Losing weight can be challenging — we get it. At Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery, we take your health and wellness seriously and are proud to offer a prescription-based medical weight loss program designed to help you look and feel your best.

We offer two options to help you effectively lose weight and start your journey to a healthier, more confident self:

• Skinny Shot (a GLP-1 agonist)
• Skinny Shot Pro (a GLP-1 + GIP agonist)

Both are prescription medications that work by mimicking natural gut hormones to regulate appetite and support weight loss.

There are many weight loss clinics in Houston, but here’s what sets us apart:

• Our providers will evaluate you to ensure you are a good candidate. We’ll educate you about your treatment plan and offer guidance on what to eat to optimize your success.
• It’s 100% prescription-based. Both the Skinny Shot and Skinny Shot Pro are prescribed and monitored by our medical team.
• We provide everything you need – your treatment includes all medications and supplies.
• We schedule check-ins every four weeks for ongoing lifestyle and nutritional counseling. We want you to lose fat while preserving and building muscle.
• Our weight loss plans are cost-effective, with price transparency and no insurance requirements.
• As the weight comes off, we offer a wide range of effective aesthetic treatments to manage loose skin and volume loss, helping you look and feel your best under the leadership of Dr. Bob Basu, a nationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon.

What is the Skinny Shot?

The “Skinny Shot” is our name for the GLP-1 agonist prescription medication. This medication increases insulin levels, which in turn decreases glucose (blood sugar). It was first prescribed as a treatment for diabetes. However, it also has profound weight loss properties in patients who struggle with weight management or obesity.

How Does the Skinny Shot Process Work at Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery?

The weight loss prescription program at Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery is available to all eligible patients. Treatment can begin before surgery, following surgery, or as a standalone program when the primary focus and goal is weight loss and improved health.

During your consultation, we will discuss your overall aesthetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored just for you. This plan includes:

• Customized dosing of medication for appropriate weight loss while minimizing side effects
• Weekly injections, which can be done at home
• Monthly office visits to track progress

How Do GLP-1 Medications Work?

GLP-1 medications regulate appetite and calorie intake by helping you feel fuller sooner, slowing down how quickly your stomach empties, and keeping you feeling full for longer. People on these medications experience a decrease in appetite and food cravings, which leads to significant weight loss over time as you consume fewer calories per day. The revolutionary part of this treatment is that you don’t feel hungry or as if you are “dieting.”

How Effective are GLP-1s for Weight Loss?

One of the first studies evaluating the effectiveness of semaglutide included more than 1,000 patients. These patients were treated for 68 weeks and lost an average of 15% of their body weight (an average weight loss of 35 pounds).

A second study that included over 900 patients showed that, on average, patients lost 17% of their body weight (an average of 41 pounds) at 68 weeks. It is important to note that everyone in these studies was also counseled on improving dietary habits and increasing physical activity. The results of these studies are truly exciting for our patients.

What is the Skinny Shot Pro?

The “Skinny Shot Pro” is a dual-action medication that uses both a GLP-1 agonist and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). In simple terms, it activates two hormone receptors that regulate metabolism.

What is the Difference Between Skinny Shot and Skinny Shot Pro?

Patients using Skinny Shot Pro have reported fewer side effects (less nausea, diarrhea, and constipation), greater appetite control, and tend to lose more weight. Our team will determine if you are a good candidate for weight loss medication, and help you decide which option is best for your situation.

Are GLP-1 Medications Safe?

Many medications have come and gone for treating obesity, often due to side effects or disappointing results. In the STEP 1 clinical trials of semaglutide for weight loss, patients experienced few side effects during the 68-week treatment. Over 90% of patients who started treatment completed the entire course.

The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea. In general, semaglutide is well tolerated.

*Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

Am I a Candidate for a GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss Program?

You may be eligible for a GLP-1 prescription if:

• Your BMI is over 25 (considered overweight or obese by this calculator)
• You’re not currently diabetic or on diabetes medications
• You don’t have a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatic conditions
• You want to lose weight and improve your overall health and appearance
• You are ready to combine the medication with healthy lifestyle changes and have realistic expectations
• You want to reach your ideal weight before a plastic surgery procedure such as liposuction or tummy tuck

How Do GLP-1 Prescriptions Work in Combination with Plastic Surgery?

Basu Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery encourages patients to be at their ideal weight before surgery. This can be challenging, as many of us struggle with weight management. The Skinny Shot can be used in preparation for your surgery or to improve your overall health.

Surgeries such as tummy tucks, mommy makeovers, and liposuction cannot change visceral (internal) fat. This fat is the most dangerous because it can cause health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers.

Losing weight with a GLP-1 medication can help decrease visceral fat, an area that previously could not be addressed by plastic surgery alone. The Skinny Shot, in combination with aesthetic surgery, is one of the most exciting interventions ever available for patients.

What to Expect with Our Medical Weight Loss Program

1. Initial consultation: This can be scheduled specifically for weight loss or in combination with your surgical consultation.
2. Evaluation: Our team will assess your weight, lifestyle, and goals, discuss the risks and benefits of the medications, and determine if you are a good candidate for the program.
3. Dose tailoring: We’ll customize your weekly dose based on your body and how you respond to the medication.
4. Dosing adjustments: In the first few weeks, we may slowly adjust your dose to help minimize stomach-related side effects. Be sure to check in regularly so we can track your progress and ensure you’re on the right path toward your goals.
5. Ongoing monitoring: As this is a prescription medication, we’ll schedule a monthly check-in to monitor your progress and adjust your dosage as needed.

The goal of including prescription weight loss medications with your surgical procedure is to help you achieve your ideal body weight before surgery, for the best possible aesthetic result.

It has been shown that patients with a lower BMI undergoing plastic surgery have a lower risk of complications. Total body treatment, including semaglutide, not only improves your results but may also make surgery safer.

Ready to Learn More about Our Skinny Shot Program?

Our Skinny Shot program isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a prescription-based, medically monitored, results-focused program that puts your health first and helps you achieve the long-term transformation you’re looking for.

To take the first step toward your ideal body weight with our Skinny Shot medical weight loss program, contact us—call or text our Houston office today at (713) 799-2278.