Lone Star Plastic Surgery in Frisco is expanding its approach to patient care with the addition of GLP-1 weight loss treatments. With demand for these medications skyrocketing, the practice is giving patients a powerful new tool to take control of their health.

​​This is part of the Lone Star WEight Loss and Wellness program, which is designed to support patients’ overall health and wellness and includes peptides and B12 shots.

“For many patients, GLP-1s act as a bridge to surgery, helping them reach a healthier weight and lowering their risks before undergoing a procedure,” board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Hill said. “But they’re not just for surgical candidates—these treatments can also help patients achieve meaningful, long-term weight loss on their own.”

What are GLP-1s?

GLP-1 medications are a newer class of treatments that have surged in popularity for their ability to help patients lose weight safely and effectively.

“GLP-1s are medications that mimic a peptide your body already produces in the GI tract,” Hill said. “When your stomach is full, this peptide tells your brain you’re no longer hungry. These medications essentially do the same thing; they help you feel fuller longer, delay stomach emptying and even stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, which lowers blood sugars.”

This combination not only supports weight loss but also contributes to better overall health by addressing metabolic factors linked to obesity.

Understanding GLP-1 options

At Lone Star Plastic Surgery, patients typically choose between two GLP-1 medications: semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, and tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

Key differences between the two include:

• Functionality: Semaglutide focuses on hunger regulation and insulin release, while tirzepatide adds a mechanism through GIP to enhance metabolic effects.
• Results: Some patients may experience more significant weight loss on tirzepatide, though both medications can be effective depending on individual goals.
• Formulation: Both are available as weekly injections, though tirzepatide may also have oral options in the future.

“In our population, we see about 80% of patients choose tirzepatide and about 20% choose semaglutide,” Hill said. “Tirzepatide tends to be preferred for patients trying to lose a larger amount of weight, but semaglutide has been incredibly successful too. Our biggest success story so far has actually been on semaglutide.”

Clearing misconceptions about GLP-1s

GLP-1 medications are sometimes misunderstood. Hill addressed some of the most common misconceptions:

• GLP-1s are the lazy way to lose weight.

“People sometimes say it’s the lazy way to lose weight, but that’s no more true than saying bariatric surgery is lazy,” Hill said. “Both require commitment. These medications are a tool—they work best when paired with healthy lifestyle changes like proper diet and exercise.”

• You have to stay on GLP-1s forever.

“Once someone reaches their target weight, they can slowly wean off,” Hill explained. “Some people stay on a microdose long-term to maintain results, but it’s not necessarily a forever requirement. That said, lifestyle changes are crucial in keeping the weight off.”

• Online prescriptions for GLP-1s are just as safe as getting them from a doctor.

“We’ve seen patients who got semaglutide from unknown compounding pharmacies overseas, sometimes without even knowing if what they received was real,” Hill said. “These medications may not be sterile, could have inconsistent doses or even be counterfeit. Doing it under proper medical guidance is the safest way.”

• GLP-1s are only used for aesthetics.

“Some people think these medications are just for cosmetic reasons, but that’s not the case,” Hill said. “GLP-1s help improve metabolic health, support blood sugar control and are a tool for overall wellness—not just appearance.”

Ready to learn more?

If you’re curious whether GLP-1s could be the right fit for your weight loss or wellness goals, Lone Star Plastic Surgery makes it easy to get started. You can schedule an appointment online or call the office at 214-433-6631.

To learn more about Lone Star Plastic Surgery and the range of services they offer, click here.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.