Introducing “Ask Dr. Nick”

Welcome to the first installment of Ask Dr. Nick, a new ongoing blog series from NH Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics in MetroWest Orlando. In this series, Dr. Nicholas Houlis answers the most common and most searched questions patients ask during consultations, phone calls, and online inquiries.

This is not marketing fluff or one size fits all advice. These posts are designed to give you clear, medically grounded answers in plain language, while helping you decide what makes sense for your body, your goals, and your lifestyle.

We are starting this series with one of the most searched and most misunderstood topics we see locally and nationally.

Weight loss injections.

Especially as we move through the holidays and into the New Year, this topic comes up daily in our Orlando office.

Ask Dr. Nick: “Do Weight Loss Injections Actually Work?”

Short answer: Yes, when used correctly, with medical supervision, and as part of a realistic plan.

Weight loss injections such as GLP-1 medications work by helping regulate appetite, blood sugar, and how quickly food leaves your stomach. Many patients feel fuller faster, experience fewer cravings, and find it easier to stay consistent with healthier eating.

What matters most is how they are prescribed, monitored, and paired with lifestyle changes. These are medical tools, not magic shortcuts.

At NH Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, weight loss injections are evaluated carefully based on medical history, goals, and long-term sustainability.

Why Is Everyone Talking About Weight Loss Injections Right Now?

Weight loss injections have gained attention for several reasons:

• Patients want non surgical weight loss options
• Traditional diet and exercise alone often plateau
• Busy lifestyles make consistency harder
• The holidays and year end weight gain create urgency
• People want results they can actually maintain

In Central Florida, especially in Orlando, Windermere, and MetroWest, we see patients who are active, working professionals, parents, and caregivers who are doing many things right but still struggling with stubborn weight.

That is where medically guided options can help.

Ask Dr. Nick: “Are Weight Loss Injections Safe?”

Safety depends on proper medical screening, dosing, and follow up.

Weight loss injections are not appropriate for everyone. That is why we do not offer one click prescriptions or generic plans.

At your consultation, we review:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Weight loss history
• Hormonal factors
• Lifestyle and stress levels
• Long-term goals

When done correctly, weight loss injections can be a safe and effective option. When done without supervision, they can lead to side effects, frustration, or short-term results that do not last.

Holiday Weight Gain: Why It Happens and Why It Is Normal

One of the most common questions we hear in November and December:

“I gained weight over the holidays. Did I ruin everything?”

No. And this matters more than most people realize.

Holiday weight gain happens because of:

• Increased calorie intake
• More sugar and alcohol
• Less movement
• Higher stress
• Poor sleep
• Disrupted routines

This does not mean you failed. It means you are human.

The mistake most people make is waiting too long to reset or swinging to extremes in January.

Ask Dr. Nick: “Should I Start Weight Loss Injections Before or After the Holidays?”

This depends on your goals.

Some patients choose to start before the holidays to help manage appetite and prevent excessive gain.

Others wait until January and use weight loss injections as a structured reset after the holidays.

Both approaches can work when planned properly.

What does not work is ignoring the issue and hoping motivation magically appears later.

How Weight Loss Injections Fit Into a Long Term Plan

Weight loss injections work best when paired with:

• Realistic nutrition habits
• Sustainable movement
• Accountability
• Medical oversight
• Clear expectations

They are not meant to replace healthy habits. They are designed to support them.

At NH Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, we focus on long term outcomes, not quick fixes.

Ask Dr. Nick: “What Happens If I Stop Weight Loss Injections?”

This is one of the most important questions to ask.

Weight loss injections do not permanently change your metabolism. They help you establish patterns, habits, and momentum.

If you stop without a plan, weight regain is possible.

That is why we focus on:

• Gradual transitions
• Lifestyle reinforcement
• Ongoing support
• Honest conversations about expectations

Success is not just losing weight. It is keeping it off.

Weight Loss Injections vs Body Contouring: What Is the Difference?

This is a common point of confusion.

Weight loss injections help reduce overall weight and appetite.

Body contouring procedures such as liposuction or Lipo 360 target specific fat areas that do not respond to weight loss alone.

Many patients benefit from a combination approach, depending on their goals.

If you are interested in learning more about surgical options, explore:

• https://www.nhcosmeticsurgery.com/services/awake-liposuction

Ask Dr. Nick: “Who Is a Good Candidate for Weight Loss Injections?”

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have struggled with consistent weight loss
• Experience frequent cravings or overeating
• Have plateaued with diet and exercise
• Want a medically supervised option
• Are committed to long-term change

The best way to know is through a personalized consultation.

Why Medical Supervision Matters

One of the biggest trends we see is patients trying weight loss injections through online providers or unverified sources.

This can lead to:

• Incorrect dosing
• Poor follow up
• Side effects
• Unrealistic expectations
• Short lived results

At NH Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, we believe weight loss is healthcare, not a trend.

Looking Ahead to the New Year and 2026 Goals

The end of the year is not just about looking back. It is about planning forward.

If weight loss is one of your goals for the New Year or 2026, now is the time to:

• Learn your options
• Ask informed questions
• Set realistic expectations
• Create a plan that fits your life

Weight loss injections can be part of that plan when used responsibly.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Nick

Weight loss is not about perfection. It is about progress, consistency, and choosing tools that support your health.

If you are curious about weight loss injections, body contouring, or combining approaches, start with a conversation.

Call to Action

If you are ready to explore weight loss injections or want a personalized plan tailored to your goals, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Nicholas Houlis at NH Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics in MetroWest Orlando.

👉 https://www.nhcosmeticsurgery.com/contact‍