If you’ve tried diet and exercise in the past and you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to bust body fat, you’re not alone. Many turn to the drugs Wegovy® and Ozempic® for weight loss. They were originally created to manage diabetes and are now making headlines for their serious side effects and other downsides. While drugs like Ozempic are effective for weight loss, they don’t provide the contouring and skin tightening benefits that come with liposuction, a permanent fat-reducing procedure. In this article, we’ll explore these two popular alternatives — Liposuction or Ozempic — to help you determine the best solution for your body goals.
Wegovy & Ozempic for Weight Loss: How Do They Work?
The active ingredient found in medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy is Semaglutide. It triggers the release of insulin to effectively lower blood sugar levels. These medications also slow how quickly food passes through the stomach, giving the sensation of fullness and leading to reduced calorie intake.
The Pros and Cons of Ozempic Usage for Weight Loss
Just like any medication, Ozempic and Wegovy have both benefits and drawbacks:
Advantages of Ozempic:
- Associated with weight reduction in clinical trials
- Requires just a once-weekly self-administered injection
Disadvantages of Ozempic:
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting
- Increased risk of severe stomach conditions, including pancreatitis
- Long-term acid reflux and heartburn have been observed
- Quick weight loss may lead to facial volume loss and increased signs of aging
- Considered a long-term or life-long treatment
- When the drug is stopped, weight regain is likely
- Unlike various cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures, Ozempic-induced fat loss is non-targeted and temporary
Is Ozempic for Weight Loss Worth the Risks? Consider Liposuction, an Effective Drug-Free Fat Loss Solution
You may be considering if the risks of Ozempic for weight loss are worth the benefits, especially when it might not accomplish all of your body goals, such as skin tightening and contouring. That’s where liposuction comes in – it’s a tried-and-true, drug-free option for reducing fat.
How Liposuction Works
Laser liposuction (also known as SmartLipo) is a procedure that completely avoids surgery. Only small nicks (“freckle indents”) in the skin and a tiny injection cannula are needed. The cannula delivers a precise stream of energy underneath the skin and directly into the fat cells in targeted areas. This causes the fat cells to soften, and the fat is gently suctioned out of the body. There are no stitches, and local anesthesia is administered, similar to what is provided at a dentist’s office. Recovery time is short, with most patients back to work after 3-4 days. Once fat cells are removed, they are gone and don’t grow back.
While laser liposuction is not a solution for weight loss, it’s a gold standard in addressing target areas of stubborn fat. It can also contour the body by flattening the stomach area and producing a spindle-like effect around the waist. Fat can also be harnessed to provide shape and contour other desired areas, such as a rounded and more voluminous backside in a natural Brazilian Butt Lift procedure. Fat can also be transferred to the face to combat the volume loss that comes with aging.
Advantages of Liposuction:
- Provides body contouring and skin tightening effects
- Results are natural looking, immediate, and get better with time
- Quick and easy one-time procedure for permanent fat removal
- Excellent option for targeting stubborn areas of fat
- Requires little downtime
- One-time procedure
- Fat can be used to address areas where you want to gain volume
- On average, patients reduce their waist circumference by at least 4-6 inches with liposuction 360 (abdomen and flanks liposuction)
Disadvantages of Liposuction:
- While not weight loss surgery, liposuction does shave off some pounds and provides the shape that gives you a slimmer look
- Temporary side effects include bruising and mild discomfort
Can You Use Ozempic with Liposuction?
Ozempic for weight loss can be used in conjunction with liposuction for tightening to help with skin laxity. Keep in mind that once much of the fat is lost, it may not be possible to harness that fat to increase volume in other areas, such as the face, buttocks, and breasts. You may lose shape, which would make contouring limited as well. However, together they may work well for someone who primarily needs overall weight loss and skin tightening.
Is Ozempic for Weight Loss and Liposuction Safe?
While prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may seem like a quick and easy solution to weight loss, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the side effects and long-term risks. The long-term effects of Ozempic for weight loss are unknown, and more research is needed to validate the drug’s safety and efficacy.
On the other hand, liposuction has been performed and refined for nearly 50 years. Specifically, laser liposuction is considered the gold standard for reducing targeted areas of fat and gets excellent results for patients. Studies show it has a good safety record, and complications are exceedingly rare, especially when pre- and post-care instructions are followed. It’s essential to consult with an experienced and qualified medical professional before taking prescription drugs for weight loss or undergoing any fat loss procedure.
Request a Consultation at The Lumen Center
Whether your goals are body contouring, restoring lost volume, or weight loss (or a combination), our expert team at LUMEN is here to help. If you’re interested in learning more about liposuction, body contouring, or fat transfer, contact The Lumen Center to schedule a free consultation. Our expert team will walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. We’re here to help you every step of the way to achieve your body goals.