Semaglutide: A Scientific Breakthrough

Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. These molecules mimic a hormone naturally produced by the gut, which plays a key role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Administered via weekly injection, semaglutide acts on the brain to reduce hunger while slowing gastric emptying, prolonging the feeling of fullness. While Ozempic was initially approved for diabetes management, Wegovy, a higher-dose version, was specifically authorized by health authorities (such as the FDA in the United States in 2021) for obesity management in patients with a high body mass index (BMI) or weight-related comorbidities.

The clinical results are impressive. Studies, such as one published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2021, showed that patients on Wegovy lost an average of 15 to 20% of their body weight over a year—a figure far exceeding outcomes from previous pharmacological treatments. For many, this drug represents a viable alternative to bariatric surgery (such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy), an invasive procedure that, while effective, carries risks and requires lifelong follow-up.

A Game-Changer for Patients

For overweight or obese individuals, traditional options—strict diets, exercise programs, or surgical interventions—have not always delivered the desired results. Diets can fail over the long term due to complex biological mechanisms, such as leptin resistance or metabolic adaptations that promote weight regain. Bariatric surgery, though effective, isn’t suitable for everyone: it demands psychological preparation, drastic lifestyle changes, and carries operative risks.s.

Semaglutide changes the game by offering a non-invasive solution accessible to a broader range of patients. For those who, for instance, don’t meet the criteria for bariatric surgery (typically a BMI over 40 or 35 with comorbidities) or fear surgery, this drug provides an opportunity to lose significant weight without going under the knife. This increased accessibility also has a positive psychological effect: it restores hope to patients trapped in a vicious cycle of repeated failures.

Impact on Aesthetic Surgery

As an aesthetic surgeon, I’ve noticed a significant evolution in my practice since the arrival of semaglutide. Traditionally, many patients sought procedures like liposuction, abdominoplasty, or body lifts to address the aftermath of obesity or massive weight loss following bariatric surgery. Today, with semaglutide, the patient profile is shifting. Some arrive after losing 20, 30, or even 40 kilos thanks to the drug, now seeking interventions to address skin laxity or residual fat pockets that the medication couldn’t eliminate.

This new wave of patients presents unique challenges. Unlike the rapid, massive weight loss after bariatric surgery, semaglutide-induced weight loss is more gradual. This can affect skin quality: slower loss sometimes allows better skin retraction, reducing the need for major procedures like body lifts. However, for others—particularly older patients or those with pre-existing excess skin—surgery remains essential. Additionally, some patients on semaglutide report excessive facial volume loss—a phenomenon dubbed “Ozempic face”—leading them to consult for fillers or facelifts.

A Societal Revolution

Beyond the medical sphere, semaglutide raises societal and ethical questions. Its meteoric rise has fueled debates about body perception, obesity stigma, and healthcare access. In the United States, for example, Wegovy’s high cost (over $1,000 per month without insurance) limits accessibility, creating a divide between those who can afford it and those who cannot. In Europe, where public healthcare systems play a larger role, authorities are still hesitant to widely reimburse the drug for weight loss, often reserving it for the most severe medical cases.

Moreover, semaglutide’s popularity has been amplified by social media and celebrities, driving demand sometimes fueled by unrealistic beauty standards rather than health needs. This puts aesthetic surgeons in a delicate position: meeting these expectations while avoiding overmedicalization.

Future Perspectives

The arrival of semaglutide is just the beginning of a wave of new obesity treatments. Other molecules, like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), promise even more striking results, with weight loss exceeding 20%. These advances could further reduce reliance on bariatric surgery and alter the indications for aesthetic surgery. In the long term, they might encourage a more integrated approach to weight loss, combining pharmacology, psychological support, and, when necessary, targeted surgical interventions.

For aesthetic surgeons, adaptation is key. This means understanding the specific needs of patients on semaglutide, anticipating side effects (like skin laxity or volume loss), and offering tailored solutions. While this revolution disrupts established practices, it also provides an opportunity to rethink patient care holistically, prioritizing their well-being.

Conclusion

Semaglutide, in its Ozempic and Wegovy forms, has undeniably transformed the fields of weight loss and, by extension, aesthetic surgery. By offering an effective, less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery, it redefines patients’ journeys and their expectations for their bodies. For practitioners, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity: to support a new generation of patients in their quest for physical and emotional transformation. As science continues to evolve, one thing is clear: semaglutide is not a passing trend but a turning point in our approach to obesity and body aesthetics.

Dr. Duclos frequently receives this new generation of patients at her clinic who have successfully controlled their weight thanks to semaglutide. She supports and advises these people in their quest for physical and emotional transformation. Make an appointment with Dr. Duclos now to receive expertise, support and advice in your wellness journey.

Further reading — Related articles

What is Canada’s Position on Semaglutide?
Health Canada approvals, provincial coverage and regulatory outlook for Ozempic and Wegovy in Canada.

The “Ozempic Face” Effect and Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Why facial fillers have become the preferred solution for patients experiencing GLP-1 facial volume loss.

L’article The Impact of Semaglutide on Aesthetic Surgery and Weight Loss: A Medical Revolution est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

This is a 1-week post-operative facelift.

L’article Face lift for women 1 week post-op est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

This is a complete 6-month post-operative rhinoplasty.

> To return to the before and after presentation page in rhinoplasty surgery

L’article Complete rhinoplasty in plastic surgery est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

L’article Before-and-after photos Forehead and eyebrow lift est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

This is a complete 6-month post-operative rhinoplasty.

> To return to the before and after presentation page in rhinoplasty surgery

L’article Complete rhinoplasty in plastic surgery est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

The fear of the “frozen” effect is indeed one of the main concerns of patients who are considering aesthetic treatment based on Botox. This fear often comes from the fact that some celebrities or famous people have been victims of unnatural and frozen results after receiving Botox injections.

However, it is important to note that the result of an aesthetic treatment depends greatly on the professional who performs it. A qualified and experienced practitioner will be able to correctly dose the Botox to obtain a natural and harmonious result, avoiding the frozen effect.

In addition, technological advances in the field of aesthetic medicine have allowed the development of new techniques and approaches that offer more natural and subtle results, while preserving facial expression and mobility.

It is therefore important for patients to choose a competent practitioner such as Dre Duclos and to openly discuss your concerns and expectations before starting your Botox aesthetic treatment. It is also recommended that you view before/after photos to get a clearer idea of ​​the possible results.

What are the barriers for patients to undergoing facial aesthetic treatment?

There are several barriers that patients may face when it comes to undergoing facial aesthetic treatment.

1. High Cost: Facial cosmetic treatments can be expensive and some patients may not be able to afford the associated costs.

2. Fear of Risks and Complications: Some patients may fear the risks and potential complications associated with facial cosmetic treatments, which may deter them from undergoing them.

3. Unrealistic Expectations: Some patients may have unrealistic expectations about the results of facial cosmetic treatments, which may prevent them from taking the plunge.

4. Fear of judgement by others:Some patients may fear being judged by those around them if they undertake facial aesthetic treatment, which may discourage them from doing so.

5. Lack of information: Some patients may not be adequately informed about the different facial aesthetic treatments available, which may prevent them from making an informed decision.

6. Fear of discomfort: Some patients may fear the discomfort associated with facial aesthetic treatments, which may discourage them from undertaking them.

7. Fear of artificiality: Some patients may fear that facial aesthetic treatments will make their face look artificial, which may discourage them from undergoing them.

New data sheds new light on patient satisfaction.

According to new data from a post hoc pooled analysis, patients were satisfied with the natural appearance achieved after treatment with BOTOX COSMETIC

90% of patients expressed satisfaction with the natural appearance achieved
Post hoc pooled analysis, results at day 30; N = 458 (94 millennials and 43 men)

The Facial Line Satisfaction Questionnaire is a tool used in aesthetic medicine to assess patient satisfaction with the results of facial aesthetic treatments, such as filler or botulinum toxin injections. This questionnaire allows practitioners to gather patients’ impressions of the appearance of their treated facial lines and to measure their overall satisfaction with the treatment. By analyzing patient responses, practitioners can adjust their approach to ensure more satisfactory results for their patients.

Predictability of Cosmetic Botox

The predictability of cosmetic Botox is a key consideration when using it. Allergan Inc., the manufacturer of cosmetic Botox, has published a product monograph detailing the product information. This monograph, updated on November 4, 2022, provides information on the indications, contraindications, adverse reactions, precautions for use, and recommended dosages for Botox Cosmetic.

As a healthcare professional, Dr. Duclos consults this monograph to obtain all the information necessary for the safe and effective use of Botox Cosmetic. Product predictability is a crucial element to consider to ensure the desired results are obtained in patients treated with this product.

By following the recommendations provided by Allergan Inc. in the Botox Cosmetic monograph, Dr. Duclos maximizes the chances of obtaining predictable and satisfactory results while minimizing potential risks for her patients.

Positive effects in patients who undertake facial aesthetic treatment

1. Improved Self-Confidence:By correcting facial imperfections, patients may feel more confident in their appearance, which can have a positive impact on their self-esteem and self-image.

2. Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Some people may experience significant emotional distress due to the appearance of their face. By improving their appearance through cosmetic treatment, these patients may reduce their anxiety and depression.

3. Improved Social Relationships: Improved self-confidence and physical appearance can also have a positive impact on patients’ social relationships. They may feel more comfortable in social situations and be more likely to socialize.

4. Boosts Motivation to Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: After investing in facial cosmetic treatment, some patients may be motivated to take care of their overall health by adopting a healthier lifestyle, which can have long-term positive effects on their overall well-being.

5. Rejuvenation of appearance:Aesthetic facial treatments can reduce the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, which can give patients a more youthful and vibrant appearance.

6. Improved personal satisfaction: By feeling better about themselves and being satisfied with their appearance, patients can experience a sense of personal satisfaction and overall well-being, which can be reflected positively in their daily lives.

L’article Botox or the fear of the “Frozen” effect est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

1. Neuromodulator Injections
These injections, commonly known by their brand names Botox®, Dysport®, Xéomine®, and Jeuveau®, remain the most popular minimally invasive procedure. This procedure works by preventing facial muscles from contracting, giving temporary smoothness to facial wrinkles such as crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles caused by routine facial movements.

2. Soft Tissue Fillers/HA Fillers
Next come injectable hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm Ultra.®, UltraPlus®, Voluma®, Volbella®, Vollure®, Restylane Lyft®, Restylane Soie®, Belotero®, Bolvela®, and Restylane®. They temporarily restore volume and smooth lines and wrinkles on the face without incisions. Results are immediate and recovery time is short.

3. Skin Resurfacing

These procedures resurface the top layer of the skin (epidermis) in a variety of ways to stimulate collagen so that the skin is healthier and younger-looking, giving patients a more radiant complexion. Methods include dermabrasion, chemical peels, lasers, and microdermabrasion. They improve the appearance and texture of the skin, leaving it tight and rejuvenated.

4. Skin Treatments

Skin treatments can help address a variety of issues in a minimally invasive way. Combination laser treatments use different wavelengths to treat multiple skin concerns simultaneously, providing a holistic approach to skin rejuvenation. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments improve skin tone and texture by targeting pigmentation irregularities, redness, or sun damage.

5. Lip Augmentation

This procedure is growing in popularity, offering patients a minimally invasive way to enhance the volume and shape of their lips with filler. The filler is injected to achieve a natural, customizable transformation, temporarily resulting in plumper, more defined contours. Results are often immediate and the recovery period is short.

L’article Top 5 Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

This is a complete rhinoplasty with improvement of the chin by the installation of a 6-month post-operative implant.

> To return to the before and after presentation page in rhinoplasty surgery

L’article Complete rhinoplasty with chin implant est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

This is a lip augmentation done with hyaluronic acid

> To return to the before-and-after presentation page

L’article Hyaluronic acid injection for lip augmentation est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.

video transcript

What you first need to know is that surgical techniques have evolved a lot and sometimes it is not necessary to carry out surgery to rejuvenate the face. There are now injections that can be done that can rejuvenate the face. And sometimes this is the most appropriate technique to meet expectations.

So there are botox injections, filler injections. There are also fat grafts. These are fat injections that are taken from your body and then injected into the face and this therefore allows for several years of rejuvenation.

There are also new techniques which are short incision techniques. And the main advantage is that it allows recoveries to be much faster. So for business people, for example, who cannot be away from the office for too long, it can be a very interesting option when the weight of their years is greater. But here we do the conventional technique and at that moment, we can easily rejuvenate the face by more than ten years.

On the other hand, it does not stop the aging process nor does it give energy to the body. There are several techniques that are used to rejuvenate the face. But there are some that are more popular than others, such as

blepharoplasty of the eyelids. Ultimately, it is a surgery that is simple, allows for rapid recovery and helps reduce the heaviness of the upper eyelid or the bags under the eyes. And this has the effect of illuminating the face, making the person who has this intervention look healthier, less tired, less depressed.

In addition, the surgery can be done at the same time as another surgery, such as a facelift or forehead lift for example. There are several options for the nose. We can refine it, we can reduce the volume, increase the volume, change the angle of the nose in profile, the angle of the nose with the upper lip, the shape of the nostrils. But what is important is to maintain fluidity in breathing and facial balance.

So there are several surgeries that are available, but the nose must be harmonious in relation to the rest of the face. So each surgery must be adapted to the person consulting.

In summary, it is best to arrive prepared for the consultation. You must find out about the surgery that interests you. You need to make a list of questions that are important, to know the information. We must also have realistic expectations and we must be listened to during the consultation and have all our questions answered.

Often what you can do is ask for photos, to see results from the surgeons you see. And if you don’t like what you see, if you don’t feel listened to, if you have the impression that the result will not be up to par at that time, you should definitely go see other surgeons.

Your face is more than skin, bones and muscles. This is your first identity signature. This is what you see in the mirror every day. It deserves to be treated with the utmost attention and expertise

L’article face and eyelids aesthetic care est apparu en premier sur Dre Lucie Duclos.