When it comes to gaining a more athletic, toned, and fit physique, it’s not uncommon for patients in Philadelphia and beyond to question whether their goals would be more effectively achieved with weight loss medications or aesthetic procedures like a tummy tuck. In determining the best way to achieve the sleek, defined contours you desire, it’s important to understand the limitations of each treatment option. Dr. David Bottger, an acclaimed Philadelphia board-certified plastic surgeon, can talk to you about your expectations and help you develop an ideal treatment plan to bring your desired results to the surface.
Understanding Semaglutide Weight Loss Medications
Semaglutide injections, popularly referred to by brand names like Ozempic and WeGovy, function as GLP-1 receptor agonists which can regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite upon injection. This helps patients feel fuller faster than they normally would, allowing gradual and noticeable weight loss. While these medications can help reduce overall body fat — including belly fat — by promoting weight loss, they do not specifically target the abdominal area. They also cannot tighten excess skin or stretched muscles compromising a more toned midsection. Therefore, semaglutide injections are usually more ideal for men and women whose primary goal is reduced BMI or general weight loss.
Understanding the Power of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
In contrast, a tummy tuck is often considered the go-to treatment to slim, tighten, and smooth the belly area. Not only can the body contouring procedure remove excess skin and tighten stretched out abdominal muscles, but surgery tends to reveal a sleeker, more defined core. The result is often a more toned, flatter abdomen achieved by directly addressing excess skin and muscle laxity.
Key Takeaway
All in all, you should consult with a board-certified aesthetic surgeon to learn the best technique(s) to achieve your goals. If you have excess fat and want gradual, non-surgical weight loss, you may consider weight loss injections. For those who have loose skin and weakened muscles after weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck can help reveal more athletic body contours. Patients in need of both fat reduction and skin tightening, it can be most helpful to consider weight loss injections first to lose weight, followed by a tummy tuck for excess skin removal.
Questions? Contact Dr. David Bottger at our Philadelphia office to book a consultation or to learn more.