Potential risks include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain and indigestion, injection site reactions, and a decreased appetite. These are common and are not much cause for concern. Serious risks and symptoms include: Pancreatitis: Stop using tirzepatide and call us if you have severe stomach pain that radiates to your back. Kidney Problems: Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney disease or acute kidney injury. Drink fluids. Hypoglycemia: Watch for signs of low blood sugar, like dizziness or sweating, especially if you take other diabetes meds. Have glucose tablets ready. Gallbladder Problems: Tell your care team if you have upper stomach pain, fever, or yellowing of your skin/eyes (slightly yellow). Vision Changes: Patients with diabetes should monitor for diabetic retinopathy. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect any of these symptoms are occurring.

Tirzepatide in San Antonio, TX | San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery

Is metabolic resistance holding you back?

We see patients every day who are doing everything right. They follow a reduced-calorie diet, they've increased physical activity, and yet the scale refuses to move. For years, the medical community treated excess weight as a failure of willpower. We now know that for many adults with obesity, biology is the primary barrier. This is why San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery has introduced tirzepatide to our practice. It's not a "magic shot" to replace diet and exercise. It's a metabolic tool that corrects the hormonal imbalances, preventing patients from seeing the results of their hard work. By combining this medication with our surgical expertise in body contouring, we offer a complete solution for weight management in San Antonio.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is an injectable medication used for chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. It's self-injected once a week, and works by mimicking two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP—to regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. Tirzepatide represents a shift in how the medical field treats weight reduction. While older drugs like Semaglutide target only the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide acts as both a GLP-1 receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist.

This dual action makes tirzepatide unique. The GLP-1 receptor agonist component increases insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying, which helps the patient feel full. The GIP component works to further regulate blood sugar and lipid metabolism. Clinical trials have shown that this combination can lead to significantly more weight loss than single-agonist medications.

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Tirzepatide at a Glance

Cost: Consultation Dependent
Downtime: None
Pain Level: 1/10 (Pinprick)
Duration: Weekly Self-Injection

Dr. Ortegon, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

What are the benefits of Tirzepatide?

When used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, tirzepatide offers significant advantages for patients struggling with metabolic health.

Substantial Weight Loss: Clinical studies show patients can lose up to 20% of their body weight.
Blood Sugar Control: It effectively lowers high blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Appetite Regulation: It quiets "food noise," making it easier to stick to a reduced-calorie diet.
Metabolic Health: Patients often see improvements in weight-related medical problems, like obstructive sleep apnea and high blood pressure.

Am I a candidate for Tirzepatide?

A full medical review is needed to decide if tirzepatide is right for you. This medication is for long-term weight management, not a quick fix for a vacation.

You may be a candidate if:

You have a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity).
You have a BMI of 27 or higher with medical problems that are weight-related (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea).
You are dedicated to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.

You are NOT a candidate if:

You have a personal or family history of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer (most often caused by medullary thyroid carcinoma).
You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
You have a history of pancreatitis.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What can Tirzepatide address?

This medication is versatile. We use it to target specific metabolic and health conditions that are often resistant to diet and exercise alone.

Chronic Weight Management

Obesity is not a temporary condition, it’s a chronic disease. Tirzepatide helps reset the body's "set point," allowing for sustained weight reduction over time. This is critical for patients who have lost weight previously, only to regain it.

Type 2 Diabetes Management

For patients with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide improves glycemic control. It helps the body release its own insulin when blood sugar is high and reduces the amount of sugar the liver makes.

Reduction of Comorbidities

Excess weight is often linked to other health issues. By reducing body weight, tirzepatide can help alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, reduce joint pain from mechanical stress, and improve cardiovascular markers associated with heart disease.

Your Consultation & Preparation

Before prescribing tirzepatide, our providers conduct a thorough review of your medical history. We'll discuss your family history regarding medullary thyroid carcinoma and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

We'll also review your current medications. Tirzepatide slows stomach emptying, which can affect how the body absorbs other medicines. Tirzepatide may decrease the effectiveness of oral birth control pills. You should use a barrier contraceptive for four weeks after starting and for four weeks after each dose increase. If you take insulin or beta blockers, we may need to adjust your dosage to prevent low blood sugar.

How to Take Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide is an injectable medication that you administer yourself once a week. We teach patients exactly how to use the pen to ensure confidence and safety.

Injection Sites: You can inject the tirzepatide injection into your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm.
Rotation: Change your injection sites with each dose.
Schedule: Stick to a regular dosing schedule. You can change the day you take it as long as the time between doses is at least three days (72 hours).
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days. If more than four days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regular day.

Disposal: Put your used needles in a sharps container right away after use. Do not throw them in the trash.

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Recovery & Aftercare

There is no "recovery" time, but there is an adjustment period. Most side effects are gastrointestinal and occur when patients first start the medication or increase the dose.

Tirzepatide Results

Results vary, but adherence is key. In trials, adults with obesity saw significant reductions in body weight. Patients should expect a steady decline in weight as long as they maintain the medication and lifestyle changes. However, rapid weight loss can lead to loose skin. This is where our surgical expertise comes in. We monitor skin elasticity closely throughout treatment.

Cost of Tirzepatide

Pricing reflects the complexity of your medical management. The cost of tirzepatide varies based on the required dose and insurance coverage. During the consultation, we provide a clear breakdown of the monthly costs for the medication and our medical monitoring fees. We accept financing through CareCredit and PatientFi.

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Why Choose San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery?

You might ask why a cosmetic surgery practice is prescribing weight loss medication. The answer is simple: We view the body in 3D. While tirzepatide is excellent for weight reduction, it doesn’t sculpt the body. Many patients who lose weight rapidly develop loose skin that diet and exercise can’t fix. Your care team monitors your blood sugar, your kidney function, and your overall health. We ensure you are losing excess weight safely while planning for the aesthetic outcome.

Take Control of Your Metabolic Health

Obesity is complex, but the treatment plan doesn't have to be. Contact San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery today and let us help you get on the right track for your health. Schedule your consultation at (210) 368-6618 or by using our convenient online link.

Tirzepatide FAQs

Does Tirzepatide replace diet and exercise?

No. Tirzepatide works best as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. You must maintain these lifestyle changes for long-term success.

How do I store the medication?

Store tirzepatide in the refrigerator in its original carton until the expiration date. Do not freeze it.

What if I have trouble breathing after an injection?

Get medical help right away. This could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. Other signs include swelling of your face, lips, or tongue.

Can I take this if I am taking other medicines?

You must tell your care team about all other medicines you take. Tirzepatide affects stomach emptying and can impact the absorption of oral medications.

Will I need surgery after taking this?

Many patients choose body contouring after significant weight loss to address loose skin. We can discuss a "Mommy Makeover" or Tummy Tuck once your weight stabilizes.

What are the risks?

Potential risks include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain and indigestion, injection site reactions, and a decreased appetite. These are common and are not much cause for concern. Serious risks and symptoms include:

Pancreatitis: Stop using tirzepatide and call us if you have severe stomach pain that radiates to your back.
Kidney Problems: Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney disease or acute kidney injury. Drink fluids.
Hypoglycemia: Watch for signs of low blood sugar, like dizziness or sweating, especially if you take other diabetes meds. Have glucose tablets ready.
Gallbladder Problems: Tell your care team if you have upper stomach pain, fever, or yellowing of your skin/eyes (slightly yellow).
Vision Changes: Patients with diabetes should monitor for diabetic retinopathy.

Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect any of these symptoms are occurring.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact us today to schedule your consultation with the renowned San Antonio plastic surgeon and breast & body specialist Dr. Delio Ortegon. Take your first steps to a more beautiful you.

4910 Golden Quail Suite 140, San Antonio, TX 78240

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(210) 368-6618

Tirzepatide Weight Management San Antonio, TX