Medical Weight Loss Long Island, NY
You work hard. You maintain a schedule, prioritize fitness, make conscious choices about what you eat. But there are times when your body doesn't respond and you feel like you're hitting a wall. We understand this isn't about chasing some unrealistic ideal; it’s about getting your health back into an energetic, comfortable alignment.
Here on Long Island, the practice of Charlotte Ann Rhee, MD, approaches this challenge differently. We acknowledge that managing weight is a biological problem first—one often dictated by hormones, not willpower. That's why we use advanced injectable medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. This medical weight loss program offers a proven, supervised method to gently re-tune your body’s natural set point. It's the expert tool you need to finally break through, regain appetite control, and secure your long-term weight management goals.
Medical weight loss represents a significant evolution in how we treat obesity and weight-related conditions. It’s a therapeutic strategy that leverages advanced drugs to correct the underlying metabolic and hormonal dysregulation contributing to weight gain. Under Dr. Rhee's guidance, the program addresses the core physiology that makes achieving a healthy weight so challenging, providing patients with a powerful, personalized way to manage their weight.
Semaglutide is an active ingredient classified as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a natural gut hormone that triggers the release of insulin and slows down the movement of food through the stomach. When administered as a weekly semaglutide injection, this medicine enhances that natural function. By binding to the GLP-1 receptors in the brain, it effectively reduces hunger and promotes lasting satiety. For many patients, this means the constant, distracting thoughts about eating are dramatically quieted, making it simple to maintain a reduced-calorie diet and lose weight.
Tirzepatide is a sophisticated, dual-action molecule. It acts as both a GLP-1 and a GIP receptor agonist. GIP is another hormone that helps regulate metabolism and blood sugar. By targeting both pathways, Tirzepatide often provides a more comprehensive level of metabolic improvement. Clinical trials have shown that this dual mechanism can lead to more pronounced and effective weight loss for many patients compared to single GLP-1 receptor agonists alone. Dr. Rhee offers this advanced prescription to ensure every patient has access to the medicine best suited for their long-term weight management success.
Achieving a healthy weight is about much more than appearance; it is foundational to overall health and longevity. By reducing excess body weight, you not only lose weight but also significantly reduce the risk of severe chronic medical conditions.
Some of the benefits that can be achieved by treatment include:
The ideal candidate for medical weight loss is an adult seeking effective, sustainable weight loss who is struggling against the metabolic factors of obesity or weight-related conditions. Eligibility is determined only after a careful, compassionate review of your unique health profile by a doctor.
Generally, the program is prescribed for individuals with excess weight (BMI over 30, or over 27 with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes).
However, safety is paramount. The medications are contraindicated if you have a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). We must also use caution with patients who have a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, or severe kidney problems. Additionally, patients should report any history of depression or anxiety, especially concerning any prior occurrences of suicidal thoughts. Dr. Rhee will review all medical conditions and prior medications to ensure the utmost safety before prescribing the medications.
Achieving a healthy weight dramatically refines and enhances the body’s natural contours, addressing the aesthetic impact of excess body weight and improving how patients feel in their skin.
Significant weight loss naturally resolves the issue of overall increased volume, which can obscure the body’s natural lines and muscle tone. This treatment helps you lose weight efficiently, revealing a trimmer, more proportional body.
The weight loss plan targets fat deposits across the body, including the persistent areas of the midsection. Reducing excess weight from the abdomen and flanks is crucial, whether you are preparing for surgery or looking for a sleeker silhouette without surgery.
Reduction of excess weight frequently results in noticeable slimming in the face and neck. This enhancement of the jawline and neck region complements the results of any facial surgery and contributes to a more youthful, well-defined appearance.
Your consultation with Dr. Rhee—a board-certified doctor with decades of experience in body contouring—is personal, confidential, and comprehensive. This is where her expertise in health care meets your unique weight loss goals.
During this appointment in Huntington Station, we will review your detailed medical conditions, order necessary blood work, and discuss how the medications can support your goals. Dr. Rhee will clearly explain how these GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs function to improve appetite control and reduce your risk of cardiovascular death. We will also discuss the financial aspects, including whether your insurance coverage may apply.
Once approved, preparation is straightforward. You will be fully trained on the simple, once-weekly self-injection technique. The main preparation involves committing to supporting the medicine’s effects with healthy habits like increased physical activity and a sustainable, reduced-calorie diet.
We’ll walk you through a structured, ongoing administration of your prescription medication—specifically, the weekly Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injection. There is no surgical pain, anesthetic, or facility fees associated with the administration of the medicine itself.
The program consists of a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Our specialized nursing staff will provide thorough training on the technique during your first visit in Huntington Station. The injection is simple and fast, meaning the total time for the "procedure" during subsequent office visits is minimal.
The nature of this program means there is no downtime or surgical recovery period. Patients resume their normal activities immediately. There is no need for deep sedation, which is an important safety consideration for all patients.
While the medicine begins affecting appetite and hunger signals quickly, weight loss generally begins within the first month. Patients on this weight loss plan typically see weight loss progress steadily over 6 to 12 months as the optimal dosage is reached.
Sustaining your healthy weight is the goal. Dr. Rhee’s team monitors your progress closely, adjusting the dosage to manage symptoms and maximize weight loss effectiveness. Once you reach your weight loss goals, a lower maintenance dose may be prescribed, or Dr. Rhee will provide a strategy focused on increased physical activity, monitoring your calorie intake, and personalized nutritional guidance to ensure the benefits of the treatment last, promoting true long-term weight management.
The cost of a medical weight loss program featuring Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is highly personalized. It reflects the customization necessary to treat the specific needs and medical conditions of each patient. Costs can vary based on the specific prescription drug chosen, the necessary dosage titration plan, and the duration of treatment.
The total cost generally includes:
Choosing a doctor for medical weight loss isn't like picking a service; it's a decision about trust and expertise. When you come to Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee, you are choosing a physician who has spent over 30 years focused on surgical precision and patient advocacy. We believe that level of experience offers a distinct advantage.
First, you get authority with empathy. Dr. Rhee is a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Her deep knowledge of body morphology and overall health means she administers this medical weight loss program not just as a prescriber, but as a specialist focused on your ultimate aesthetic outcome. She understands the body's mechanics completely.
Second, we prioritize honesty. We will discuss the realities of the treatment, including the potential for nausea and other common side effects. We talk plainly about the small but serious risk of thyroid cancer and ensure you are comfortable with the safety protocols, prioritizing your well-being above all else.
Finally, we offer continuity of care. For many patients, reaching a healthy weight is the crucial prerequisite for procedures like a Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover. Dr. Rhee integrates this weight loss plan into a holistic strategy. When you successfully lose weight with us, you are already partnered with the expert who can complete your transformation, ensuring seamless care and the most elegant, lasting results on Long Island.
Take control of your health. Discover the difference that physician-supervised, advanced medical weight loss can make for your confidence and well-being.
Call (631) 405-4590 to schedule your private, confidential consultation with Dr. Charlotte Ann Rhee in Huntington Station, NY.
These medications stimulate the pancreas to release insulin when your blood sugar is high, and they prevent the liver from releasing too much stored glucose. This dual action, combined with reduced food intake, helps prevent high blood sugar spikes, which is beneficial for patients at risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
While not one of the most common side effects, rapid weight loss of any kind can sometimes cause temporary hair loss. This is typically due to the stress of quick changes, not the medicine itself. Dr. Rhee monitors your health closely to ensure your weight loss plan is steady and sustainable.
Report severe stomach or abdominal pain immediately to your doctor. While mild pain is normal, persistent, severe pain that radiates to the back could be a sign of rare but serious symptoms like pancreatitis. Dr. Rhee's priority is patient health care.
Insurance coverage varies widely, and many plans are still adapting to the use of these drugs for obesity without diabetes. We advise patients to check their policy details regarding weight loss medications and medical conditions. You should also inquire about federal law or state mandates that may apply to your treatment.
No. The prescription medications are an appetite control tool, not a substitute for healthy habits. To achieve meaningful long-term weight management and keep the weight off, you must combine the treatment with consistent increased physical activity and a sound diet. This combination provides the best results for your body and overall health.
