Limited time offers!

View Specials Here
(804) 390-5660

Weight Loss Medicine, Elevated by Expert Care

At the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, Drs. Burton and Reps Sundin take a comprehensive, medically grounded approach to weight management. Their team, including an experienced Nurse Practitioner, offers personalized GLP-1 therapy programs in Richmond and Northern Virginia for patients who want to achieve lasting results under expert supervision. For patients nearing or following their weight loss goals, the practice also offers a full suite of body contouring procedures to help refine and complete their transformation.

Hero Media

What Is GLP-1 Weight Loss Therapy?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body naturally produces after eating. It signals your brain that you're full, slows gastric emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications mimic this hormone at significantly higher levels than the body produces naturally, suppressing appetite, improving satiety, and supporting steady weight loss. These medications are administered as once-weekly subcutaneous injections and are prescribed alongside lifestyle changes, including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Two GLP-1 medications are available through the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery:

  • Semaglutide: A GLP-1 receptor agonist FDA-approved for chronic weight management. In the landmark STEP-1 clinical trial, participants lost an average of nearly 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group.
  • Tirzepatide: A dual GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor agonist. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, patients lost an average of up to 20.9% of body weight over 72 weeks at the highest dose, results previously associated only with bariatric surgery.

Benefits of GLP-1 Medical Weight Loss

  • Clinically proven, significant weight reduction
  • Reduced appetite and improved control over cravings
  • Better blood sugar regulation and metabolic health
  • Once-weekly injection for simplicity and adherence
  • Physician-supervised with regular monitoring and dose adjustments
  • Can improve weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol
  • Pairs naturally with body contouring for comprehensive transformation
Banner media

Are You a Candidate for GLP-1 Weight Loss Therapy in Richmond?

GLP-1 therapy in Richmond and Northern Virginia may be right for you if you:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or prediabetes
  • Have struggled to achieve or maintain meaningful weight loss through diet and exercise alone
  • Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Do not have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • Do not have a history of pancreatitis
  • Are committed to combining medication with healthy lifestyle changes
  • Are under the care of a medical provider and comfortable with weekly self-injections

A thorough health evaluation and medical history review are required before any GLP-1 prescription is issued.

Why Choose Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery for Medical Weight Loss?

Drs. Burton and Reps Sundin bring a level of medical rigor to weight loss therapy that goes beyond a simple prescription. Their team provides personalized programs supervised by board-certified physicians, not online questionnaires or unsupervised telehealth platforms. Patients receive regular check-ins, dose titration, and ongoing clinical oversight to ensure safe, effective progress. The practice's unique advantage is its full-spectrum of care: patients who lose significant weight with GLP-1 therapy often benefit from body contouring procedures to address loose skin and refine their results. 

What to Expect: GLP-1 Weight Loss Program

Consultation and Cost

  • An initial consultation with the practice's Nurse Practitioner includes a health assessment, medical history review, and candidacy evaluation
  • Medication selection (semaglutide or tirzepatide) is determined based on your individual profile
  • Pricing is personalized based on medication, dosage, and program duration; contact the office for current program pricing
    Most insurance plans do not cover GLP-1 medications for weight management; the team can discuss options at your consultation

Procedure Steps

  • Initial evaluation and lab review to confirm candidacy
  • Prescription issued and medication dispensed or sent to pharmacy
  • Gradual dose escalation over the first 4 to 8 weeks to minimize side effects
  • Once-weekly self-administered injection at home
  • Regular follow-up visits for monitoring, dose adjustment, and progress review
  • Ongoing support and guidance from the clinical team throughout the program

Recovery and Results Timeline

  • Weeks 1 to 4: Appetite reduction typically begins; mild side effects such as nausea may occur and usually improve with dose titration
  • Months 2 to 3: Noticeable weight loss becomes apparent; dose adjustments fine-tune results
  • Months 4 to 6: Continued, accelerating weight reduction; metabolic improvements often observed
  • Months 6 to 12: Peak weight loss is typically achieved; patients average 15 to 21% body weight reduction in clinical trials
  • Long-term: Weight maintenance requires ongoing lifestyle commitment; discontinuing medication may result in some weight regain
Background media

Managing Side Effects

Potential side effects include:

  • Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or mild abdominal discomfort (most common and typically temporary)
  • Reduced appetite (an intended effect)
  • Fatigue or mild headache

Serious side effects are rare but can include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues. Medical supervision throughout the program is essential for monitoring and safety.

Complementary Body Contouring at Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery

Significant weight loss is an incredible achievement, but it can sometimes leave behind loose skin or stubborn fat pockets that don't respond to continued lifestyle changes. We offer a full range of body contouring procedures to help patients complete their transformation, including:

  • Tummy Tuck, which removes excess abdominal skin and tightens underlying muscles
  • Arm Lift, which addresses loose skin along the upper arms
  • Liposuction, which targets residual stubborn fat for refined contouring
  • Thigh Lift, which tightens loose skin on the inner and outer thighs
  • Mommy Makeover, a customized combination of procedures for comprehensive body rejuvenation

FAQs

How is tirzepatide different from semaglutide?

Will I need lab work before starting GLP-1 therapy?

Can GLP-1 medications interact with other prescriptions I am taking?

Is there an age limit for GLP-1 weight loss therapy?

What happens if I stop taking GLP-1 medication suddenly?

Can I use GLP-1 therapy if I have type 2 diabetes?

Are there dietary restrictions I need to follow while on GLP-1 medications?

How are the injections administered and where on the body?

Can I continue GLP-1 therapy indefinitely if it is working well for me?

How is tirzepatide different from semaglutide?

Tirzepatide targets two hormone receptors (GLP-1 and GIP) while semaglutide targets one (GLP-1). Clinical trials show tirzepatide may produce greater weight loss for some patients, though both are highly effective. Your provider will help determine which is the better fit.

Will I need lab work before starting GLP-1 therapy?

Yes, a health evaluation including a review of your medical history and relevant lab work is required before any GLP-1 prescription is issued at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery. This helps the team confirm you are a safe candidate and identify any factors that may affect medication selection or dosing.

Can GLP-1 medications interact with other prescriptions I am taking?

GLP-1 medications can interact with certain other drugs, particularly oral medications whose absorption may be affected by slowed gastric emptying. Always provide the practice's Nurse Practitioner with a complete list of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements during your initial consultation.

Is there an age limit for GLP-1 weight loss therapy?

GLP-1 medications for weight management are currently approved for adults, and candidacy at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery is evaluated on an individual basis. Drs. Sundin's team will assess your full health profile to determine whether the program is appropriate for you.

What happens if I stop taking GLP-1 medication suddenly?

There are no serious medical risks associated with stopping GLP-1 therapy abruptly, but appetite typically returns and some degree of weight regain is common after discontinuation. A structured transition plan with ongoing lifestyle support can help patients maintain their results after completing the program.

Can I use GLP-1 therapy if I have type 2 diabetes?

Some GLP-1 receptor agonists are also prescribed for blood sugar management in patients with type 2 diabetes, though the dosing and program structure may differ from a weight loss-only protocol. The practice's Nurse Practitioner will review your full medical history to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Are there dietary restrictions I need to follow while on GLP-1 medications?

Patients are generally advised to follow a reduced-calorie, high-protein diet and to stay well hydrated throughout the program. High-fat or high-sugar meals can worsen gastrointestinal side effects, so your provider will offer specific nutritional guidance tailored to your program.

How are the injections administered and where on the body?

GLP-1 medications are administered as once-weekly subcutaneous injections, typically into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The practice will provide injection training and written instructions to ensure patients are comfortable self-administering at home.

Can I continue GLP-1 therapy indefinitely if it is working well for me?

GLP-1 medications are approved and clinically studied for long-term use, similar to medications prescribed for other chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. The appropriateness of continued therapy is evaluated on an ongoing basis through regular check-ins with the practice's clinical team.

Start Your Medical Weight Loss Journey in Richmond

Contact Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery at (804) 390-5660 or schedule a consultation online to meet with our team and learn whether GLP-1 therapy is right for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

Delivering premier plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures, our services extend to popular cosmetic procedures such as mommy makeover, facelift, and liposuction for clients in Richmond.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (804) 390-5660.
Contact Us