Is a Medical Weight Loss Painful?

Medical weight loss treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide are designed to be as comfortable as possible. These medications are typically administered through a small injection, which feels like a quick pinch—nothing too intense. Some people may experience mild side effects like nausea or temporary digestive discomfort as their body adjusts, but these usually improve over time. With Dr. Ahmed’s guidance, your treatment plan will be tailored to keep you feeling your best while achieving your weight loss goals.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Your medical weight loss journey isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan, so the number of appointments depends on your goals and progress. Most patients check in weekly for treatments like semaglutide or tirzepatide, with follow-ups to fine-tune their plan. Think of it as a steady, guided path toward lasting results—Dr. Ahmed will be with you every step of the way, making sure you stay on track and feel your best!

How Long Until I See Results from GLP-1 Medications?

Most individuals begin to notice reduced appetite and potential weight loss within a few weeks of consistent treatment. Each patient’s results will vary depending on their starting weight and weight loss goals. However, after just one month, most patients see a 10-20-pound reduction on semaglutide or tirzepatide. We recommend carefully listening to Dr. Ahmed’s instructions and adhering to his treatment plan to achieve the best results possible. It will also be important to alter your diet and increase your activity during this period to form healthy habits and lose as much weight as possible in a safe and effective manner.

Can I Combine Medical Weight Loss with Other Procedures?

Yes! Once fatty tissue has diminished, patients can be left with “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic body.” These conditions create an aged appearance and can leave the body with excess sagging skin. Fortunately, Dr. Ahmed offers various facial rejuvenation procedures and body contouring options, such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasties), including standard, mini, and extended tummy tucks.

Are there side effects when taking semaglutide or tirzepatide?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These effects are temporary and diminish as the body adjusts to the medication.

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide functions as a single GLP-1 receptor agonist, while tirzepatide has a dual mechanism that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP pathways.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Semaglutide & Tirzepatide

Introduction

Introduction to Medical Weight Loss

Dr. Mustafa Ahmed is one of Las Vegas’s most trusted cosmetic surgeons and is now offering patients these weekly injections to assist in their weight loss journey. Dr. Ahmed and his team at Las Vegas Body Sculpting understand that losing weight can be challenging, and we want to provide you with as much help as possible. These medications have exploded in popularity because of their proven success, and you can take advantage of their effects to live a happy, healthy, fit life.

GLP-1 medication for weight loss is a form of treatment designed to help individuals manage their weight effectively. Originally developed as diabetes medications, new glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) suppress a patient’s appetite, slow gastric emptying, and help the pancreas increase its production of insulin to regulate blood sugar. When these effects are combined, patients can see a rapid and successful decrease in weight. (1)

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ahmed today to discuss your GLP-1 medication regimen, or call our Henderson, Nevada office at (702) 899-8100 for more information.

What is Medical Weight Loss?

Recently, GLP-1 receptor agonist medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide have grown in popularity, which is large because they are far more effective than other weight loss drugs on the market.

GLP-1 medications mimic the natural hormones released during digestion that are responsible for gastric emptying, satiety, hunger, nutrient absorption, and more. Glucagon peptide hormones are responsible for telling you when you are full and keeping you full. As type 2 diabetes is largely a result of diet and lifestyle, these medications help people control their calorie intake to see an improvement in their condition. However, this control of calorie intake, delayed gastric emptying, and enhanced metabolism also means that these patients lose weight with remarkable speed and success.

If you have exhausted the traditional weight loss methods of dieting, calorie restriction, exercise, and lifestyle changes and have not obtained the results you want, then semaglutide or tirzepatide may bring you the beneficial life changes you desire. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahmed to begin your enhanced weight loss journey.

Semaglutide

Designed to help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels, semaglutide is an injectable medication that supports sustainable weight loss by making you feel fuller for longer. It works by imitating the natural hormone that controls hunger, helping you eat less and lose weight more effectively. Combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, semaglutide can be a powerful resource in reaching your weight loss goals under Dr. Ahmed’s expert guidance.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide helps curb cravings while improving blood sugar control, making it easier to maintain long-term weight loss. With Dr. Ahmed’s personalized approach, tirzepatide can be seamlessly integrated into your weight loss plan, helping you achieve lasting, life-changing results.

A light-skinned woman with a tan complexion wears a cream-colored or white ribbed sports bra and matching underwear. Captured from mid-chest to just below the hips, she has a toned physique. Her posture includes a slight shoulder tilt, and she gazes off to her right. The background is a plain light gray wall, with soft shadows suggesting a light source from above and to her left. - Semaglutide Trizpatide Recovery in Las Vegas, NV

What Are the Benefits of Medical Weight Loss?

Weight loss offers dozens, if not hundreds, of benefits to a patient’s life. The benefits of semaglutide and tirzepatide include:

Improved Body Mass Index (BMI): Reduced weight contributes to a healthier BMI, addressing a critical risk factor associated with various health complications.
Better insulin sensitivity: Patients may see less variability in their blood glucose levels by improving insulin function.
Silenced food noise: “Food noise” refers to the persistent and unwavering focus on food that can plague a person’s thoughts. Semaglutide and tirzepatide affect the areas in the brain that are responsible for dopamine-releasing behaviors and eliminate addictive urges, helping patients have increased control over their diet.
Cardiovascular improvements: Increased weight and excess fatty tissue force the heart to work harder, and high levels of lipids in the blood and organs can clog blood vessels, increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Losing weight reduces these risks and improves the function of this system.
Convenient administration: Many GLP-1 medications are available as once-weekly injections, which simplifies treatment adherence compared to daily oral medications.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Medical Weight Loss?

Semaglutide and tirzepatide are available to patients who need assistance in their weight loss journey, regardless of their current weight. However, patients who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant may have to have their regimen altered or delayed to prevent complications and nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Ahmed will also examine your medical history and current health and take blood samples to eliminate any other risks. We encourage all prospective patients to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahmed to discuss their treatment plan and candidacy.

First Steps

Personal Consultation

When you meet with Dr. Ahmed, you will first discuss the history of your weight loss journey and your motivations for seeking GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. After performing the necessary tests, Dr. Ahmed will create a plan for your injection regimen based on your current weight, goal weight, bloodwork, and more. This may be altered throughout your weight loss journey to maintain optimal health and consistent results. Some patients will even receive their first dose on the day of their initial consultation if it is available at the Las Vegas Body Sculpting office.

What to Expect on the Day of a Medical Weight Loss Treatment

Dr. Ahmed will create an injection plan that is tailored to your specific goals and health status. It is common practice for patients to receive their first injection in our Henderson office. After about two months, your dosage will be increased to continue your weight loss. This will be done semi-frequently to prevent your results from plateauing. Once you have met your goal weight, you will be placed on a new dosage to maintain your results and keep the weight off. Dr. Ahmed will monitor your weight loss throughout your time on semaglutide or tirzepatide and will adjust your dose as needed to ensure optimal results and safe weight loss.

Medical Weight Loss Recovery

As you become accustomed to life with a reduced appetite and you see a reduction in your weight, it is important to monitor your health and any changes you experience. One of the most common hurdles patients experience is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). A significantly reduced appetite is a new feeling, and many patients forget to nourish themselves properly. However, this is not a major issue; you will learn how to see the signs and prevent this from happening over time. Many patients also form an aversion to high-fat foods as these will sit in the stomach and can cause indigestion as your digestive system decelerates.

How Much Does a Medical Weight Loss Cost in Las Vegas, NV?

Each patient’s semaglutide or tirzepatide regimen will vary depending on their starting weight and goal weight, so that costs may vary. We offer various payment plans to help you receive the treatments you need. You will receive an accurate price quote at your consultation with Dr. Ahmed, and if you have any further questions, we encourage you to call our office at (702) 899-8100.

Why Choose Las Vegas Body Sculpting?

At Las Vegas Body Sculpting, we’re all about helping you become the best version of yourself. Led by Dr. Mustafa Ahmed, MD, FACS, FAACS, our practice combines expert knowledge with a personalized approach to weight loss that is as unique as you are. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking for a boost to keep going, we’re here to provide a tailored plan that supports both your goals and your lifestyle.

Dr. Ahmed’s triple board certification in internal medicine, surgery, and surgical critical care gives you peace of mind knowing you’re in the hands of a highly skilled professional. His dedication to patient care ensures every step of your weight loss journey is thoughtfully planned and executed with your well-being in mind.

When you choose Las Vegas Body Sculpting, you’re not just another patient—you’re part of a supportive, empowering experience that prioritizes your confidence, health, and long-term success. With the right guidance, tools, and expertise, you can trust that we’ll be there every step of the way.