News

Menopause is having a moment. A broader cultural shift towards celebrating and understanding
the experiences of women in midlife. Influential figures like Oprah and Michelle Obama have
openly discussed their menopausal journeys, bringing attention to the challenges and triumphs of
this stage of life. Ostensibly, we are breaking down stigmas and encouraging women to embrace
their changing bodies with confidence.

The rise of menopause-focused products and services, from hormone therapy options to skincare
lines tailored for menopausal skin, reflects this shift. The focus on wellness and self-care during
menopause has gained momentum, with many women seeking ways to maintain their vitality and
sense of self. As a woman in her forties, I am thrilled menopause is finally mainstream.
However, I also acknowledge (and receive) predatory marketing aimed at mid-life women and in
this post, I am keen to maintain a balance of both support and perspective for my patients.

Embracing Change: How Plastic Surgery Can Enhance Your Menopausal Journey

As a female plastic surgeon, I have the privilege of working closely with women who are
navigating the transformative stage of menopause. Central tenets of lifestyle change absolutely
come first. Surgical solutions are real, but are best accompanied by adequate protein intake,
resistance training, sleep and stress management.

But I am also a realist. The hormonal shifts of menopause can bring about various changes in the
body, particularly in areas like skin elasticity, body composition and contour, and breast shape.
Many of my patients, despite doing all the right things, find that cosmetic procedures offer a
more definitive way to address these changes, helping them regain confidence and embrace their
evolving bodies with grace. These can range from a simple upper eyelid lift under local
anaesthetic, for a refreshed look almost overnight, to more extensive surgeries outlined below.

Transforming Body Contours

Menopause often leads to changes in fat distribution, which can be frustrating for many women.
Despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s common to experience stubborn areas of fat that are
resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction can be an effective tool for addressing these concerns.
It allows for targeted fat removal, reshaping specific areas of the body. More often, for those
who have experienced significant weight loss or changes in skin elasticity, including after babies,
body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck allows for both fat removal, skin tightening and
repair of separated stomach muscles. Many of my patients have waited years until their children
are more independent, fearful of a surgical recovery. But now with a modern drainless, daycase
approach, the restoration of a more youthful body shape and stronger core is less daunting and
can be particularly rewarding and empowering.

Revitalizing Breast Appearance

The changes in breast volume and firmness during menopause can be profound. Many women
notice a decrease in breast volume, coupled with sagging or drooping. This can impact not only
their appearance but also their self-esteem. Breast augmentation or breast lift surgery can address
these issues by restoring lost volume and improving the position of the breasts. Breast
augmentation involves the use of implants to enhance volume, while a breast lift focuses on
elevating and reshaping the breasts, particularly dramatic with the auto-augmentation (no
implants) technique. For some women, a combination of both procedures can provide the most
satisfying results.

Restoring Confidence

The physical changes of menopause can significantly impact a woman’s body image and self-
esteem. As a surgeon, I understand the emotional journey my patients undergo and am dedicated
to helping them achieve results that align with their personal goals and enhance their confidence.
Plastic surgery can offer a renewed sense of self, allowing women to feel more comfortable and
confident in their bodies as they navigate this new chapter of life.

I believe in a collaborative approach, where we work together to design a personalized treatment
plan that best suits each woman’s lifestyle and expectations.

A Holistic Approach

While plastic surgery can offer significant physical enhancements, it’s also important to consider
it as part of a broader approach to well-being. Skincare, exercise, and a macro-based diet can
only enhance the results of surgery and contribute to overall health and happiness. My goal is to
support women in embracing their changing bodies with confidence and grace, helping them feel
empowered through every stage of their life.

In summary, body and breast surgery can be transformative tools for women experiencing
menopausal changes. Aging provides perspective, wisdom, accomplishment… but for some
women, by addressing physical concerns and enhancing self-image, these procedures do offer the
opportunity to embrace the aging process with renewed confidence. As a female plastic surgeon,
I am delighted to assist women in navigating these changes, providing compassionate care and
tailored solutions to support their journey.