At NicholsMD, we believe that true wellness comes from education, prevention, and expert-guided care. As leaders in concierge dermatology and advanced wellness programs, we offer medical weight loss options with GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Zepbound™). These treatments are transforming weight management, but many patients ask: What are the side effects of GLP-1s, and how can they be managed?
Below, we answer the most common questions patients search online about GLP-1 side effects, so you can feel confident and informed about your journey.
The majority of patients experience mild, short-term side effects as their body adjusts. These may include:
These effects are usually temporary and improve as your body adapts to treatment.
For most patients, side effects peak during the first few weeks of treatment or after a dose increase. With proper medical guidance, they often subside within days to weeks. At NicholsMD, we follow a personalized titration schedule to minimize discomfort and maximize results.
Some strategies our patients find helpful include:
Unlike one-size-fits-all weight loss clinics, NicholsMD offers a luxury, concierge approach where every aspect of your care is overseen by medical experts. From personalized dosing and nutrition guidance to aesthetics and wellness services, our team ensures that you not only lose weight safely but also maintain your energy, skin health, and confidence.
At NicholsMD, we know that achieving your health and body goals isn’t one-size-fits-all. As experts in concierge dermatology and comprehensive wellness, we offer advanced options in medical weight loss, including both tirzepatide and semaglutide. These innovative treatments are helping patients worldwide take control of their metabolism, appetite, and long-term health—but what’s the difference between them?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes and now FDA-approved for chronic weight management. It works by:
Brand names you may recognize include Ozempic® and Wegovy®, both of which have become well-known for their role in sustainable weight loss.
Tirzepatide – FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound™ – is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, making it a next-generation option. In addition to the appetite and blood sugar benefits of semaglutide, tirzepatide offers:
This dual action means tirzepatide often shows faster and more robust weight loss outcomes in clinical studies compared to semaglutide.
Both medications are powerful tools for patients seeking safe and medically supervised weight loss. At NicholsMD, we evaluate your medical history, goals, and lifestyle to determine the best fit for you.
Our team of board-certified providers ensures that your treatment plan is personalized, monitored, and designed for long-term success. Whether your goals include improved health markers, enhanced energy, or looking and feeling your best, NicholsMD is here to guide you every step of the way.
Fraxel Dual Laser is one of the most effective, non-invasive treatments for improving skin tone, texture, fine lines, brown spots, and sun damage. Because this advanced laser penetrates deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and cellular repair, proper post-treatment care is essential for achieving optimal results.
At NicholsMD, we guide every patient through their Fraxel journey so they feel confident about what comes next. Here’s your complete aftercare guide.
What to Do:
What Not to Do:
How long will my skin peel after Fraxel?
Peeling usually starts around day 3 and lasts 5–7 days. Everyone heals differently, but most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within a week.
When can I wear makeup again?
Light, mineral makeup can be applied after 24–48 hours, but always confirm with your provider.
Can I work out after Fraxel?
It’s best to avoid sweating, hot yoga, and high-intensity workouts for at least 24 hours.
How soon will I see results?
Initial improvement in tone and texture appears within a week, with collagen stimulation continuing for 3–6 months, delivering long-lasting skin renewal.
Will I need more than one treatment?
Many patients benefit from a series of 3–5 sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart, for optimal results.
At NicholsMD, we take a 360° approach to skin health. That means customizing your Fraxel treatment and aftercare plan to your unique needs – whether that’s pairing your laser with targeted skincare, recommending follow-up treatments, or monitoring your progress closely.
Fraxel Dual Laser is more than just a cosmetic treatment – it’s an investment in your long-term skin health and confidence. With proper aftercare, your results will not only look better, but last longer.
Ready to learn if Fraxel is right for you? Book your consultation at NicholsMD today and experience concierge-style dermatology care tailored just for you.
If you’re considering Botox and searching “Best Botox in Greenwich, CT” or “Where to get Botox near me,” you’ve come to the right place. At NicholsMD of Greenwich, founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols, our team specializes in natural-looking Botox treatments that refresh your appearance while preserving your unique beauty.
Botox is an FDA-approved neuromodulator (or neurotoxin) that temporarily relaxes the small muscles responsible for expression lines. By reducing muscle movement in targeted areas, Botox smooths existing wrinkles and helps prevent new ones from forming.
Did You Know? Botox Can Be Used in Over 15 Different Areas of the Body! Our Most Popular Treatment Areas Include:
At NicholsMD, Botox is never one-size-fits-all. Every treatment is carefully customized to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle to ensure results that are both effective and natural.
When it comes to your face, experience and artistry matter. Here’s why patients from Greenwich, Fairfield County, Westchester, and even New York City travel to NicholsMD:
At NicholsMD, we make the Botox experience comfortable and personalized from start to finish:
How long does Botox last?
Most patients enjoy their results for 3–4 months. With consistent treatments, results may last longer as muscles adapt. Here at NicholsMD, we offer a Stay Lifted Package that includes a year’s worth of Botox – so you can look refreshed and well-rested all year round.
Is Botox safe?
When performed by a board-certified dermatologist or trained medical provider, Botox is very safe and FDA-approved. At NicholsMD, your safety is always our top priority.
Will Botox make me look “done”?
Not at NicholsMD. Our patients love that they look like the best version of themselves – rested, refreshed, and confident, not frozen.
Does Botox hurt?
Botox is injected with a very fine needle and most patients describe the sensation as a quick pinch. At NicholsMD, we use advanced injectable techniques to maximize comfort throughout your appointment.
What should I avoid after Botox?
We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, lying flat, or massaging the treated area for about 6-8hours. Aside from that, you can resume all other day-to-day activities!
At NicholsMD of Greenwich, Botox is more than just an injection – it’s part of a personalized approach to pro-aging that keeps you looking your best at every stage of life.
Whether you’re smoothing fine lines before a big event, looking to prevent future wrinkles, or simply want to refresh your look, our expert team is here to guide you with care, precision, and artistry.
Book your consultation today and discover why NicholsMD is the premier choice for Botox in Greenwich, CT.
GLP-1 medications are transforming the way we approach weight management, longevity, and overall health. But while GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide can help regulate appetite and metabolism, your diet and lifestyle choices are what truly determine long-term success.
If you’re asking questions like:
—you’re not alone. These are some of the most common concerns we hear from patients, and the answers can make all the difference in your journey.
GLP-1s help curb hunger, but they don’t guarantee you’re nourishing your body correctly. Without the right nutrition, you risk losing muscle mass, slowing your metabolism, and missing out on the full health benefits these therapies can offer.
Key nutrition and lifestyle strategies to maximize your GLP-1 results:
From your perspective as a nutritionist, what excites you most about the role of GLP-1s in patient care?
What excites me is that GLP-1s aren’t just about weight loss — they have a ripple effect on overall health. They help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. We’re also seeing promising research around brain protection and lowering risk for conditions like Alzheimer’s. For women in menopause especially, when metabolism and hormones are shifting and risk factors climb, GLP-1s can be a real game-changer for both short-term results and long-term health.
Why is proper nutrition still so important for patients on GLP-1s?
GLP-1s help with appetite, but they don’t guarantee you’re eating the right foods. If you just eat less of the same processed stuff, you risk losing muscle, slowing your metabolism, and feeling run-down. Proper nutrition makes sure you’re actually fueling your body — getting enough protein to protect muscle mass, enough fiber for digestion, and enough micronutrients to keep energy and hormones balanced. That’s the difference between short-term weight loss and real, sustainable health.
Are there particular nutrients or types of foods that pair especially well with GLP-1 therapy?
Protein is huge — it helps maintain muscle, keeps blood sugar stable, and makes those smaller portions more satisfying. Fiber is another one; it helps with digestion, keeps you full, and supports gut health. And I always encourage hydrating and focusing on whole, minimally processed foods. Think lean proteins, veggies, fruit, healthy fats — simple, real food that makes you feel good.
What are the most common nutrition mistakes you see patients making while on GLP-1s?
The biggest ones I see are not eating enough protein, skipping meals because they’re “not hungry,” and not hydrating enough. These meds can slow digestion, so water and fluids are really important. Without them, people can feel sluggish, constipated, or mistake dehydration for hunger. I also see patients grabbing “easy” snack foods just because their appetite is low, but that doesn’t give their body the quality nutrition it needs.
How can someone balance the reduced appetite from GLP-1s with still meeting their body’s nutritional needs?
It’s all about being intentional with what you do eat. Since portions are smaller, every bite matters more. That’s where I emphasize nutrient-dense meals — protein at every meal, veggies for fiber, and some healthy fats to keep hormones balanced. Sometimes smaller, more frequent meals work better than forcing big ones. It’s not about volume, it’s about quality.
GLP-1 therapy is a powerful tool — but it’s not the whole story. Pairing your treatment with intentional nutrition, hydration, movement, and expert guidance ensures you’re not just losing weight, but building the foundation for long-term health.
Ready to maximize your GLP-1 results? Book your consultation at NicholsMD today and learn how our team — in partnership with expert nutritionists like Ilyse Schapiro — can help you achieve sustainable, radiant health.
At NicholsMD of Greenwich, we believe longevity isn’t just about adding years to your life—it’s about making those years vibrant, confident, and full of vitality. As leaders in luxury dermatology and wellness, our team has developed a truly comprehensive approach that combines the most effective advances in medicine and aesthetics: GLP-1 medications, biostimulatory injectables, and medical-grade skincare. Together, these three pillars create what we call the ultimate longevity plan.
GLP-1 medications are one of the most exciting breakthroughs in modern medicine. While they were initially created to help regulate blood sugar, we now know their benefits extend far beyond metabolic health. When used responsibly under medical supervision, GLP-1s can:
At NicholsMD, we don’t view GLP-1s as a “quick fix.” Instead, we integrate them into apersonalized longevity plan, pairing them with lifestyle, nutrition, and dermatology treatments that work in harmony.
In the world of aesthetics, few treatments have had the same long-term impact as biostimulatory injectables like Sculptra® and Radiesse®. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, which add volume instantly, biostimulators work gradually to stimulate your own collagen and elastin production.
This results in:
Dr. Kim Nichols and the team at NicholsMD are nationally recognized for their expertise inadvanced injectable techniques, ensuring every treatment is precise, safe, and tailored to your unique features.
The third – and often most overlooked – pillar of long-term skin health is what you do every single day. Over-the-counter products can only go so far, which is why NicholsMD recommends medical-grade skincare backed by clinical science.
By incorporating retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and growth factors, our curated regimens work synergistically with in-office procedures to:
Think of skincare as the daily maintenance plan that ensures your investments in treatments continue to pay off year after year.
Founded by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols, NicholsMD has been redefining dermatology in Connecticut for over a decade. From medical expertise to luxury care experiences, our team is known for creating highly customized treatment plans that go beyond the surface of cosmetic dermatology.
By combining internal wellness (GLP-1s), cellular rejuvenation (biostimulators), and daily skin health (medical-grade products), NicholsMD offers a 360° approach to longevity you won’t find anywhere else.
Each Concierge Medical Weight Loss patient begins their journey with our Wellness Scan, powered by the SECA body composition analyzer. This provides a quick, non-invasive assessment of key health markers like muscle mass, body fat, hydration, and metabolic rate – giving you a clear picture of your overall wellness. From there, each longevity plan is curated to each patient’s individual goals, timeline, and budget.
If you’re ready to look and feel your best – not just this year, but for years to come – NicholsMD is here to help. Schedule your consultation to learn how GLP-1s, biostimulators, and skincare can work together to provide you with long-lasting longevity.
At NicholsMD of Greenwich, we go beyond dermatology to offer our patients a truly comprehensive approach to health and wellness. One of the most powerful tools we provide is the Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test, an advanced blood test that can screen for over 50 different types of cancer from a single sample. This groundbreaking technology allows patients to take a proactive approach to their health and longevity – long before symptoms may appear.
The Galleri test is a simple, non-invasive blood test that analyzes fragments of DNA circulating in the bloodstream. While both healthy and cancer cells release DNA, cancer DNA has distinct patterns. The Galleri test uses state-of-the-art genomic sequencing to detect these patterns and identify whether a cancer signal is present.
Unlike standard screenings – which typically only detect breast, cervical, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer—the Galleri test can identify dozens of additional cancers that would otherwise go unnoticed until late stages. This makes it a powerful addition to your annual wellness plan.
The Galleri test is recommended for:
It’s important to note that the Galleri test is designed to complement – not replace – traditional cancer screenings such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and pap smears. Together, these approaches offer a more complete picture of your health.
Early detection is the single most effective tool in improving cancer outcomes. When cancer is found at an earlier stage, patients have more treatment options and significantly higher survival rates. In fact, research shows that the five-year survival rate is four times higher when cancers are diagnosed early versus in advanced stages.
Unfortunately, many cancers remain asymptomatic until later stages, when treatments are limited. The Galleri test bridges this gap by providing early insight into cancer risk, empowering patients with knowledge and the ability to act quickly.
At NicholsMD, the Galleri blood test is performed in-office during a routine visit. The process is simple:
Importantly, a positive result is not a cancer diagnosis, but rather an early signal that further evaluation is needed.
As a board-certified dermatologist and pro-aging expert, Dr. Kim Nichols has expanded NicholsMD to include advanced wellness services like the Galleri test, GLP-1 concierge weight loss, hormone replacement therapies, biostimulators, and medical-grade skincare. Our boutique dermatology practice in Greenwich, CT provides patients with access to cutting-edge science in both aesthetics and preventive health, making NicholsMD the destination for those who value luxury care and long-term results.
Take control of your health with the Galleri multi-cancer early detection test at NicholsMD. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and discover how this simple blood test can play a vital role in your longevity plan.
Your health – and your peace of mind – are priceless.
At NicholsMD, patients are always asking about our wellness injection offerings, and one of the most-requested is NAD+ therapy. But what exactly is NAD+, and why has it become such a buzzword in wellness and longevity medicine?
What is NAD+?
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell. It plays a critical role in cellular respiration, the process by which our cells create energy. By fueling pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, NAD+ helps produce ATP – what we know as the body’s primary energy currency.
In simpler terms, NAD+ supports the mitochondria – the “powerhouses” of your cells – allowing them to function more efficiently from head to toe.
Health Benefits of NAD+ Injections
Adding NAD+ injections into your wellness routine may offer wide-ranging benefits, including:
Why Consider NAD+ at NicholsMD?
Unlike over-the-counter supplements, our medical-grade NAD+ injections are delivered directly into the body for optimal absorption and effectiveness. This ensures your cells get the support they need to function at their best – whether you’re looking to fight fatigue, recover faster, or simply age gracefully and energetically. In addition, we offer both in-office and at-home injection packages, so you can fit NAD+ into your schedule, no matter how busy it may be.
Book Your NAD+ Injection Today
If you’re curious about boosting your energy and supporting long-term wellness, NAD+ may be the right option for you. Ask about adding NAD+ injections to your next appointment, or book directly online here!
