More Men Seek Cosmetic Procedures After Weight-Loss Drugs
As weight-loss drugs reshape male bodies, more men turn to cosmetic procedures to address sagging skin, hair loss, and other effects.
A growing number of American men are following up their weight-loss journeys with cosmetic procedures, according to plastic surgeons and patients. The trend is driven by the popularity of GLP-1 medications, social media, and changing views of masculinity.
Mark, a 57-year-old tech professional from Hoboken, New Jersey, lost 50 pounds over five years using Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Zepbound. But the weight loss left his face looking gaunt. In April, he underwent a deep-plane facelift to restore volume.
"I was looking at myself and I was feeling really good. I'm thinner and I feel like who I am, but I would look in the mirror and I was like, I lost volume in my face," he said.
Surgeons report a noticeable increase in male patients. Dr. Sean Alemi, a New York facial plastic surgeon, said his male patient load has doubled in the past one to two years, with most coming after weight loss. Dr. Rian Maercks in Miami noted that about 60% of his patients are now men, up from 30-40% last year.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men underwent 1.7 million cosmetic procedures in 2024, a 2.7% rise from the previous year. Eyelid surgery, liposuction, and tummy tucks were among the most common. In early 2026, nearly 70% of men having surgery had a history of GLP-1 use, said Dr. Bob Basu, the society's president.
Younger men often seek procedures to remove loose skin and enhance an athletic look, while older men focus on facial aging. Walter Barrientos, 45, a truck driver from California, lost 65 pounds after joining a clinical trial for Eli Lilly's experimental drug retatrutide. He had tummy tuck surgery and liposuction in July, with dental implants planned next.
"I want to be able to go out to the beach, to the pools, and be able to take off my shirt and feel more confident about myself," he said.
Men now account for 28.3% of weight-loss drug prescriptions, up from 18.3% four years ago, according to GoodRx data. The procedures are costly and rarely covered by insurance, with surgeon fees ranging from $5,000 for male breast reduction to $19,000 for facelifts. Still, patients like Mark say it's worth it.
"I got sticker shock for sure. Looking back on it, I haven't had any regrets," he said.
The demand has also spurred investment in hair-loss treatments, as rapid weight loss can trigger temporary shedding. Companies like Pelage, Veradermics, and Cosmo are developing new options, and Eli Lilly recently invested $100 million in Absci for an antibody to address hair loss.