Menopause Makeover

Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s aging process, denoting the time of life when periods cease. Many well-known symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood changes, affect emotional well-being. Another set of effects, also triggered by hormonal fluctuations, can have a significant impact on the body’s appearance and self-esteem related to body image; these can be improved through a range of procedures performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.

A Menopause Makeover is not a static set of procedures but rather a catch-all term for personalized treatments that address your particular aesthetic concerns. These may include issues related to facial appearance or the feel and shape of other body contours. You may be candidates for multiple procedures or may not require any surgical treatments depending on your preference and individual changes.

A lessening of skin elasticity may lead to drooping eyelids and a “tired” look that are addressed through blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) on the upper or lower lids. A loss of collagen may lead to drooping brows that are addressed through a brow lift. A loss of bone in the face may lead to changing shape in the nose, earlobes and jawline as well. These may be addressed through a rhinoplasty (nose job), otoplasty (ear pinning), or chin implants.

Beyond the face, many individuals opt for a breast lift, which can give the bust a perkier feel and appearance. Other common procedures include liposuction or a tummy tuck, which remove stubborn areas of fat and optimize body contours.

Such procedures can help you recapture a more youthful look and improve self-confidence. To determine which procedure or set of procedures is right for you, set up a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Be specific about your concerns and desired results, and be sure to ask about all attendant benefits and risks.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common procedures a plastic surgeon may perform as part of a Menopause Makeover.

• A blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is a common cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the appearance and functionality of the eyelids, correcting issues like laxness and hooding of upper eyelid skin and bags underneath the eyes. It can improve vision as well as aesthetics.
• A brow lift addresses drooping, hollowness and volume deflation of the brows. Such issues in the upper face can also exaggerate the eyelid “hooding” that gives the face a sad or tired appearance.
• Deep plane facelift and necklift may be combined with such procedures to achieve a more holistically rejuvenated look. These involve a plastic surgeon making subtle incisions in order to gently reposition underlying tissues and, in some cases, remove excess skin, leading to a more defined and taut facial appearance.
• A rhinoplasty (nose job) can address the effects of skin and cartilage changes to the nose that can lead to a nasal prominence and drooping tip.
• Chin implants are used to correct issues such as lax skin, loss of jaw bone in the lower face, which can lead to asymmetry and a loss of the tightness and volume that are associated with a youthful look.
• A breast lift can improve the shape and projection of the breasts; hormonal changes during menopause can lead to a lack of firmness or sagging appearance in this area of the body. Some individuals also opt for breast augmentation or breast reduction as part of their treatment plan, increasing or decreasing the breasts’ size.
• Liposuction is a very common procedure that involves making small incisions and inserting thin tubes (cannulas) to extract unwanted fat that can accumulate during the aging process. It is often performed on areas such as the belly, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, neck. It can also be performed in multiple areas at once (360 Liposuction).
• A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, is an aesthetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and hip areas. It also tightens the abdominal fascia (the connective tissue over the “six-pack” muscles) to improve the abdominal contour.

Before you go

During your consultation, you and your surgeon will work together to determine which Menopause Makeover procedures are most appropriate for you, ensuring the best possible results. Make sure you ask to view before-and-after photos of the surgeon’s previous work, as well as ask any questions you have about the process. This includes what results you can expect and what scarring might look like.

To prioritize your safety during this process, which may involve multiple procedures and require lengthy operating times, your surgeon will advise you to obtain comprehensive medical clearance from your primary care physician before proceeding. Your surgeon will also recommend you stop certain medications such as blood thinners, aspirin, and non-steroidal medications like ibuprofen.

During the procedure

On the day of your menopause makeover surgery, you will start early in the morning at the surgical center or hospital. After arriving and checking in, you will undergo final pre-operative assessments, including monitoring your vital signs and reviewing the surgical plan with your surgeon and anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will typically administer either general anesthesia so you will be comfortable and pain-free.

During the surgery, which can last several hours, you may undergo a combination of procedures designed to rejuvenate your appearance. These could include facial rejuvenation techniques like facelifts, eyelid surgery, or brow lifts, as well as body contouring procedures such as breast lifts, liposuction, or tummy tucks. In some instances, your surgeon may recommend performing these surgeries at two separate stages depending on a variety of factors. Throughout the surgery, your vital signs will be closely monitored by the surgical team, who will work diligently to achieve your desired results. After the procedures are complete, you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be observed as you wake from anesthesia. The medical staff will provide you with post-operative care instructions and pain management before you are discharged, typically on the same day for less invasive procedures or after an overnight stay for more extensive surgeries.

Menopause Makeover Aftercare

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room. Depending on the procedures you have received, you may have to wear an abdominal binder over your belly to help control swelling and bruising. You may also be given a special bra or surgical vest. Most Menopause Makeover procedures are performed on an outpatient basis at ambulatory surgery centers. However, some physicians may recommend recovery at an aftercare facility, overnight facility, or hospital.

Pain is usually managed with over-the-counter and prescription medications, if needed. You will gradually be able to increase your activity as you recover, with walking as your primary form of physical activity. It is advised to avoid any heavy lifting for the first four to six weeks after your surgery or until cleared by your surgeon.