Weight Loss Drugs Fuel Surge in Demand for Plastic Surgery

New weight loss medications, particularly those in the GLP-1 family, are revolutionizing the field of plastic surgery by causing rapid weight loss that often results in excess skin and volume loss. This phenomenon has led to a significant increase in patients seeking aesthetic procedures to address these changes.

A new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicates that 82% of plastic surgeons surveyed received consultations related to GLP-1 weight loss drugs in 2025. Overall, aesthetic procedures in the U.S. saw a 7% rise compared to the previous year, with liposuction, breast augmentation, and tummy tucks being the most sought-after. The report also noted a substantial increase in procedures for body and facial contouring following significant weight reduction, with individuals aged 66 and older showing the largest jump in aesthetic procedures (24%), while those aged 18-25 saw a decrease (9%).

In Israel, the trend is also pronounced, with Dr. Meir Cohen, Chairman of the Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons, reporting a roughly 280% increase in consultations for weight loss-related plastic surgery. Procedures include facelifts, neck lifts, eyelid surgeries, and treatments for excess chin skin. Fat grafting to the face, which helps restore lost volume, saw a 39% increase in the U.S. and a more modest 14% rise in Israel.

Experts advise patients to wait three to six months for their weight to stabilize after significant loss before undergoing surgery. They also recommend a gradual weight loss of no more than half a kilogram per week, maintaining a high protein intake, a balanced diet, and regular strength training to minimize muscle loss. To reduce risks associated with lengthy procedures, multiple surgeries are often recommended for patients needing work in several body areas. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon specializing in post-weight loss body contouring is also crucial.