Semaglutide
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Roseville, Antelope, Citrus Heights, Rocklin and Sacramento, CA
Semaglutide is an injectable medication that has gained widespread popularity for its ability to help individuals lose and manage their weight. Being at an unhealthy weight can negatively impact one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Weight gain can be caused by many factors, such as genetics, lifestyle habits, hormone fluctuations, and more. (1)
If you are interested in enhancing your weight loss journey, NorCal Liposculpture can help you achieve the results you are seeking. Dr. Jack Friedlander can help each patient achieve their ideal weight goals as well as their desired figure. With countless years of combined experience and thousands of treated patients, Dr. Friedlander is known for consistently providing stunning results.
To schedule your personal consultation at our Sacramento office, please call our office at (916) 347-7755 or contact us online.
Contents
About Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a medication that was originally formulated for type 2 diabetes management but has been shown to have impressive results for weight loss. This medication is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and controls the release of insulin. This medication can also increase feelings of fullness in patients when eating smaller portions, helping them safely and effectively lose weight. Semaglutide is meant to be a long-term weight loss treatment, with most patients experiencing significant weight loss after approximately a year.
Benefits
Patients can experience many benefits after starting their semaglutide treatment, including:
- Significant Weight Loss: Some patients have reported losing approximately 15% of their total body weight while undergoing treatment. (2)
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Semaglutide enhances the production of insulin while simultaneously reducing blood glucose levels, aiding in weight management.
- Appetite Suppression: Patients report feeling less hungry and having reduced cravings, contributing to easier adherence to dietary restrictions.
- Enhanced Insulin Sensitivity: Improved insulin sensitivity can result in a more effective regulation of blood sugar levels.
- Cardiovascular Health Benefits: Semaglutide can reduce the risk of heart disease by improving one’s blood sugar, assisting with weight loss, and promoting better heart health overall.
- Convenient Dosing: Doses are taken once weekly, making it easy for patients to adhere to their regimens.
Candidates
Candidates for semaglutide are typically men or women over the age of 18 who are struggling with weight management or obesity. Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, as well as individuals interested in improving their blood sugar, may also be recommended for this treatment.
All candidates interested in semaglutide should be in good overall health with realistic expectations regarding what the treatment can accomplish. Candidates should also be prepared and willing to adhere to a long-term medication regimen, as semaglutide is intended to be used over an extended period. Dr. Friedlander will determine each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Each patient is asked to attend a consultation at our Sacramento office before starting treatment. Dr. Friedlander will perform a medical examination to evaluate each patient’s physical condition before learning more about their medical history, concerns, and ideal outcomes. From there, Dr. Friedlander will establish each patient’s treatment plan. Any necessary preparation and recovery instructions will be provided. We ask that each patient come prepared to openly converse about their weight loss goals.
To schedule your personal consultation, please call our office at (916) 347-7755 or contact us online.
Preparation
Each patient will receive a set of preparatory instructions at their consultation to help them properly prepare for their injections. While preparation is minimal, instructions should be followed for ideal results.
Patients are strongly recommended to adopt healthy lifestyle habits such as nutritious eating and regular exercise.
Procedure
The first injection will be given in our state-of-the-art clinic in Northern California. Subsequent injections can be administered at our facility or self-administered by the patient at their home. Dr. Friedlander or another specialist will show you how to properly administer your injections. Semaglutide can be administered into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Switching which injection site is used is recommended to prevent the overuse of one site.
In between your injections, please keep your semaglutide in your refrigerator to preserve the medication’s potency. Injections are taken every week, and it is recommended that patients schedule their injections on the same day each week for consistency.
Dr. Friedlander starts most patients at a dosage of 0.25 mg before adjusting it as needed. Any adjustments made to the dosage will be done after at least four weeks. (3)
To learn more about our other treatments, please read the NorCal Liposculpture blog!
Recovery
Patients will be able to return to work immediately after their treatment. Minor side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation may be experienced. These effects will subside as each patient becomes more accustomed to the medication. Over-the-counter antacid tablets, acid reflux medications, and others can be taken to alleviate symptoms. Staying hydrated is also key for minimizing potential side effects.
Results
The results of semaglutide will gradually become more apparent as patients continue receiving their weekly dosage. Patients can start to see the effects of their treatment within the first few weeks of their treatment, starting with increased feelings of satiety. (3)
Weight loss with semaglutide is gradual; patients can start to see substantial results after committing to a long-term medication regimen. (4)
After reaching their ideal weight, patients can decide if they would like to continue receiving treatment or discontinue their injections. Please note that if the medication is discontinued, patients are likely to experience an increase in appetite and may regain previously lost weight.
Complementary Procedures
After weight loss, there are many procedures that Dr. Friedlander can perform to help contour the body. Many patients experience “Ozempic body,” which refers to a condition that occurs after undergoing medically-assisted weight loss; patients can experience excess sagging skin around parts of their body, affecting their proportions and silhouette. Some patients also experience stubborn fat deposits in some areas that persist despite achieving substantial weight loss.
Some of the procedures that can be performed to help contour the body include the following:
- VASER Hi-Def Liposuction: VASER Hi-Def Liposuction is a body sculpting procedure that helps selectively remove fat deposits. VASER stands for “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance.” This technology utilizes ultrasound waves to break down fat gently in specific parts of the body. Patients will be able to enjoy a slimmer silhouette after undergoing this procedure. Dr. Friedlander specializes in VASER liposuction and is actively recognized as a leader in high-definition liposuction.
- Emsculpt: Emsculpt is a minimally invasive procedure that can help patients build muscle through strong, involuntary muscle contractions, also referred to as “supramaximal muscle contractions.” This cutting-edge treatment can tone various parts of the body, such as the arms, calves, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. One Emsculpt session can accomplish the equivalent of 20,000 crunches, with results becoming apparent in just a few weeks.
- Renuvion (J-Plasma): Renuvion is a skin-tightening treatment that works by harnessing the power of a combination of radiofrequency (RF) energy and helium plasma. The dual action of this treatment heats the tissues and causes collagen contraction.
To learn more about the other treatments we offer, please read the NorCal Liposculpture blog!
Cost of Semaglutide in Sacramento
The cost of each patient’s semaglutide regimen will depend on several factors, such as the necessary dosages over time and the length of treatment. Each patient will receive a cost estimate at their consultation after a professional establishes their treatment plan.
NorCal Liposculpture is proud to be partnered with multiple reputable lending companies to help qualifying patients finance the cost of their treatment.
To unlock the cost of your semaglutide treatment, please call (916) 347-7755 or contact us online, and a member of our team will get in touch!
FAQ
Can semaglutide lower blood sugar?
Yes, semaglutide has been linked to lower blood sugar levels in patients.
How long will I need to take semaglutide?
The duration of treatment will vary according to each patient’s goals and progress. However, this medication is designed for long-term use.
What are some common side effects of semaglutide?
Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Most of these side effects are mild and will dissipate on their own.
Is semaglutide safe for everyone?
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for semaglutide. Individuals with certain medical conditions, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are not eligible for this medication. Your candidacy will be determined by a professional 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/
- Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- Kommu S, Whitfield P. Semaglutide. PubMed. Published February 11, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/
- Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature Medicine. 2022;28(10):2083-2091. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4