Top-Earning Plastic Surgeons in the World

In an industry built on transformation and beauty, a new report by Europe Surgery highlights the world’s most financially successful plastic surgeons, revealing not only their staggering net worths but also the systemic disparities shaping the field.

A new ranking by Europe Surgery reveals the world’s top 12 richest plastic surgeons, with a staggering combined net worth of $408.7 million. Yet, despite plastic surgery being dominated by female patients, only 14% of these wealthy cosmetic surgeons are men, highlighting a stark gender gap in the cosmetic surgery industry.

Highest Earning Plastic Surgeons in the World

Leading the list is Dr. Leonard “Lenny” Hochstein, famously known as Miami’s “Boob God,” with an estimated fortune of $90 million. Right behind is Dr. Gabriel Chiu, the Beverly Hills-based plastic surgeon and descendant of Chinese royalty, with a net worth of $80 million. In third place is Dr. Terry Dubrow, star of E!’s Botched, with $70 million.

Gender Gap in Plastic Surgery Careers

Why do men dominate the wealthiest ranks in an industry fuelled by female clients? According to Dr. Nawall Matar of Europe Surgery, it’s due to a long-standing male dominance in cosmetic surgery jobs and unequal access to high-earning opportunities. She explains, “Women offer empathy and insight that resonate with patients, but progress is still slow. Mentorship and visibility are essential.”

Pioneers like Dr. Maria Z. Siemionow (face transplant innovator) and Dr. Cat Begovic (aesthetic influencer and Harvard-trained plastic surgeon) are paving the way, but systemic challenges persist.

“Balancing career and family is still a barrier,” Dr. Matar adds. “Without mentorship, many talented women are overlooked.”

Dr. Adam Kalecinski of Europe Surgery emphasises:

“A high net worth doesn’t always reflect surgical skill or experience.”

Meet the 12 Richest Plastic Surgeons Shaping Cosmetic Surgery

1. Leonard “Lenny” Hochstein — $90M
   Known for breast augmentation, Dr. Hochstein has performed 27,000+ surgeries in Miami. His lavish lifestyle includes a $52M mansion featured on The Real Housewives of Miami.
2. Gabriel Chiu — $80M
   A top Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and star of Bling Empire, Dr. Chiu is also known for donating 50% of his income to charitable causes.
3. Terry Dubrow — $70M
   Botched star and celebrity surgeon, Dr. Dubrow is famous for correcting cosmetic surgery mistakes—and flipping luxury real estate with his wife Heather.
4. Paul Nassif — $40M
   Dubrow’s Botchedco-star and rhinoplasty expert, Dr. Nassif combines facial plastic surgery with a booming skincare brand.
5. Brent Moelleken — $20M
   Creator of procedures like ‘Hybrid Tummy Tuck’ and ‘LiveFill’, Dr. Moelleken is a Beverly Hills innovator featured on Extreme Makeover.
6. Chris Moss — $20M
   Australia’s facial rejuvenation expert, Dr. Moss also heads a top-selling skincare brand and trains surgeons globally.
7. Robert Rey — $20M
   Brazilian-born and Harvard-trained, Dr. Rey rose from poverty to TV fame (Dr. 90210) with innovations like the “red carpet breast lift.”
8. Kevin Sands — $20M
   Hollywood’s cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sands is behind the flawless smiles of celebrities like Justin Bieber and the Kardashians.
9. Maria Z. Siemionow — $14M
   Pioneer of facial transplants, Dr. Siemionow’s contributions to reconstructive surgery are world-renowned and Smithsonian-featured.
10. Michael Obeng — $8M
    Famous for removing industrial glue from a patient’s scalp, Dr. Obeng blends high-profile surgery with global humanitarian efforts.
11. Cat Begovic — $5M
    With her “natural tummy tuck” technique, Dr. Cat is a social media influencer, cosmetic surgeon, and skincare entrepreneur.
12. Jason Diamond — $4M
    Known for “Diamond Facial Sculpting,” Dr. Diamond serves A-list clients across continents with his signature non-invasive enhancements.

Beyond the Numbers: What Wealth Reveals About the Industry

The Impact of Cosmetic Surgery Price and Success Factors

In addition to skill and innovation, factors such as Cosmetic Surgery price and patient access continue to influence the success of top surgeons. While some are known for their luxurious lifestyles, others emphasize the importance of affordability and quality care.

As cosmetic procedures become more accessible, there’s an opportunity for rising stars in the field to challenge traditional success markers and redefine what it means to be a leading surgeon in this competitive landscape.

Industry Trends and Gender Disparities

The ranking of the world’s wealthiest plastic surgeons offers more than just impressive figures. It reveals deep-rooted trends within the cosmetic surgery industry. Despite the fact that the demand for cosmetic procedures is largely driven by female clients, a significant gender imbalance remains, with men overwhelmingly occupying the wealthiest ranks.

As the industry evolves, this gap highlights a pressing need for increased visibility and opportunities for women in cosmetic surgery. It could potentially shift the dynamic in the years to come.