In 2024, the word Ozempic took the world and mainstream media by storm. But what was this (not-so-new) medication that everyone wanted to get their hands on? Ozempic, a Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1), was originally approved to help treat diabetes but is now regarded as a “miracle weight loss drug.” The use of GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic, Monjouro, Zepbound, Semaglutide) more than doubled from 2022 to 2023, while bariatric surgery decreased by over 25.6%. So, while there’s a steady decline in patients opting for bariatric surgery, Ozempic remains a plastic surgeon's dream come true.

A Surge in Body Contouring Procedures
The rise in plastic surgery, specifically body contouring procedures, reflects the effectiveness of these GLP-1 medications. Long before the Ozempic craze, I completed my fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, where I chose to specialize in body contouring after weight loss. My practice has been busier than ever with patients seeking Lower Body Lifts, Tummy Tucks, Arm Lifts, and Thigh Lifts. The primary reason for this surge is that people are now faced with loose, sagging, and excess skin as a result of their rapid weight loss.

I believe these weight-loss drugs will only continue to improve and become more widely available over time. The best part of my job is helping all of my current and future patients achieve their weight-loss goals.

An Old Westbury resident featured on our March 2025 cover with his family, Dr. Kevin Small is the Director of Plastic Surgery at New Year Bariatric Group in Roslyn. To check out patients' success stories, ask a question or just say hi, give @DrKevinSmall a follow on Instagram. 

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