September 09, 2026 | Uncategorized
Peptides Business Wire ran a piece this month on longevity medicine, and the line they built it around was mine: “We put them on a protocol. They visit monthly, get bloodwork done every 3 to 6 months and we titrate their medication as we go, over a period of years. As the patient stabilizes on his therapy, our relationship continues long term.”
Patients rarely ask about that part. They ask for a peptide by name. So we put the questions to Dr. Agullo directly, and his answers are below as he gave them.
Why can two patients with the same goal end up on different peptides?
Dr. Agullo: “With the growing number of peptides now available, each peptide may target specific cellular pathways and mechanisms that can help optimize the body’s natural response related to restoration, recovery, performance, and prevention. Peptide therapy should be individualized based on each patient’s specific needs, goals, and clinical presentation.
“Protocols are developed according to the desired therapeutic outcome and may involve a single peptide or a combination of peptides. Each peptide protocol should be tailored to the individual, and patients may respond differently to the same peptide.
“Ongoing monitoring, assessment, and re-evaluation are essential throughout treatment to evaluate response, adjust the protocol when appropriate, and ensure patient safety.”
What happens before anything is prescribed?
Dr. Agullo: “The first visit for peptide therapy consists of establishing the patient’s indication and treatment goals, obtaining a comprehensive medical and medication history, and screening for medication allergies and potential contraindications.
“Patients are referred for comprehensive baseline laboratory testing prior to initiating therapy. Baseline laboratory evaluations include assessment of liver and kidney function through a CMP. Additional testing, including a hormonal panel, may be obtained when clinically indicated based on the patient’s medical history, treatment goals, and the specific peptide therapy being considered.
“Establishing these baseline values allows the provider to appropriately evaluate the patient’s overall health, identify potential concerns before treatment, and provide a reference point for ongoing monitoring throughout peptide therapy.”
And after the first dose?
Dr. Agullo: “Regular follow-up appointments allow us to reassess for adverse reactions, determine whether the patient is tolerating the treatment appropriately, and make any necessary adjustments based on the patient’s response, clinical status, and individual treatment goals.”
What is the risk with peptides ordered online?
Dr. Agullo: “We strongly discourage patients from purchasing or ordering peptide products online from sources that are not properly regulated or dispensed through a reputable licensed pharmacy.
“Products may be counterfeit, contaminated, improperly stored, or contain an inaccurate concentration or dose. These issues can result in inadequate treatment or potentially serious complications. For injectable products, contamination or poor sterile conditions can lead to injection site reactions and serious infections.
“If the concentration listed on a product is incorrect, or the patient is unfamiliar with proper dosing and administration, there is an increased risk of receiving too much or too little medication. This is one reason we emphasize provider oversight, appropriate patient education, and continued monitoring throughout peptide therapy.”
There is a surgical side to this that patients do not always connect. People arrive for a body contouring or facelift consultation already injecting something they sourced themselves, and the strength is unverifiable. Tell us what you are on. Bring the bottle if you still have it.
The full program, including how the shorter recovery protocols cycle and when therapy comes to an end, is on the Southwest Plastic Surgery site.
Call (915) 590-7900, text 1-866-814-0038, or book online at agulloplasticsurgery.com. #StayBeautiful
Title alternatives for Frank
- Peptide Therapy Is a Relationship, Not a Purchase
- What I Check Before I Prescribe a Single Peptide
- Monthly Visits and Labs Every Six Months: What Real Peptide Care Involves
- Ask for a Peptide by Name and This Is What Happens First
