Tirzepatide is a medication that treats type-2 diabetes and initiates weight loss in overweight or obese patients. ⁽¹⁾ Like semaglutide, it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. These medications cause the pancreas to secrete more insulin, lowering blood sugar levels. This process greatly reduces cravings and slows down the body’s digestion, leading to patients feeling satiated for longer. When combined with regular diet and exercise, tirzepatide promotes weight loss and a healthier, more active lifestyle.

As a medspa that has served the patients of Southern California for over 20 years, DermFx’s team of experienced and knowledgeable providers offers a wide array of cosmetic treatments that range from skin treatments to body contouring. If you struggle with weight management or are looking for an effective way to achieve your goal weight, schedule a consultation with DermFx today and find out what tirzepatide can do for you.

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What Does Tirzepatide Do?

Tirzepatide is a weight loss medication that functions in two ways. It stimulates both the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors in the body. GLP-1 and GIP are hormones naturally released by the body after meals, aiding in glycemic control. ⁽¹⁾ Taken prior to meals, tirzepatide facilitates insulin release to lower blood sugar and delay stomach emptying. ⁽²⁾ This action not only boosts insulin production but also inhibits glucagon, a hormone responsible for liver glucose production, resulting in enhanced overall insulin production for blood sugar balance.

Moreover, when utilized for weight loss, it manages glucose levels, curbing hunger even with reduced food intake. By managing glucose levels, tirzepatide aids in reduced food consumption while maintaining blood sugar stability, contributing to significant weight loss alongside dietary and exercise interventions.

Benefits of Tirzepatide

Ideal Candidates for Tirzepatide

In order to undergo treatment with tirzepatide, patients must be in good overall health with reasonable expectations for the outcome. Patients experience optimal results with a combination of tirzepatide and regulated diet and exercise. For the most effective results, patients should be willing to make and maintain healthier lifestyle choices for long periods of time. DermFx’s providers are well-equipped to help patients create a plan that works for them and their busy schedules to get the most out of treatment.

Personal Consultation at DermFX

During your private consultation, we will discuss a potential weight-loss plan with you. We will guide you through the whole process after performing a physical examination to determine your overall health. If we find you are a good candidate, we will explain how tirzepatide works in detail. You should inform us of your current medications so we can suggest adjustments if they are necessary.

Please take some time during your first appointment to ask any questions you may have. Our providers take great care to make sure you are comfortable and prepared for any type of treatment with us. At the end of your consultation, they will schedule your next appointment and follow-ups to closely monitor your health during the process.

Preparation

Before starting tirzepatide, you should refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications that cause blood thinning. This includes ibuprofen and vitamin E. If you smoke, we require that you quit at least 2 weeks prior to your consultation, and refrain from tobacco and nicotine use during treatment. You should drink plenty of water and eat a small meal before your first injection to curb any digestive side effects like nausea and diarrhea.

Tirzepatide is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. If you have underlying medical conditions that might interrupt this process, please let your provider know before starting your plan with DermFx. This will help us support and follow your progress closely throughout the entire treatment plan.

Tirzepatide Injections

Tirzapatide treatment typically involves regular administration of the medication through injections. It is injected under the skin using a pre-filled pen or syringe. The dosage may vary depending on individual factors such as weight, medical history, and response to treatment. Typically, patients start at a low dose and gradually increase incrementally over time to minimize side effects and optimize efficacy. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule and follow our instructions closely while using tirzepatide for weight loss. Missing doses or deviating from the recommended regimen may affect its effectiveness.

Recovery & Results

There is little to no recovery time associated with tirzepatide treatment. You may experience slight gastrointestinal symptoms, but these subside quickly as your body adjusts to the medication. If these persist or become severe, please contact us immediately and we will adjust your plan accordingly.

Patients typically experience a body weight reduction of 21% after utilizing tirzepatide. ⁽¹⁾ With the addition of a healthy and regulated diet and exercise routine, this plan helps patients lose weight and maintain their new physique even after the last injection.

Corresponding Treatments

Emsculpt NEO

DermFx offers non-invasive treatments to sculpt the body and remove stubborn fat deposits. Emsculpt NEO uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF) technology to build muscle and remove fat at the same time. It smooths and tones the abdomen and other areas of the body by contracting the muscles with HIFEM energy. It works the muscles the same way that a hard workout would by instigating continuous muscle contraction. Emsculpt could be an optimal addition to a weight loss plan that utilizes tirzepatide.

CoolSculpting Elite

CoolSculpting Elite is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that targets and eliminates stubborn fat cells using controlled cooling technology. It works by freezing fat cells, causing them to crystallize and die off, without harming surrounding tissues. This process, known as cryolipolysis, results in gradual fat reduction in treated areas, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and chin.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 is an innovative and advanced non-surgical facial treatment that combines the power of radiofrequency microneedling with skin tightening and collagen production. This cutting-edge procedure provides deep dermal remodeling and subdermal adipose remodeling, which results in a remarkable transformation of the face, combatting the skin laxity of “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic body” that some patients experience.

Cost of Tirzepatide Treatment in Southern California

The total cost of tirzepatide varies between patients to fit their specific needs. Your provider takes into account your starting point and overall health, medical history, and cosmetic goals before planning your treatment. They provide an estimated price during your private consultation.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment at a DermFx location nearest you:

To learn more about DermFx and available treatments, check out our blog.

FAQ

References

1. Thomas Leth Jensen, Brønden A, Karstoft K, Sonne D, Christensen M. The Body Weight Reducing Effects of Tirzepatide in People with and without Type 2 Diabetes: a Review on Efficacy and Adverse Effects. Patient Preference and Adherence. 2024;Volume 18:373-382. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ppa.s419304
2. Lin F, Yu B, Ling B, et al. Weight Loss Efficiency and Safety of tirzepatide: a Systematic Review. PloS One. 2023;18(5):e0285197. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285197