Welcome to Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss! Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Neil J. Zemmel, MD, our GLP-1 weight loss clinic is designed to help you achieve a healthier weight through physician-monitored weight loss treatment plans. Assisting Dr. Zemmel with the creation of personalized weight loss regimens is board-certified physician assistant Sarah Ashcraft, PA-C. She specializes in medication-assisted weight loss and works closely with our patients to create and monitor their comprehensive treatment plans.
To help those struggling with excess weight, our team of professionals offers semaglutide- and tirzepatide-based weight loss injectables, including Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide). In addition, we work with Virginia’s first nationally accredited compounding pharmacy for creating compounded GLP-1 formulations for those without insurance coverage. Their extremely high standards of safety and efficacy support our patients on their journey to improved wellness.
With the goal of making our life-changing weight loss services as accessible as possible, our team accepts most health insurance, including Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield and TRICARE. We also offer competitive pricing as well as cash pay plans for those without insurance coverage. At Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we take pride in changing lives through weight loss. Check back soon for weight loss before-and-after pictures!
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
Weight loss injectables are formulated with active ingredients, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, to assist men and women with chronic weight management by regulating the appetite and feelings of hunger. Generally, the medications are self-injected once per week under the skin. Although the origin of many of these medications were used to treat type 2 diabetes, scientific studies have found positive efficacy for weight loss as well. For individuals who struggle with obesity—a highly prevalent, chronic, relapsing disease (1)—or are clinically overweight, these injectable drugs can be an effective non-surgical approach for excess weight concerns.
While a nutritious diet and regular exercise are still an essential part of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, the addition of weight loss injections can be life changing for those who have been unsuccessful at managing their condition with diet and exercise alone. Our team offers prescription Zepbound™ and Wegovy® to qualified candidates who are interested in improving their weight loss efforts.
What Are the Different Injectable Drugs for Weight Loss?
At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Zemmel offers qualified candidates several injectable drug options for weight loss, including:
Zepbound™(tirzepatide)
Approved by the FDA for chronic weight management, Zepbound™ slows down the digestion process and helps the body process feelings of fullness that last longer, which should lead to reduced portions and less caloric intake over time.
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
Similarly, Wegovy® is also FDA-approved for weight loss and works by decreasing feelings of hunger and creating a sensation of fullness to enable patients to feel satisfied after eating smaller meals.
During a personal consultation, Dr. Zemmel will conduct a thorough evaluation, review medical history, and discuss the unique needs and goals of the patient. This will help you make the best informed decision in choosing which medication will be the safest and most effective on an individual basis.
How Is Tirzepatiide Different from Semaglutide?
In a 15-month longitudinal clinical trial*, patients who were receiving tirzepatide were significantly more likely to achieve weight loss, and their changes in weight were larger at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months in comparison to patients taking semaglutide. Tirzepatide patients had a mean weight change of -15.3% at 12 months vs -8.3% in semaglutide patients. There were no significant differences observed in the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects in those receiving tirzepatide vs semaglutide.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Weight Loss Injections?
There are several variables to consider in terms of weight loss from injectables containing semaglutide and tirzepatide, such as the brand, dosage, how long the medication is taken, whether the patient has type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes to diet and exercise in combination with taking the medicine, and other factors. In general, studies have shown the following results for each medication:
It is important to note, the effects of these medications wear off once the patient stops receiving the injections. Therefore, a healthy diet and exercise program to maintain the weight loss results is essential to avoid regaining the weight that has been lost. Dr. Zemmel can discuss this further during the consultation, along with addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
How Much Do Weight Loss Injections Cost?
Every weight loss treatment plan is personalized to the needs of each patient, causing the total cost to differ from case to case. However, at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss, we strive to create a budget-friendly cost structure to help our patients improve their health and well-being. In general, semaglutide injectables cost about $500 per month, while tirzepatide injectables cost about $650. After your initial consultation, our team will provide you with a customized cost quote to help you plan for your treatment regimen.
Does Insurance Cover Weight Loss Injections?
At our clinic, we understand the importance of accessibility and affordability in healthcare, especially when it comes to effective weight loss treatments. We accept most major medical insurance plans, including Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and TRICARE. This allows many of our patients to receive weight loss injections covered partially or fully by their insurance. We recommend contacting your insurance provider or our front office staff for assistance with insurance verification and to understand the specifics of your coverage.
For those who may not have insurance coverage or choose not to use their insurance, we offer flexible cash pay plans. These plans are designed to make your treatment journey manageable and affordable, free from the complexities of insurance claims. Our staff is available to discuss the various cost options and payment schedules that can be tailored to fit your budget.
Additionally, we provide an economical alternative with compounded GLP-1 medications. These are prepared in our affiliated compounding pharmacy and are customized to meet individual patient needs, often at a lower cost than name-brand GLP-1 drugs. Our commitment is to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your access to these life-changing treatments.
Wondering if you’re eligible for insurance coverage? View our list of employers who have offered coverage for these anti-obesity medications. You can also visit NovoCare® for Wegovy® or the Zepbound™ website for Zepbound™ to check on potential eligibility of coverage for those solutions.
How Can I Remove Excess Skin & Tissue After Major Weight Loss?
After significant weight loss, the skin is often stretched out and may lose a certain amount of elasticity, which can make it difficult to tighten to the body’s newly slimmer physique. This can cause excess folds of skin and/or loose, hanging skin in certain areas, such as the face, arms, trunk, abdomen, breasts, and thighs. In addition to the aesthetic concerns this can create, it can also lead to rashes and irritation, hygiene issues, ill-fitting clothing, and other concerns.
Fortunately, Dr. Zemmel is highly qualified in performing post-weight loss body contouring surgery to remove unwanted, excess skin and isolated pockets of fat. Some of the most common procedures include liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast reduction, and various “lifts” for the face and neck, breasts, lower body, arms, and thighs to achieve the sculpted, more contoured body shape desired.
Schedule Your Weight Loss Injectable Consultation
To learn more about weight loss injections and post-weight loss body contouring, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us online or call us at (804) 423-2100. You can also keep up with our clinic at Richmond Aesthetic Weight Loss on Instagram.
