The Rise in ‘Menopause’ and ‘Mommy Makeovers’: Navigating Aging and Hormonal Shifts with Aesthetics

A surge in “menopause makeovers" and "mommy makeovers” are expected this year, building on the increasing popularity seen in recent years.

As women age, hormonal shifts during menopause often bring visible changes in their physical appearance.

Cynthia Elliott, M.D., owner and primary practitioner at Skinspirations, shed light on the concept of "menopause makeovers" and how medical aesthetic procedures can address these changes toward women. Skinspirations is a medical practice that provides aesthetic and regenerative medicine, and Elliot is a speaker and trainer on cosmetic procedures.

Cynthia Elliott

Elliott explained that these makeovers involve a combination of treatments designed to reverse the effects of aging and hormonal loss.

Facial aging is an unavoidable effect of menopausal changes, leading to volume loss in facial fat compartments and alterations in the bony facial frame.

Elliott emphasized the role of dropping hormone levels, stating that they play a crucial role in accelerating the aging process.

Estrogen and testosterone, in normal levels, contribute to maintaining bone density and skin thickness. Reduced estrogen levels during menopause result in bone resorption and thinning skin, leading to sagging and loss of elasticity.

Elliott claimed that previous research has shown a 30% loss of skin collagen in the first five postmenopausal years, which shares the accelerated aging process associated with menopause. She added that the number of years since menopause predicts facial aging changes more accurately than chronological age.

The common procedures in menopause and mommy makeovers include facelifts, breast lifts, neck lifts, liposuction, dermal fillers and Botox.

Elliott shared the difference between each makeover.

The mommy makeover focuses on correcting physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, such as stretched skin and muscles. Common procedures include breast lifts, tummy tucks, liposuction, stretch mark treatments and labiaplasty.

Discussing the surge in Botox procedures, Elliott shared it’s likely due to increased exposure to personal photos and the influence of social media.

“People see more photos of themselves than ever in the past and social media, with its focus on appearance and physical perfection, has raised the bar on beauty standards,” Elliott said. “With so many people admitting on social media that they’ve had esthetic treatments, there’s no longer any stigma to having “work” done.

Today, more and more young people are turning to Botox to match beauty ideals and shape how others see them. Surprisingly, many in their 20s are using Botox as a way to prevent wrinkles, with a significant 71% jump in usage from 2019 to 2020, Elliott said.

In 2022, over 9 million Botox treatments were administered globally which is a 26.1% increase over 2021.

As for the global lip augmentation market, its projected growth aligns with the evolving landscape of cosmetic procedures.

Elliott said this is due the rising trend of temporary augmentation, allowing individuals to experiment with changes without committing to permanent alterations.

The popularity of lip fillers and the ability to dissolve them, as highlighted by Kylie Jenner's experience, has contributed to the market's expansion.

As for more non-invasive treatments, a 2023 member survey by The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) predicts that these treatments as well as facial plastic surgery will continue to rise in popularity in 2024.

You'll see more patients at younger ages asking for a "natural facelift," and with the advancement of technology, facial “tweakments” will continue to trend due accessibility and appeal to all ages, results from the survey said.

The new data points to this, with 83% of the total number of procedures performed in 2023 being minimally invasive. The remaining 17% were surgical.

Of minimally invasive procedures, the three most common treatments were neurotoxins, fillers and topical treatments (micro-needling and chemical peels). Rhinoplasty remains the single most requested surgery among patients under 34 years old.

“This generation is growing up with a greater awareness of what is possible when it comes to aesthetic treatments thanks to the normalization online,” said Sherard A. Tatum, president of the AAFPRS.

Commenting on social media's impact, Elliott noted the "Snapchat Dysmorphia" effect, where edited celebrity photos set unrealistic beauty standards. The increasing influence of social media on younger generations, seeking information and medical advice online, has led to a surge in cosmetic procedure requests.

Looking towards the future, Elliott discussed advancements in technology influencing cosmetic procedures.

The continuous development of effective devices and injectable products, alongside increasing accessibility and affordability, is shaping the future of aesthetics. Specialized injectables that mimic bone appearance offers a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, she said.

Elliott's insights highlight the evolving landscape of cosmetic procedures, driven by technological advancements, changing beauty standards and the influence of social media.

She added thatas women embrace these aesthetic options, the field continues to witness innovations that cater to diverse needs and preferences.