How is Semaglutide Administered?

• Administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once weekly. Semaglutide dose is gradually increased to the maximum effective dose (no more than 2.5m) over the course of 3 months. If dose escalation is not tolerated due to side effects (eg, nausea, vomiting), increases in dose can be delayed by another four weeks. We will continue to monitor your progress and continue your max tolerated dose until goal weight loss is achieved. 

What are the cautions and contraindications?

• You may not take semaglutide if you are pregnant, have a personal history of pancreatitis, or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A or 2B. If you take semaglutide with insulin or an insulin secretagogue (eg, a sulfonylurea), blood glucose should be monitored, and a dose reduction in the insulin or the sulfonylurea may be necessary to avoid hypoglycemia. Rare cases of angioedema and anaphylaxis have been reported with semaglutide. Patients with diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for complications. 

What are possible side effects?

• It’s common to experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These are generally mild to moderate and improve over time. Gastrointestinal symptoms could occur upon starting the medication and when increasing the dose each month. 

How do I start Semaglutide Weight Loss Program​

• Click the “Book Your Consult” button above and choose “Medical Weight Loss First Visit.” You will pay a $75 Non-Refundable Deposit that is applied toward the first visit. In the case of late cancellation (less than 48 hours) or no show, you forfeit the deposit. There are no refunds. You will pay the balance at the office during your visit with cash or card.

What happens at the first visit?

• You will meet with our Physician for a full medical evaluation to determine if semaglutide is a safe treatment option for you. If so, the nurse will administer the first dose after your consultation, provide you with a treatment guide and you will set up respective weekly appointments.

Do I need labs/blood work before starting semaglutide?

• Yes, labs are required to help determine safety. You must bring labs completed in the past year to the consultation. We need the following labs to assess kidney, liver, and thyroid function: BUN, creatinine, alk phos, AST, ALT, and TSH.  If you do not have labs from the past year, please text us (703) 655-8253 to send an order so you could obtain your labs before your visit, they are mandatory. 

Do you accept insurance for the semaglutide weight loss program?

• No we do not. You are expected to pay, in full, for all visits and charges incurred at each visit.  Aikana Esthetic Center does not provide or fill out claim forms for insurance purposes.  It is your responsibility to save receipts needed for any purpose (such as HSA’s). 

I had Plastic Surgery recently, how soon should I wait before starting semaglutide treatment?

• It is recommended to wait 2-4 weeks after a cosmetic procedure. However, follow your surgeon's recommendation on weight loss, especially if you've had a fat transfer.

When will the medication start to work?

• This varies for each person, but generally speaking most people don’t notice a change in appetite or weight during the first 2 weeks. This allows your body to adjust to the new medication with minimal or no side effects. Then, as we increase the dose, you will notice changes in appetite, feelings of fullness, and eventually weight loss. Others experience weight loss the first week or month. Stay the full course of at least 3 months to evaluate if this medication is working for you or not.

I have a question that isn’t covered in this FAQ, who can I talk to?

• Please reach out to Aikana Esthetic Center through text (703)655-8253 or talk to your provider/nurse the day of your appointment.