Cosmetic Options for Menopause – Ageing Gracefully, on Your Terms
Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, often accompanied by physical changes that can impact self-perception and confidence. In this blog, Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna explores the latest trends in cosmetic surgery for menopausal women.
Understanding Menopausal Changes
Menopause. It’s a word loaded with both trepidation and liberation, marking a significant transition in a woman’s life. While it signifies the end of fertility, it also ushers in a new chapter filled with possibilities. However, this transition is often accompanied by physical changes that can leave women feeling unsure of their own skin.
The driving force behind these changes is a natural shift in hormone production. As oestrogen levels decline, the body responds in a myriad of ways. Collagen, the protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and plumpness, begins to diminish. This reduction leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Skin may also feel drier and thinner, losing its youthful dewiness.
The effects of menopause extend beyond the surface. Fat distribution, once predictable, can become erratic. Many women notice a shift in fat storage, with increased deposits around the abdomen, hips, and thighs, even if weight remains stable. This redistribution can be particularly frustrating, making it harder to maintain a desired body shape despite healthy lifestyle choices.
Muscle tone also feels the impact of hormonal fluctuations. Oestrogen plays a crucial role in muscle maintenance and recovery. As levels decline, muscle mass naturally decreases, sometimes leading to a feeling of decreased strength and a change in overall body composition.
These physical changes, while entirely natural, can have a profound impact on a woman’s self-perception. It’s not uncommon to experience a disconnect between how one feels internally and the reflection staring back from the mirror. The desire to feel confident and comfortable in one’s own skin is entirely valid, and acknowledging these feelings is the first step towards reclaiming that sense of self.
Addressing Specific Concerns Related to Menopause
While ageing is a natural and beautiful process, many women seek ways to address specific concerns that arise during menopause, restoring a sense of harmony between their inner confidence and outer appearance.
1. Restoring a Youthful Visage
The face is often the first area to show the visible signs of ageing, and menopause can accelerate these changes. Fortunately, several surgical and non-surgical options can refresh and rejuvenate the face, turning back the clock for a more youthful and revitalised look.
- Eyelid Rejuvenation (Blepharoplasty)
The eyes are often referred to as the windows to the soul, but drooping eyelids and under-eye bags can obscure their vibrancy, making you appear tired and older than you feel. Blepharoplasty is a highly effective procedure that addresses these concerns.
During blepharoplasty, excess skin, muscle, and fat are carefully removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids. By addressing both the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously, a more comprehensive rejuvenation can be achieved. Incisions are strategically placed within the natural creases of the eyelids, rendering any scarring practically invisible. This precise technique ensures a natural-looking outcome, restoring a brighter, more alert, and youthful appearance to the eyes.
Download the Eyelid Surgery Guide
- Volume Enhancement with Fat Grafting
One of the most noticeable changes associated with ageing and menopause is the loss of facial volume. This loss contributes to the appearance of hollow cheeks, deepening lines, and a thinner, less youthful appearance. Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, offers a natural and long-lasting solution to restore lost volume and redefine facial contours.
This procedure involves harvesting fat from one area of the body, typically the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, using gentle liposuction techniques. The harvested fat is then meticulously purified and processed before being strategically injected into the areas of the face requiring volume restoration. This could include the cheeks, under the eyes, temples, or lips.
What sets fat grafting apart is its use of your body’s own tissue, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions and providing natural-looking, long-lasting results. The transferred fat cells integrate seamlessly with your existing tissues, restoring volume and creating a smoother, more youthful facial appearance.
- Non-Surgical Options for Facial Rejuvenation
For those seeking less invasive approaches to facial rejuvenation, a range of non-surgical treatments can effectively address specific concerns and complement surgical procedures.
- Skin Relaxing Injections: This injectable treatment temporarily relaxes facial muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. By reducing muscle activity, the neuromodulator smooths out these wrinkles, creating a more relaxed and youthful appearance.
- Dermal Fillers: Fillers are injectable gels that instantly restore volume and fullness to areas of the face affected by ageing or volume loss. They can plump up lips, smooth out nasolabial folds (smile lines), fill in hollow cheeks, and improve the appearance of under-eye hollows.
- Laser Resurfacing: This treatment utilises laser technology to remove the outer layers of damaged skin, stimulating collagen production and revealing smoother, tighter, and more youthful skin beneath. Laser resurfacing can effectively address wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and uneven skin tone.
2. Recontouring the Body
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can significantly impact body shape and contour, often leading to stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. These changes, coupled with the natural ageing process, can make it challenging to maintain a desired silhouette. Thankfully, several surgical procedures can effectively address these concerns, restoring a more youthful and contoured physique.
- Liposuction for Targeted Fat Removal
Liposuction remains one of the most popular and effective procedures for removing stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to traditional weight loss methods. This surgical technique involves using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to gently loosen and suction away excess fat cells from specific areas of the body.
During liposuction, small incisions are strategically placed in discreet locations, minimising visible scarring. The cannula is then inserted through these incisions and manipulated beneath the skin to target and remove unwanted fat deposits. Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, including the abdomen, flanks (love handles), hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and even under the chin.
By removing excess fat cells, liposuction can sculpt and refine body contours, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing silhouette. It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution but rather a body contouring procedure designed to address stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) for a Firmer Core
Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural ageing process can cause the abdominal muscles to weaken and stretch, leading to a protruding abdomen and loose skin that can be difficult to address through exercise alone. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to restore a flatter, firmer, and more youthful abdominal contour.
During a tummy tuck, an incision is made along the bikini line, allowing the surgeon to tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, remove excess skin and fat, and reposition the belly button for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This approach addresses both muscle laxity and excess skin, resulting in a significantly flatter and firmer abdomen.
Download the Tummy Tuck Guide
- Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) for Toned Arms
As we age, the skin on our upper arms naturally loses elasticity, leading to sagging and a “bat wing” appearance that can be particularly bothersome during the warmer months. An arm lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper arms, restoring a more toned and youthful arm contour.
During an arm lift, an incision is made along the underside of the upper arm, extending from the armpit to the elbow. Anca then removes excess skin and fat, tightens underlying tissues, and re-drapes the remaining skin for a smoother, more contoured appearance. The result is a more youthful and defined upper arm.
3. Addressing Intimate Concerns
Menopause can bring about significant changes in a woman’s intimate area, affecting both physical comfort and emotional well-being. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls, and changes in the appearance of the labia, impacting self-confidence and intimacy.
- Labiaplasty for Enhanced Comfort
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address concerns related to the labia minora, the inner lips of the vulva. Some women are self-conscious about the size, shape, or asymmetry of their labia minora, which can cause discomfort during certain activities, such as exercise, intercourse, or wearing tight clothing.
During labiaplasty, Anca reshapes or reduces the size of the labia minora, creating a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The procedure can also address functional concerns, such as discomfort during intercourse or irritation from rubbing against clothing. Labiaplasty is a highly personalised procedure, and Anca will work closely with you to understand your specific concerns and goals, ensuring a result that meets your individual needs and enhances your comfort and confidence.
4. Renewing Breast Confidence
Breasts often undergo significant changes throughout a woman’s life, and menopause is no exception. Fluctuating hormone levels, weight fluctuations, and the natural ageing process can all contribute to a loss of breast volume, elasticity, and firmness. These changes can impact a woman’s self-esteem and body image, making her feel less confident and feminine. Fortunately, several surgical procedures can address these concerns, restoring a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing breast contour.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) for a More Youthful Shape
A breast lift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts, restoring a more youthful and upright appearance. Over time, gravity, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can cause the breasts to lose their elasticity and droop, resulting in a deflated or “bottom-heavy” appearance.
During a breast lift, excess skin is removed, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, and the nipple and areola are repositioned to a more youthful position on the breast mound. This approach restores a more aesthetically pleasing breast shape, improving both the contour and projection of the breasts.
Download the Breast Uplift Guide
- Breast Augmentation for Enhanced Volume
Breast enlargement, commonly known as a “boob job,” is a surgical procedure that utilises implants to enhance the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. This procedure is an excellent option for women who have naturally small breasts, have experienced volume loss due to ageing, pregnancy, or weight loss, or simply desire a fuller, more voluptuous breast contour.
- Breast Reduction for Improved Comfort
While many women seek to enhance the size of their breasts, some experience discomfort, back pain, or self-consciousness due to overly large breasts. Breast reduction surgery is a procedure designed to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, creating a smaller, lighter, and more proportionate breast size.
FAQs about Cosmetic Surgery for Menopausal Women
At what point during or after menopause is the best time to consider cosmetic surgery?
- There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your individual circumstances and the specific procedure. Generally, it’s best to wait until your hormone levels have stabilised, which usually occurs a year or more after your last period. However, consulting with Anca is crucial to determine the optimal timing based on your health and aesthetic goals.
Will cosmetic surgery interfere with hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
- While cosmetic surgery doesn’t directly interfere with HRT, it’s essential to discuss your HRT regimen with both Anca and prescribing physician. They can advise on any necessary adjustments to your medication schedule surrounding the surgery and recovery period.
Are there any specific risks or considerations for cosmetic surgery during or after menopause?
- As with any surgery, risks are associated with procedures during or after menopause. However, maintaining good overall health, managing pre-existing conditions, and openly communicating your medical history with Anca can minimise these risks.
Besides surgical options, what lifestyle changes can complement my cosmetic rejuvenation?
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, proper hydration, and a consistent skincare routine can significantly enhance and prolong the results of your cosmetic procedures.
How can I ensure I’m choosing the right surgeon for my needs and expectations?
- Selecting a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in addressing the unique concerns of menopausal women is essential. Thoroughly research potential surgeons, schedule consultations, ask about their experience with specific procedures, and review before-and-after photos to ensure their aesthetic aligns with yours.
Further Reading about Cosmetic Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about What is a Menopause Makeover?
- Read more about How to Fix Saggy Breasts – Breast Uplift, Breast Implants or Both
- Read more about Causes and Treatment of Overly Large Breasts – Macromastia
- Read more about Plastic Surgery for Women in UK
- Read more about All about Perfect Breasts and How to Get Them
- Read more about Abdominoplasty and Pubic Lift: Addressing the Mons Pubic Area (FUPA)
Medical References about Cosmetic Surgery for Menopausal Women
- Menopause in Plastic Surgery Patients
- Vaginal Rejuvenation: A Retrospective Review of Lasers and Radiofrequency Devices
- Postmenopausal skin and estrogen
- Anatomical Changes of the Vulva Due to Childbirth and Aging
- The Menopause Transition: Signs, Symptoms, and Management Options
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.
