As top-selling weight-loss drugs help more US men slim down, a growing number are seeking cosmetic treatments for sagging skin, hair loss and dental issues to complete their physical transformation, patients and plastic surgeons say. Mark C, a 57-year-old from Hoboken, New Jersey, has spent the past five years taking obesity medications, shedding 50 pounds (23 kg) in the process. As the weight came off, so did some of the fullness in his face. In April, Mark opted for a deep-plane facelift, a procedure that repositions underlying facial muscles and fat.
The trend reflects a broader shift in male attitudes toward cosmetic work, reshaping the clientele at aesthetic clinics and creating opportunities for companies developing treatments for the effects of rapid weight loss. Sean Alemi, Mark's doctor and a New York-based facial plastic surgeon, said he has seen a doubling in the number of male patients over the last one to two years.
While women still account for the overwhelming majority of aesthetic treatments, demand among men has risen steadily in recent years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men underwent 1.7 million cosmetic procedures in 2024, representing a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Doctors note that demand will continue to rise as more weight-loss drugs reach the market.
Younger men often seek procedures to remove loose skin and improve the appearance of an athletic physique, while older men focus on signs of aging in the face and neck. Experts emphasize that patients are increasingly viewing cosmetic surgery as the final step in achieving a complete health and lifestyle transformation.