Quick answer
Medical weight loss at Epic Plastic Surgery in Coconut Grove, Miami is a physician-supervised program led by Dr. Orlando Llorente that uses once-weekly medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide together with personalized lifestyle support. Patients lose about 1–2 pounds per week on average, with the most significant progress between 6 and 12 months.
| Supervised by | Dr. Orlando Llorente, MD and his team |
|---|---|
| Medications | Semaglutide or tirzepatide, once-weekly injections |
| Who qualifies | BMI of 30 or higher, or 27+ with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure |
| Average pace | About 1–2 pounds per week |
| Biggest progress | Typically between 6 and 12 months |
| Not suitable for | Pregnancy and certain medical conditions – reviewed at your evaluation |
Surgeon: Dr. Orlando Llorente, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon · Epic Plastic Surgery, 2645 SW 37th Ave, Suite 603, Miami, FL 33133 · (305) 712-2809 · English & Spanish · Miami Herald Best of Miami-Dade 2023 & 2024 · Last updated November 10, 2026
Losing weight is not simply a matter of willpower. Appetite, hormones and metabolism all push back when you diet, which is why many people regain weight after programs that rely on restriction alone.
The physician-supervised medical weight loss program at Epic Plastic Surgery in Coconut Grove combines prescription GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, with personalized nutrition and activity guidance and regular check-ins. Dr. Orlando Llorente and his team monitor your progress, manage side effects and adjust your plan so weight loss is steady, safe and sustainable.
Medical weight loss is a doctor-guided program that uses FDA-approved classes of medication alongside lifestyle support to treat excess weight as the medical condition it is. Unlike fad diets, the goal is gradual, sustainable loss that you can maintain.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide reduce appetite, help you feel full sooner and improve blood-sugar control, which makes healthy eating easier to sustain. Combined with a realistic nutrition and fitness plan, they help patients make consistent progress.
Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection that mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar and slows digestion. Most patients notice fewer cravings and better portion control, leading to steady weight loss.
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that acts on two hormone pathways, GLP-1 and GIP. This dual action can produce greater weight loss for appropriate candidates.
Choosing the right medication
Dr. Llorente selects a medication based on your medical history, current prescriptions, goals and how your body responds. Doses start low and increase gradually to reduce side effects, and your plan is adjusted at each follow-up.
Medications: Semaglutide or tirzepatide, usually once weekly
Support: Personalized nutrition and activity guidance
Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to track progress and side effects
Typical pace: About 1–2 pounds per week on average
Biggest progress: Usually between 6 and 12 months
Your program begins with a detailed consultation covering your medical history, current medications, lifestyle and goals. If a GLP-1 medication is appropriate, Dr. Llorente prescribes a starting dose and explains how to take it, what side effects to expect and how to manage them.
Alongside medication, you receive practical guidance on nutrition, protein intake and activity. Regular follow-up visits let the team track your progress, adjust your dose and keep you on course toward sustainable results.
Medical weight loss with semaglutide or tirzepatide is generally appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It is often a good fit if diet and exercise alone have not produced lasting results.
GLP-1 medications are not right for everyone. They are not used during pregnancy, and they are generally avoided in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, or a history of pancreatitis. Dr. Llorente reviews your full health history to make sure treatment is safe for you.
Patients who choose medical weight loss in Miami can expect several advantages over dieting alone:
Patients who follow the program can expect steady progress. Depending on your starting weight and goals, results typically appear within the first few months, with the most significant progress between 6 and 12 months. Beyond the scale, many patients report more energy, better sleep and improved health markers. Healthy habits built during treatment are what protect your results long term.
Significant weight loss can leave behind loose skin or stubborn pockets of fat that no medication can address. Once your weight has been stable for several months, body contouring in the same practice can refine your results:
No crash diet is required. You will be encouraged to eat balanced meals with adequate protein and smaller portions, which GLP-1 medications make easier. The team helps you build an eating plan that fits your lifestyle.
Yes, and it is encouraged. Regular activity, especially strength training, helps preserve muscle while you lose fat. Your plan is matched to your fitness level.
Results vary, but patients lose about 1–2 pounds per week on average, with the most significant progress usually between 6 and 12 months.
The most common side effects are nausea, constipation, diarrhea, reduced appetite and fatigue, usually in the early weeks or after a dose increase. They often ease as your body adjusts. Doses are increased gradually, and the team will adjust your plan if side effects persist.
These medications are not used during pregnancy and are generally avoided in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, or a history of pancreatitis. Dr. Llorente reviews your health history and current medications before prescribing.
Most patients can continue their usual medications, but some, including diabetes medications, may need adjustment. Share every prescription and supplement you take so Dr. Llorente can check for interactions.
It depends on your goals and response. Some patients continue a maintenance dose long term, while others gradually stop after reaching a stable weight. The plan is reviewed with you regularly.
Some regain is common if healthy habits are not maintained, because appetite returns when the medication stops. That is why the program builds nutrition and activity habits from the start and plans any change in medication carefully.
Yes. Once your weight has been stable for several months, procedures such as a tummy tuck, liposuction or a Mommy Makeover can address loose skin and stubborn fat. Dr. Llorente can plan surgery as the next step in your transformation.
