December 24, 2024 | Semaglutide
In this blog, you’ll learn from a plastic surgeon about effective strategies to manage the aesthetic side effects of semaglutide, as well as what treatments you can undergo to address these issues.
4 Min Read
How to Manage Semaglutide Weight Loss
There are many benefits, both physical and emotional, of weight loss with semaglutide. From feeling better about your body to seeing a reduction in cardiovascular risks, semaglutide offers people hope for weight loss when some have given up.
However, significant weight loss can come with its own pitfalls, including skin laxity and uneven contours. Thankfully, there are varying degrees of intervention you can implement to ensure you enjoy the most out of your weight loss journey and its results. From diet and exercise to surgical contouring, there is something for everyone.
Stay Healthy and Active
One of the best ways to deal with loose skin after getting the Skinny Shot is to exercise and build up your muscles.
Strength training exercises give you stronger muscles, which help fill out areas of your body that have loose, saggy skin. You can also do cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, or swimming to stay fit.
Eating a protein-rich diet is also critical for preserving and developing lean muscle tissue during this transition.
Hydration and Nutrition
Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your skin elastic and firm. When you’re well-hydrated, your skin can stretch and bounce back more easily.
The foods you eat also play a big role in skin health:
- Vitamin C helps build collagen, which gives your skin its strength and stretchiness. Good sources are oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
- Zinc is another nutrient that’s key for skin elasticity. You can get zinc from foods like lean meats, seafood, beans, and nuts.
- Healthy fats from foods like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish also nourish your skin from the inside and keep it supple.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrient-rich foods can help your skin adjust better as your body slims down.
Non-surgical Skin Tightening Treatments
For those seeking a no-downtime solution, procedures like non-surgical facelifts that use radiofrequency energy can tighten and lift mild to moderate skin laxity on the face and neck.
Dr. Frank Agullo offers additional non-surgical treatments that can be combined with the Skinny Shot to address skin laxity. Other non-invasive skin tightening options include ultrasound energy and laser therapies—all designed to gently heat the deeper skin layers to promote collagen production and firming.
The Benefits of FaceTite®
For people with a little bit of loose, saggy skin on their face and neck, the FaceTite® treatment is a great option. It is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it does not require major surgery.
FaceTite® uses a special technique called radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL). This technique does two things at the same time. First, it removes unwanted fat from the face and neck area. Second, it tightens up the skin to make it look smoother and firmer.
Surgical Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss
In cases of severe or widespread excess skin, surgical body contouring may be the most effective solution. Contouring procedures can remove hanging folds of skin for a smoother, tighter silhouette.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, addresses loose skin and separated abdominal muscles in the midsection after major weight loss. The procedure involves:
- Removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen
- Tightening the abdominal wall muscles
- Repositioning the belly button
Breast Lift
Significant weight changes can cause the breasts to sag and lose their youthful shape. A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and reshapes the breasts by:
- Removing excess skin
- Tightening the surrounding tissue
- Repositioning the nipple and areola
Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
An arm lift, or brachioplasty, improves the appearance of underarm laxity or “bat wings” by surgically removing loose skin and tightening the upper arm contours.
Body Lift
For comprehensive improvement, a body lift addresses excess skin on the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks in a single procedure. This more extensive surgery lifts and tightens the torso and lower body.
Be Patient and Kind to Yourself
Be patient and kind to yourself as you keep losing weight with semaglutide. Having loose, saggy skin may be frustrating, but it’s just a temporary side effect that can be addressed over time.
The important thing is you accomplished an incredible goal! With patience and the right treatments, you can address that last hurdle, too. For now, focus on how far you’ve come.
Interested in Body Contouring Procedures in El Paso, Texas?
Semaglutide provides an amazing opportunity for meaningful weight loss and improved health. But you don’t have to live with the side effects of loose, sagging skin. Call Southwest Plastic Surgery at (915) 590-7900 or visit our website today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Agullo.
