magnolia-medical-wellness-v2

Understanding Low Testosterone

info@magnolia-medaesthetics.com (Crista Callaghan) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 03:47:18 GMT

Previously the use of testosterone supplementation was quite the Taboo topic of conversation. Over the past few years, Men’s Health & Wellness as well as testosterone supplementation has become more mainstream than it ever has, but it still has a long way to go!

What Are Some of the Causes of Low Testosterone Levels?

Low testosterone levels is also known as “hypogonadism” in medical terminology. There are three classifications of hypogonadism; primary, secondary and adult onset.

❖ Primary - generally caused by testicular injury in the past.

❖ Secondary - can be caused by metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, testosterone use in the past, opiate use disorder, sleep apnea and liver cirrhosis are some of the causes of secondary hypogonadism.

❖ Adult onset - typically occurs with men as they age. It is a similar trajectory to that of women going through menopause and it happens slowly and insidiously.

Is There a Way to Increase Testosterone Levels Without Going on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (Trt)?

A comprehensive lab panel and a full medical history will be done prior to initiating TRT. This will allow the provider to determine what might be causing low testosterone levels. If it appears that your pituitary gland is still secreting appropriate levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), then a trial of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be trialed to further stimulate the testicles to produce more testosterone. Additional ways to stimulate endogenous testosterone production include lifestyle modifications that target the underlying conditions which could be decreasing the body’s ability to produce testosterone:

❖ Weight loss

❖ Treatment of high cholesterol

❖ Adequate blood pressure control

❖ Consistent exercise

❖ Treatment of sleep apnea, if present

Who Is a Candidate for Low Testosterone Screening?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone levels such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, loss of body hair, increased body fat, decreased lean muscle mass, low libido, infrequent spontaneous or morning erections you would be a great candidate for evaluation. Initial evaluation involves a simple, 15 minute appointment, to obtain a blood sample for testing. After a baseline is established an individualized treatment plan can be developed.

How Would I Begin an Evaluation of My Hormone Levels?

You can book directly through this website for the “Mens Preliminary Lab Panel.” After your labs are drawn, you will be booked for your in office consultation to discuss the findings and make an individualized plan to fit your needs.

What Are the Benefits of Testosterone Replacement?

❖ Increased activity tolerance

❖ Decreased anxiety

❖ Improved sleep

❖ Increased lean muscle mass

❖ Decreased body fat

❖ Improved libido

❖ Increased motivation and ambition

Is Testosterone Replacement Safe?

Yes, when taken in the prescribed manner with lab monitoring at regular intervals, testosterone replacement is safe and effective at managing the symptoms of low testosterone.

Growth Hormone Optimization

info@magnolia-medaesthetics.com (Crista Callaghan) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:54:11 GMT

Peptides for Men’s Health

Have you been at a physical plateau? Do you work out consistently, but you just can’t push past where you’re at? Growth hormone optimization with peptides might be just what you’re looking for!

Who Is a Candidate?

Men looking to improve their physical athletic performance, increase their lean muscle mass or decrease their recovery times between strenuous workouts. Lab testing is involved and based on the results, an individualized treatment plan will be developed.

What Are the Benefits of Treatment?

❖ Performance enhancement

❖ Stimulates recovery from old injuries and can decrease tendon pain/discomfort

❖ Anti-aging properties

❖ Decreased recovery time between workouts

How Do I Go About Starting on Growth Hormone Optimization?

❖ Initial Lab Evaluation - 15 Minute appointment to obtain a brief history and obtain blood sample for testing.

❖ In-office Consultation - 45-60 Minute appointment to review lab results and formulate an individualized plan of treatment.

❖ Follow Up Labs - 15 Min appointment at 3 month interval to obtain blood sample for safety and efficacy testing.

Common Side Effects

❖ Increased appetite

❖ Dizziness

❖ Increased heart rate

❖ Rash at injection site

❖ Abdominal cramping

❖ Fatigue (medication is taken at night to limit daytime sleepiness)

❖ Water retention

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

You will begin to see some improvement in the first couple of months. Treatment is typically cycled, on for 3 months with a holiday period after the first cycle. Results are individual and subjective in nature.

Is This Treatment Safe?

This class of peptide therapy is very well tolerated amongst most individuals. Risk factors will be assessed during initial evaluation and lab monitoring will be done at routine intervals to assure safety and efficacy.

Keeping Weight Off After Semaglutide

info@magnolia-medaesthetics.com (Crista Callaghan) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 04:07:32 GMT

How Does Semaglutide Work?

Semaglutide is part of a group of medications known as GLP-1 agonists. This medication activates glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion from the liver. The effects of this medication result in the following:

❖ Decreased appetite

❖ Longer duration of feeling full after mealtimes

❖ Early satiety

❖ Maintenance of caloric deficit

❖ Acts chemically within the brain to decrease cravings

How Quickly Should I Notice Results?

You will likely start to notice results of GLP-1 injections within the first week. It may take a couple of weeks to settle into your body to see an actual decrease in the number on the scale, but this is very individualized person to person.

How Long Will It Take Me to Get to My Weight Loss Goal?

This is very dependent on how much weight you have to lose and how the medication reacts with your body specifically. As with any other weight loss program, those who have more to lose will lose more rapidly in the beginning. As people get closer to their weight loss goals, the loss per week will get smaller. It is very difficult to estimate length of time to approach goal weight loss, but GLP-1 agonists in combination with a healthy high-protein diet and exercise will certainly stimulate weight loss on a grander scale.

Weight Loss Maintenance

As with any weight loss program, if you come off of Semaglutide and resume the lifestyle that caused increased weight gain in the first place, you will certainly gain weight back. If you practice healthy lifestyle modifications while on the weight loss program and carry this through when you come off, you will be able to maintain your weight loss. Some examples of healthy lifestyle modifications include:

❖ High protein diet

❖ Low processed carbohydrates (bread, pasta, crackers, etc.)

❖ Healthy carbohydrates in moderation (brown rice, sweet potatoes, legumes, quinoa, etc.)

❖ Regular exercise including weight lifting and light cardio

❖ Healthy sleep habits (7-8 hours of sleep per night)

❖ Sugar intake only in moderation (limit sugary beverages, dessert, candy, etc.)

❖ Long-term maintenance of healthy lifestyle modifications

Long Term Benefits

The end effect of weight loss is well-documented and touted for it’s long term benefits. Semaglutide is a means to assist you to getting to your weight loss goals. Long term benefits of weight loss include the following:

❖ Decreased cardiovascular risk factors (normalization of blood pressure, improvement in cholesterol panels, increased ability to participate in routine exercise, etc.)

❖ Improved ability to recognize appropriate portions of food and focus on healthy eating/lifestyle modifications.

❖ Decreased stress on joints resulting in decreased joint pain/discomfort and increased activity tolerance.

❖ Improved confidence and feeling of overall well-being.

Testosterone Replacement& Well-Being

info@magnolia-medaesthetics.com (Crista Callaghan) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 04:16:04 GMT

Are you a man experiencing decreased motivation or desire to do things you once enjoyed or complete tasks? After work, do you come home and sit on the couch instead of being productive or creative? One of the reasons for this could be low testosterone levels! At Magnolia Medical Aesthetics we have a robust program for men’s health and well-being.

Signs of Low Testosterone:

❖ Decreased motivation

❖ Low Libido

❖ Loss of Spontaneous Morning Erections

❖ Depression

❖ Anxiety

❖ Insomnia

❖ Loss of Body Hair

❖ Weight Gain

❖ Muscle Loss

Who Is a Candidate for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (Trt)?

Men who are symptomatic and have lower than optimal testosterone levels are candidates for TRT. There are many different avenues of treatment in Men’s Health. Initial lab monitoring is required to develop a treatment plan that is specific to meet each person’s needs.

Benefits of Treatment:

Men who are symptomatic and start on TRT can anticipate improvement in overall mood and well-being. Men will sleep better, recover faster from workouts, increase lean muscle mass and decrease body fat. Libido and sex drive will begin to improve back to former levels and men will notice an overall decline in fatigue.

How Do I Get My Testosterone Levels Evaluated?

❖ Initial Lab Evaluation - 15 minute appointment to draw labs and get a limited baseline of information

❖ In-Office Consultation - 45 min to 1 hour appointment to discuss lab findings and develop a customized program that meets the specific needs of each individual

❖ Lab Follow-up - 15 min appointments every 3 months to check in briefly and obtain lab work to monitor progress and safety

Common Side Effects:

❖ Acne & Oily Skin- typically resolves after first year of TRT

❖ Hair Loss

❖ Testicular atrophy - testicles can shrink. The risk of this can be decreased by using HCG at the same time

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Between weeks 2-4 men should anticipate seeing psychological improvement. During weeks 4-16 physical and sexual improvement can be anticipated and by 6-12 months men ideally will be consistently feeling a sense of overall well-being.

Anti-Aging with Dysport®

info@magnolia-medaesthetics.com (Crista Callaghan) — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 04:22:03 GMT

What You Need to Know:

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, Dysport® is your go-to for fast and natural anti-aging results. Dysport®, a brand of botulinum toxin A, is a product used in age management to diminish the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Dysport® is administered by trained medical professionals in a way that is tailored to each person’s specific concerns.

Who Is a Candidate for Dysport®?

Men and women are both eligible for anti-aging treatments with Dysport®. The only contraindications to treatment are as follows:

❖ Currently pregnant or breastfeeding

❖ Milk protein allergy

What Are the Benefits of Anti-aging Treatments With Dysport®?

❖ Decreased fine lines and wrinkles

❖ More youthful appearance

❖ Decreased sweating

❖ Minimization of pore visibility

How Long Does It Take Dysport® to Work?

2-3 Days Post Treatment - You will begin to see improvement in find lines and wrinkles.

21 Days - You will see the full results of Dysport® at its most intense point.

22 Days and Beyond - You will very slowly begin to see movement back to the regions that were treated with Dysport®.

How Long Does Dysport® Last?

Typically Dysport® will last for 3 to 4 months, however results are dependent on multiple factors which I have described below in detail.

What Would Cause Dysport® to Wear Off Sooner?

Smoking:

Smoking has an array of negative consequences for the body, all of which we won’t get into here. One of those negative effects is that it can cause more rapid aging in people. So, when coupled with an anti-aging treatment like Dysport®, smoking can decrease the longevity of results.

Heavy Weight Lifting/Bodybuilding:

Healthy exercise and movement is a priority for overall health and well-being. That being said, heavy weight lifting and bodybuilding has been shown to decrease the length of time that Dysport® lasts between treatments. This may be, in part, due to the increased metabolism people tend to get with an increased muscle mass.

Excessive movement:

Injections to regions of the face that move very frequently, such as the lips, could cause a more precipitous decline in results. That is not to say that after injection you wouldn’t want to move or express! Just know that if getting a lip flip done or a procedure done in a region with increased movement, the results may not last as long as other regions of the face that move less frequently.

Metabolism:

Every person has a different metabolism. That being said, it is hard to say from person to person how long it will take each person’s body to metabolize the Dysport® that is being injected during the procedure. So results will differ slightly based solely on each individual's own body chemistry.

Possible Side Effects

❖ Dry eyes - some people will report symptoms of dry eyes when being treated near crows feet region. This is self-limiting and is not reported frequently.

❖ Eye Ptosis - this is the “dropping” of the eyelid. This is the side effect most people are worried about. This is avoided by appropriate injection technique and avoiding injection points that are close to the eyebrow.

❖ Bruising - anytime a needle penetrates the skin there is a risk of forming a bruise. Every caution is taken to avoid visible veins in order to prevent or limit the risk of bruising. Sometimes this is unavoidable and a small bruise may occur. It is self-limiting and should dissipate within a week or so.

How Do I Initiate Treatment With Dysport®?

You can book directly through the website for Dysport®/BOTOX® consultation. This is a 30 minute appointment where health history will be reviewed, risks and benefits of treatment will be discussed and a treatment plan will be formulated. Treatment with Dysport® can be administered during this visit if you so choose.

Is Dysport® Safe?

Yes! Dysport® is a very safe and effective treatment for decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. All effects are temporary and will wear off naturally over the course of 3 to 4 months.

The Skinny on The Skinny Shot

info@magnolia-medaesthetics.com (Crista Callaghan) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:30:48 GMT

The Skinny on the Skinny Shot

Lately the questions have been pouring in about the Skinny Shot! What is it? How does it work? Will it work for me? Let me help provide you with a little insight into the Skinny Shot and how it all works.

What Is the Skinny Shot?

The Skinny Shot at Magnolia Medical Wellness is a compounded medication composed of Semaglutide and Levocarnitine. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in the brand name medications Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide is in the class of medications called GLP-1 agonists and has been used in mainstream medicine for over 15 years at this point. Originally it was developed for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

How Does the Skinny Shot Work?

The Skinny Shot activates receptors in the brain that regulate appetite and caloric intake. This being said, you can anticipate the following:

❖ Decreased cravings

❖ Decreased caloric intake

❖ Feeling of fullness and satiety after eating

Am I a Candidate for the Skinny Shot?

The Skinny Shot is well tolerated across different age ranges as well as gender. Results will differ from person to person, but overall you will lose weight. In order to assess if you are a candidate for the Skinny Shot, we will have you come to the office for a full history and physical prior to initiating therapy.

There are three absolute contraindications to treatment, which include:

❖ Personal history of pancreatitis in the past

❖ Family or personal history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2

❖ Personal history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer

How Long Until I See Results?

You will begin to see a difference in appetite and satiety in the first week. In fact, most people notice a change in appetite in the first 24 hours following their initial injection. Typically people will begin to see weight loss in the first week as well! Most patient’s report after the first month they can start sensing a change in the way their clothing fits and notice a difference in their body habitus.

How Often Do I Need to Get the Skinny Shot?

The Skinny Shot is a weekly injection that is done until you attain your goal weight. After your goal weight is attained, you will work hand in hand with your medical provider to develop a personalized plan going forward that will focus on maintenance.

Will I Gain All of the Weight I Lost Back After Stopping the Skinny Shot?

Throughout the time that you are enrolled in the weight loss program you will be working on healthy eating habits, portion control, and improving a healthy lifestyle. As long as you maintain those newly formed habits after tapering off the Skinny Shot you will be able to maintain your weight loss.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of the Skinny Shot?

The most commonly reported side effects of the Skinny Shot include:

❖ Nausea

❖ Constipation

❖ Bloating

Ways to mitigate these side effects are discussed at length during your initial consultation as well as during subsequent visits.

Is the Skinny Shot Safe?

Yes, Semaglutide has been used for over 15 years in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and has only recently gained notoriety in the field of weight management. It is safe and efficacious. You will have a full history and physical done prior to implementation of therapy to assure the Skinny Shot is an appropriate medication of choice for you based on your past medical history.