multiple board certifications, making him one of the most qualified doctors in New York.
Our team includes many skilled professionals who are dedicated to patient satisfaction and well-being. We have refined our semaglutide programs to make them as effective and safe as possible. Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology is an excellent choice for patients seeking exceptional treatment and impressive results on their weight loss journey.
References
- Rocha RI, Junior WC, Modolin MLA, Takahashi GG, Caldini ETEG, Gemperli R. Skin Changes Due to Massive Weight Loss: Histological Changes and the Causes of the Limited Results of Contouring Surgeries. Obesity Surgery. 2021;31(4):1505-1513. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-020-05100-3
- Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/#:~:text=Introduction-
- Martinez AA, Chung S. Breast Ptosis. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567792/
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