Ross Catanzarite was once a notably slender kid, but after high school, he suddenly found himself struggling with weight. In his early 20s, the pounds packed onto his 5-foot-8 frame. Over the years, he tried various methods—calorie counting, low-carb diets, intermittent fasting—but nothing stuck for long.
He managed to shed 40 to 50 pounds multiple times, only to regain the weight. It wasn’t until 2019 that he made a pivotal choice. He underwent liposuction on his torso, paying around $15,000, with the help of Dr. Anthony Barrett.
“He balanced everything,” Catanzarite, now 53 and from North Caldwell, New Jersey, shared. “I was satisfied with the results.”
And he isn’t alone in this journey. As of 2024, liposuction has become a leading cosmetic procedure, particularly among men, with over 21,000 cases recorded in the U.S. That marks a slight uptick from the previous year.
The stereotype that cosmetic surgery is only for women has faded. Men are increasingly investing in these procedures, with costs ranging from $3,500 to $10,000 to target stubborn fat and enhance self-esteem.
“Men see these aesthetic treatments as a form of optimization—similar to fitness, grooming, and skincare,” noted Dr. Barrett, who operates in Manhattan and Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
He added that social media exposure has heightened men’s awareness of their facial structures and the aging process. Today’s surgical techniques are more refined, addressing male anatomy specifically, which eases concerns about looking unnatural.
From Detailed Adjustments to Glow-Ups
Barrett observed that younger men, particularly in their late 20s and 30s, often seek sharper jawlines and balanced facial features. In contrast, older men in their 40s to 60s focus on maintaining their facial strength and structure as their skin changes.
The increasing popularity of weight loss drugs, like Ozempic and Zepbound, has also fueled demand for contouring procedures.
Take Robert Tice, for instance, who lost over 100 pounds after bariatric surgery. He opted for a tummy tuck in 2023, followed by a chest lift in 2024. He has struggled with weight since childhood, fluctuating between 330 and 375 pounds.
After the surgeries, Tice expressed satisfaction with his newfound physique, sharing, “This is the first year I’ve felt comfortable going outside without a T-shirt.”
Your Waist Gets Smaller and Your Wallet Gets Lighter
Tice, a former professional drummer and classic car restorer, considers additional skin removal surgery but worries about the hefty price tag. He has already spent about $30,000 out-of-pocket, and insurance only partially covered his stomach surgery.
Elective procedures, including facelifts and liposuction, typically aren’t recognized as “medically necessary,” meaning health insurance often doesn’t cover them. And when costs for maintenance procedures like Botox and fillers stack up, it can feel overwhelming.
There are also safety and recovery concerns that might discourage men from pursuing surgery. Catanzarite reported minimal pain from the liposuction itself but found the post-operative compression vest quite uncomfortable.
Similarly, Tice had a relatively smooth recovery but noted that actions like coughing or laughing could be painful after his procedures. Dr. McNally pointed out that many surgeries are extensive, sometimes lasting over seven hours, with risks that can range from minor complications to severe issues like fat embolism.
The Next Frontier
Dr. McNally himself navigated surgeries that were a bit more involved than typical lipo. He underwent extensive liposuction using advanced techniques to remove fat while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
He described his method as “360 liposuction,” aiming for a comprehensive transformation. He also employs Renuvion treatment, which combines radiofrequency and cold plasma to tighten skin post-liposuction.
“I believe Renuvion will become increasingly popular among men in the near future,” McNally suggested, as it has already seen traction among women.
Men are gradually becoming more willing to discuss their enhancements. “You’d be surprised how many people you know have had something done. It’s really becoming mainstream,” Catanzarite reflected.
After liposuction, Catanzarite felt motivated to work out and has also turned to GLP-1 weight loss medications, which have helped him control his diet better. “I think that was the missing piece,” he concluded.
