Between January 2018 and December 2024, approximately 8.4 million GLP-1 medications were filled—safe to say, they’re more than just a little popular. You’ve likely been a part of these conversations discussing the benefits of medical peptide weight loss (GLP1s) in doctor’s offices, in med spas, on social media, in the news, at lunches with friends and on the playground while children play. At this point, we know that the benefits of these peptides go way beyond what any of us initially thought. Some of the benefits, besides the obvious weight loss, include reducing inflammation linked to chronic diseases, decreasing PCOS symptoms, reducing risk for heart failure, decreasing insulin resistance and patients A1C levels.
Over a period of a year, I’ve lost 28 pounds and maintained it. My active weight loss happening within an 8-month window. I was never overweight, but as my age crept toward the dreaded 4-0, my weight also started to creep up. I had always prided myself on living an extremely active lifestyle (this girl loves her Peloton) and for the most part- a good diet. But as a working mom of 4, that sugar craving at 5:00 PM as I prepped myself for 4.5 hours of “Momming” hits hard. When I began Tirzepatide in the early part of 2024 it gave me an opportunity to reassess my relationship with food and had me looking deeper at why I ate the things I ate and WHEN I ate them. In terms of weight loss, I achieved success. Am I healthier? Absolutely. My A1C was back at a better place, I have more energy, my clothes fit better, and I’m feeling the most confident I have ever been. BUT…were there other side effects to losing weight, and in a relatively short amount of time? Yes. Many patients on a weight loss journey and even as they age will experience facial volume loss, and thankfully we have the perfect solution for that.
What is Sculptra?
Sculptra is an injectable biostimulator. Once injected, Sculptra acts like “seeds” planted beneath your skin to stimulate your body to “grow” more collagen. The areas Sculptra can be injected are the mid-face, cheeks, temples, nasolabial folds and the jawline. Besides the volume that can be produced, it can give your skin the “Sculptra Glow”. Sculptra differs from other Hyaluronic Acid based fillers because despite the immediate volume that is created when Sculptra is injected, it does not stay long. Over a few days your body absorbs the “volume” and what’s left are the “seeds”. Just like any green thumb will tell you, seeds take time to grow. Patients can see the collagen growth in as little as 6-8 weeks, and unlike filler, which is usually injected once and can last 10-14 months, Sculptra is injected over a series of 3 treatments, spaced 6-8 weeks (about 2 months) apart and can last up to 2 years. That’s some good “home grown collagen!” The amount of Sculptra injected varies on many things, including age, a person’s facial anatomy and the amount of replacement volume the patient and provider are desiring. Have I done a series of Sculptra Injections to combat the volume loss in my face from my weight loss? Yes, and I am loving the results.
When is the right time to address the volume loss with a patient on a medical peptide weight loss plan? Is it after they’ve reached their goal weight? Is it after they’ve maintained their weight loss for a certain period of time? OR is it at the very beginning of a patient’s weight loss journey? Dr. Robb explains that due to how Sculptra develops collagen over a series of treatments, the best approach to combat expected facial volume loss of patients on a medical peptide weight loss plan would be to inject a starter treatment at the beginning or in earlier stages of weight loss.
What is the typical weight loss trajectory of patients on GLP1 Weight Loss Injections?
It’s important to remember that every patient is different. Not one patient loses weight the same way another patient does. But from what I’ve experienced, and what patients in our office have experienced, a patient will typically expect to lose 1-3 pounds a week. A patient’s weight loss and the rate that they lose weight should be closely monitored by a medical practitioner. This can lead to 16-48 pounds of weight loss over a period of 4 months. Taking that information and our training into account, a great time to start discussing Sculptra could be after your first month.
Is this the right approach for every patient? Like I said earlier, every patient is different. But it is worth speaking to your healthcare provider about. One of the key advantages of receiving GLP-1 medication treatment from a provider at our ROBB Aesthetic Med Spa is the comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that integrates both wellness and aesthetics, ensuring you look and feel your best. We want to enhance your internal health by supporting weight loss and sustainable lifestyle changes, helping you feel and function at your best, while also aligning with your aesthetic goals, because we all love a balanced, youthful, glowing face!
If you have questions or would like to learn more about Medical Peptide Weight Loss Injections and/or maintaining facial balance with a Sculptra Treatment Plan, contact us online or call our office at 470-336-1850. We’d be thrilled to support you on this journey.
Written by – Robyn Gallagher our Aesthetic Coordinator
