Executives Spend Big on Plastic Surgery to Look Younger

Facial procedures like eyelid lifts and facelifts are on the rise among senior leaders seeking a more energetic, approachable appearance.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:05am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished, geometric metal face sculpting tool or cosmetic device floating on a clean, monochromatic background, dramatically lit to symbolize the abstract corporate strategy and pressures behind the executive plastic surgery trend.The rise of executive plastic surgery reflects growing corporate pressure to maintain a youthful, approachable appearance in today's visually-driven business world.Beverly Hills Today

Senior executives are spending up to $120,000 on facial plastic surgery procedures to appear more youthful and approachable, driven by a corporate culture that increasingly equates youth with leadership competence. Procedures like blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and facelifts have surged as executives aim to erase signs of fatigue and frustration that can make them look tired or irritable on video calls and presentations.

Why it matters

This trend reflects a broader shift in what organizations expect from their leaders, moving away from the authoritarian 'tough-as-nails CEO' archetype towards a model that prizes empathy, accessibility, and emotional warmth. As younger tech leaders like Sam Altman and Mark Zuckerberg dominate the public eye, older executives feel pressure to maintain a more youthful, vibrant appearance to stay competitive.

The details

Plastic surgeons report a surge in C-suite clients seeking procedures to restore a more energetic, approachable look. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is now one of the top five most common cosmetic procedures nationwide. Facelifts starting at $120,000 are increasingly common, with 30-40% of patients holding senior executive roles. Surgeons say executives want to address issues like heavy eyelids, deep brow lines, and under-eye bags that can make them appear exhausted or irritable, which is perceived negatively in today's business environment.

  • Over the past 5 years, plastic surgeons have seen a dramatic increase in C-suite clients seeking facial procedures.
  • Between 2019 and 2024, facial procedures across the US climbed 25%.

The players

Dr. Sean Alemi

A New York City plastic surgeon who has seen a significant increase in C-suite clients seeking facial procedures over the past 5 years.

Dr. Azzizadeh

A Beverly Hills surgeon whose facelifts start at $120,000, estimating that 30-40% of his facelift and neck lift patients now hold senior executive positions.

Dr. Adrian Ooi

A facial plastic surgeon based in Singapore who regularly treats executives seeking brow lifts to address deeply furrowed brows from years of intense concentration and stress.

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What they’re saying

“They feel their faces no longer reflect their actual energy or capability. Heavy eyelids, deep brow lines, and under-eye bags make them look exhausted or, worse, perpetually annoyed.”

— Dr. Sean Alemi, Plastic Surgeon

“They come to him because colleagues and subordinates read those lines as anger or impatience. A brow lift at his clinic costs between $3,900 and $6,200, a relatively modest investment for someone whose leadership effectiveness depends on appearing open and collaborative rather than intimidating.”

— Dr. Adrian Ooi, Facial Plastic Surgeon

What’s next

As this trend continues, it will be worth tracking whether cosmetic intervention becomes an expected part of career maintenance for middle management, not just the C-suite.

The takeaway

The rise in executives seeking facial plastic surgery reflects a broader shift in corporate culture, where youthful appearance is increasingly associated with leadership competence. This trend highlights the growing pressure on senior leaders to maintain a vibrant, approachable look in order to stay competitive in today's visually-driven business environment.