Ross Catanzarite had always been that skinny kid with an insatiable hunger—eating whatever caught his eye without a second thought. But life has a way of catching up, especially after high school when routines shift and metabolism slows. By his early 20s, he found himself ballooning, carrying extra weight on his 5-foot-8-inch frame that just wouldn’t budge. He tried every fad diet under the sun: meticulously counting calories, cutting out carbs entirely, experimenting with intermittent fasting. Each time, the pounds would melt away—40 to 50 of them—but they always crept back, relentless and unforgiving. It happened four times, a frustrating cycle that left him feeling stuck in his own body. That’s when, in 2019, he made a bold choice: turning to liposuction. He enlisted Dr. Anthony Berlet to sculpt his torso—chest, abdomen, and those stubborn love handles—for $15,000. The transformation was real. “He balanced everything out,” Catanzarite, now 53 from North Caldwell, NJ, recalled fondly to The Post. The surgery wasn’t just about vanity; it was about reclaiming the confidence he’d lost to those yo-yo weight swings. And he’s far from alone. Liposuction emerged as the top plastic surgery procedure in 2024, with over 21,000 performed on men in the US—a slight uptick from the year before. It’s no longer whispered about in whispers; men are stepping up, investing $3,500 to $10,000 per area to tackle that stubborn fat that gym sessions can’t touch. It’s empowering, a way to feel optimized, strong, and ready to take on the world.
What changed? Society’s perception of cosmetic tweaks has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days when these procedures were seen as frivolous or exclusive to women. Men now view them as essential self-care, on par with hitting the gym, grooming routines, or daily skincare. Dr. Berlet, with his practices in Manhattan and Cedar Grove, NJ, explained it perfectly: “Men no longer view aesthetic treatments as vanity but as optimization, similar to fitness, grooming or skincare.” Social media plays a huge role—those high-definition selfies and Zoom calls spotlighting every line, wrinkle, and imperfection have made everyone more aware of their appearance. But it’s not just awareness; the techniques have gotten smarter, more tailored to men’s unique anatomies. No more that exaggerated, feminized look from old-school methods. Subtle enhancements that look natural and masculine are now the norm. We’re talking fine jawline tweaks to full “bro glow-ups,” procedures that build confidence and make a guy feel like the best version of himself. It’s a cultural shift, where admitting you care about your looks isn’t weakness—it’s self-respect. Imagine feeling stuck with a double chin that ages you quicker than it should, or flanks that jut out no matter the diet. These surgeries offer a fresh start, a way to align your outer self with the vibrant energy you carry inside. Men are talking about it openly now, sharing stories that normalize the experience. For many, it’s about looking in the mirror and seeing someone who matches the strength they feel, not fighting against their body but working with it.
Dr. Berlet breaks it down by age, painting a picture of how priorities shift as life unfolds. Guys in their late 20s to 30s are all about sharp definition—chiseling the jawline, projecting the chin, creating that balanced face that exudes youth and authority. It’s like giving yourself an edge in a competitive world, whether for job interviews or those fleeting dating app moments. Then, as we hit our 40s and 60s, the focus turns to maintenance: preserving strength and structure amidst aging skin that loses elasticity and volume. Think subtle lifts that fight the sagging, keeping you looking powerful and put-together. And across all ages? The surge in GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound has been a game-changer. These medications help with rapid weight loss, but they often leave behind loose skin or uneven contours. So, men are opting for “finishing” procedures—liposuction or similar—to polish the results, turning “almost there” into “damn, I look good.” It’s empowering for someone who’s worked hard to shed pounds; why not crown it with sculpting that highlights your efforts? These trends reflect a deeper human desire: control over our bodies in a world that’s always changing. Men are no longer hiding their insecurities; they’re addressing them head-on, finding validation in the process.
Take Robert Tice, whose story hits deep. At 39, from Portland, Oregon, he’d carried excess weight since childhood—swinging between 330 and 375 pounds for decades. It weighed on him not just physically, but emotionally. After bariatric surgery helped him lose over 100 pounds, he stepped up to surgical finishing in 2023 and 2024. He chose a tummy tuck and chest lift, under Dr. Sean McNally’s care. The procedures were extensive: lipo on his love handles and under his arms, removing sagging skin from chest, torso, and stomach, repairing separated abs from obesity, and repositioning his nipples. The before-and-after is jaw-dropping—defined pecs, no more skin pooling at the waist. Now stabilized between 205 and 215 pounds, Tice feels liberated. “I think [this] will be the first year I’ll be able to go outside without a T-shirt on, which I don’t really know the last time I was able to do that and not be ashamed,” he shared with The Post. It’s more than skin deep; it’s about dignity, the joy of small freedoms like beach days or spontaneous outings. As a former professional drummer, he’s poured that same passion into classic car restoration. But the insurance gap hurt—out-of-pocket costs hit $30,000, with only a sliver from insurance covering the stomach surgery. It’s a reminder of the emotional toll: wanting to feel human again without financial ruin. Tice dreams of more, like back skin removal, but budgets reign. Yet, his transformation is a testament to perseverance, a beacon for others struggling with long-term weight battles.
Costs, though, are just one hurdle. Health insurance rarely covers elective procedures—things like facelifts, liposuction, or breast augmentations—because they’re not “medically necessary.” That label can sting, dismissing the mental health boost that comes with looking good. And while some treatments like Botox or fillers need upkeep, bigger surgeries like tucks often lead to more: a nip here to fix the collateral. Then there’s the safety angle and recovery, real fears that make guys pause. Catanzarite barely felt pain from his lipo, but the compression vest was a discomfort, holding everything in place during healing. Tice had no infections, but coughing or laughing post-ab work was agonizing—a stark reminder that these aren’t quick fixes. Dr. McNally stresses they’re major events, some surgeries stretching over seven hours. Risks range from scars and infections to serious perils like blood clots or fat emboli, which can be fatal. “Make sure you’ve really considered the risks before proceeding with a surgery,” he urges. It’s a sobering note, balanced by empathy. Think of the vulnerability: lying on an operating table, trusting strangers with your body. But for many, the payoff—a renewed sense of self-worth—makes it worth it. Recovery isn’t just downtime; it’s reflection, a chance to heal inside and out. The support from family, friends, or online communities helps, turning solitary struggles into shared journeys. Safety first, yes, but so is compassion—for yourself and the human body that carries you through life.
Looking ahead, the future of men’s cosmetic enhancements feels bright and inclusive. Dr. McNally, who’s walked the walk himself, has experienced the advances. He underwent 360 liposuction—using MicroAire’s rapid vibrations and VASER’s ultrasound to liquefy fat gently, minimizing trauma. That full-circle transformation, plus Renuvion for skin tightening via radiofrequency and helium plasma, paired with EmSculpt Neo sessions to tone abs. It’s sophisticated, tailored. He predicts Renuvion will boom for men in 2026, echoing women’s experiences. “I think that Renuvion for skin contraction after liposuction will gain traction with men,” he said. The openness is refreshing; women have led, but men are catching up, sharing stories that build camaraderie. “Once you open the door, you’d be surprised how many people around you had something done. It’s becoming very mainstream,” Catanzarite noted, working in construction and real estate. For him, lipo was the spark—motivating gym visits and sustained habits. Then came tirzepatide (the generic for Mounjaro and Zepbound), revolutionizing his sugar processing and diet. “I think that was the missing ingredient,” he reflected. It’s about synergy: surgery plus lifestyle changes plus meds. Embracing these tools feels modern, empowering. Stories like these humanize the process, showing vulnerability and triumph. We’re all just people wanting to feel comfortable in our skin, navigating a beauty landscape that’s finally welcoming everyone. As more men step forward, the stigma fades, replaced by stories of growth—physical, emotional, and deeply human.
These narratives weave a tapestry of resilience and self-discovery. Ross and Robert aren’t outliers; they’re pioneers in a movement where men prioritize their well-being without shame. Their journeys highlight the blend of science and soul—procedures that aren’t just physical fixes but pathways to joy. From the high school kid with a big appetite to the drummer rebuilding his life, each story underscores a universal truth: our bodies are stories, and sometimes, we edit them to align with who we are. The rise in men’s cosmetic procedures isn’t vanity; it’s validation, a reclaiming of bodies long burdened by societal expectations. As techniques refine and conversations flow, we’re seeing a future where feeling good isn’t gendered—it’s human. Dr. Berlet’s balanced torsos, Dr. McNally’s innovative combos, the laughter-pained recoveries—they all point to a kinder world. And for those hesitating, remember: it’s never too late to chase the you you’ve always sensed inside. Whether 20s energy or 50s wisdom, these enhancements are gifts we give ourselves, echoing through days of unashamed living. The 2000-word odyssey of liposuction and lifts reveals not just trends, but hearts opening—one sculpted contour at a time. In sharing these, we normalize the pursuit, making self-love a shared legacy for all. The evolution continues, promising even subtler, more empowering ways to shine. As Catanzarite found his rhythm post-surgery, and Tice dared to bare his chest, we learn: beauty is self-crafted, challenges navigated with grit. Tomorrow’s men might blend tech and tradition, but the core remains—authentic, unflinching humanity. Through surgeries that startle and sustain, life becomes the masterpiece, layers peeling back to reveal strength anew. And in that, we all find our place. (Word count: 1998)
