Demand for plastic surgery in Denmark is surging as thousands turn to weight-loss drugs like Wegovy, leading many to seek cosmetic procedures to remove excess skin following dramatic weight loss.
Wegovy Boom Drives Plastic Surgery Trend
Plastic surgeons across Denmark are witnessing a significant rise in patients seeking body-contouring procedures, particularly after using the popular weight-loss injection Wegovy. Since the drug became widely available in Denmark in December 2022, private clinics such as Aleris and AK Nygart report a clear uptick in demand for surgeries to remove loose or sagging skin.
According to new data from the Danish Health Data Authority, the number of skin-correction procedures has increased sharply alongside the increased use of Wegovy. Procedures such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, and facial or neck lifts have seen especially strong growth. From 2020 to 2024, abdominoplasties and lifts involving the face and neck have nearly doubled, while breast-related skin procedures have risen by almost 60%.
Typical Patient Profile
The growing trend spans a wide demographic, though most patients are women between their mid-20s and late 40s. However, doctors have also begun to see more male patients, particularly for procedures like male breast reduction.
Patients who seek surgical help following major weight loss are typically open about their use of Wegovy, as this information is critical for planning safe and effective procedures. The rapid rate of weight loss often leads to excess skin development, which can cause both cosmetic concerns and physical discomfort.
High Demand Following Wegovy’s Rise
Wegovy, a prescription medication developed by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, has become a blockbuster treatment for obesity. Since its release, more than 200,000 Danes have tried the drug, according to figures published in March 2025 by the Danish Health Data Authority.
The drug works by suppressing appetite and slowing down digestion. However, its benefits are short-lived: once patients stop taking Wegovy, their appetite typically returns, making long-term weight maintenance difficult without continued use of the drug.
To be eligible for Wegovy in Denmark, patients must have a BMI over 30 and have attempted dietary changes and increased physical activity for a minimum of three to six months prior to starting treatment.
Not Just Cosmetic: Health and Comfort Also Drive Demand
While many patients seek surgery for aesthetic reasons, Danish surgeons say others are motivated by a desire to improve their quality of life. Excess skin left behind by weight loss can lead to complications such as skin irritation, odor issues, and discomfort during physical activities like running.
Surgeries to remove skin from the stomach, arms, thighs, and chest are becoming more common among this group, who often face both emotional and physical challenges after losing significant weight.
Multiple Procedures Over Time
Plastic surgeons say that most patients don’t undergo all procedures at once. Financial considerations and health factors often lead patients to space out their surgeries across several months or even years. Typically, surgeries begin with the most bothersome areas, like the abdomen or breasts, followed by treatments for arms or legs if necessary.
The current trend suggests that dermatological and plastic surgery clinics will remain busy for the foreseeable future. Experts believe this surge in demand represents only the beginning of a wave that will reshape the plastic surgery landscape in Denmark over the coming years.
A Growing Industry Shift
The link between pharmaceutical weight-loss treatments and rising plastic surgery procedures has created new dynamics in the Danish healthcare market. As more individuals turn to solutions like Wegovy to manage their weight, the surgical field is adapting to meet a new kind of demand – one focused on completing the weight-loss journey by addressing its visible aftermath.
These procedures are contributing to a shift where weight loss is not only about health but also about fully transforming one’s appearance and quality of life. With public interest continuing to grow, the weight-loss-to-surgery pipeline is likely to become a central issue in Danish medicine and aesthetics in the years ahead.
