A growing trend among menopausal women is opting for cosmetic surgery to address the changes in their bodies triggered by menopause, similar to the popular “Mommy Makeover” sought by women post-childbirth.
Dr. Dara Liotta, a facial plastic surgeon in Manhattan, notes that menopausal women today often look and feel younger due to advancements in skincare and treatments like Botox and fillers. However, the hormonal shifts during menopause can lead to facial aging that requires more than noninvasive treatments to address effectively.
One such woman, Susan, 58, decided on an upper eyelid lift to rejuvenate her appearance. She felt self-conscious about her eyes and wanted to align her outer appearance with her inner vitality. After the surgery, Susan felt more confident and projected a healthier image, which was her main goal.
Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) show that blepharoplasty, the surgery Susan underwent, is the top facial cosmetic surgery in the U.S. and is increasingly popular. This trend is reflected in Dr. Liotta’s practice, where many menopausal women seek procedures like blepharoplasty to address skin laxity caused by estrogen loss.
Dr. Liotta explains that menopausal hormonal changes can lead to various facial changes, including skin thinning, softening of cartilage, and deterioration of facial bones. To counter these effects, women often opt for procedures like chin implants, rhinoplasties, and earlobe lifts, in addition to eyelid surgeries.
Dr. Kimberly Lee, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, notes that women in their 40s and 50s are increasingly seeking natural-looking results from eyelid surgeries and other procedures. These patients aim for subtle enhancements that reduce wrinkles and signs of aging without completely erasing them.
Dr. Liotta describes these procedures as “moving the furniture around, rather than knocking down the walls,” emphasizing the focus on subtle changes that enhance natural beauty. This approach resonates with women like Jean, a lawyer and single mom who underwent a facelift at 56 to boost her confidence and appearance subtly.
While noninvasive options like fillers can be effective, Dr. Catherine Chang, a facial plastic surgeon, warns that over time, they may lead to unnatural results and require more maintenance. For women like Jean, surgery offered a more enduring solution that aligned with her desire for a natural look.
Ultimately, these menopausal makeovers are about helping women look as good as they feel inside, ensuring that their outer appearance reflects their inner vitality and confidence as they navigate this new chapter in their lives.
