You've heard of the Mummy Makeover, but now there is talk of the Menopause Makeover, so what is it?
Menopause is a hormonal change that happens in females, generally around the ages of 45-55, but for some, it can also happen earlier. This is due to hormone production in the body slowing. This process can take several years, and menopause is officially reached when you haven’t had a period at all in 12 months.
Menopause can have many different symptoms. This can range from hot flushes and brain fog to mood swings and feelings of low self-esteem. Changes in appearance are common during this hormonal shift. Females can often find it easier to hold on to fat, as well as see a thickening around their stomachs and waistlines. Many also believe that the breasts shrink during this time, however, the upper breasts and underarm area tend to gain fat. This, combined with a general sagging due to ageing, can leave many with deflated-looking breasts.
Many women can be left feeling very confused by the changes made to their mental health, as well as their physical appearance. Diet and exercise will have little effect on these symptoms, so they often look at alternative options to tackle these issues. A Menopause Makeover similar to a Mummy Makeover, after pregnancy, is a combination of procedures that are used to target these physical changes. Many may have heard of the Mummy Makeover procedure. This is the same concept, except it targets the physical changes that come from menopause rather than the physical changes that come from childbirth.
There are many benefits to having a combination procedure like this. Tackling several areas at once allows your surgeon to consider your goals alongside the overall look of your body. This means that you are likely to achieve better harmony and create an overall more youthful look. Having combo surgery can also have some practical health benefits, such as less time spent under anaesthesia, as well as only having one recovery period. This is only achievable if several health criteria are met.
What procedures can be considered?
Liposuction and Fat Transfer (to the breast):
These two procedures are generally performed together. This will not only remove stubborn areas of fat that have formed due to the menopause and can be used to restore fullness to areas such as the breasts. This type of transfer isn’t meant to create a huge difference in size, but the combination of removal and insertion can make a big difference in proportions. As stated earlier, many feel that they can lose fullness due to an increase in fat in the upper breast. Removing this, as well as some from the stomach area, and using this fat to add to the breast can create a much more youthful pert look.
Tummy Tuck or Liposuction:
This procedure, also known as an abdominoplasty, is used to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower sections of the stomach. This is very useful for those looking to achieve a flat stomach. Those who have had children in the past tend to opt for this procedure, as it can deal with the excess skin that is left after a major/quick weight loss, such as pregnancy or having undergone a c-section. Liposuction can be considered as an option if there is no excess skin present. This is something that you can discuss at your consultation.
Breast Uplift:
A breast uplift removes excess skin from the breast and gives a natural-looking lift. The nipples will be placed in a more central position of the new breast, the size of the areola can be reduced, and if the patient wants, an implant can also be inserted or removed during this procedure. Larger breasts or implants have become less popular in recent years, however smaller sizes are available and can produce a fuller look. This procedure in conjunction with some type of augmentation (fat transfer or implant) can make a huge difference to the look of the breast.
Facelift:
As we age, the effects of gravity on the face manifest as lowering of the eyebrows, hooding of the upper eyelids, bulges under the eyes, flattened cheeks, deepening folds around the nose and the mouth, and lastly for some a sagging jawline.
A facelift, lower or full, rejuvenates the face to a more youthful appearance.
While some women may choose to undergo cosmetic surgery or other aesthetic procedures during or after menopause, it's essential to approach such decisions with careful consideration. A consultation with Mr Mark Ho-Asjoe is always necessary before undertaking any cosmetic procedure.