Looking Forward to 2024: The Menopause Makeover in Washington DC
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the number of plastic surgery procedures has increased 19% since 2019. This notable surge has been coupled with a newfound sense of openness surrounding the subject. Many patients are now comfortable with disclosing the work they have done and enjoy sharing their experiences in person or over social media.
Along with this societal shift, there has also been a noteworthy shift in aesthetic preferences, veering away from the previous mantra of “bigger is better.” Mark Mofid, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego and clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, notes a departure from extreme enhancements towards a more subtle and natural look. This change influences the types of procedures sought and shapes the demographics of patients seeking such interventions.
As the plastic surgery landscape prepares for 2024, several intriguing trends come to the fore:
The Menopause Makeover
“These Will Be the Biggest Plastic Surgery Trends of 2024” by Elizabeth Siegel at Allure takes a deep dive into what looks like the newest trend in 2024: the menopause makeover.
The emergence of the “menopause makeover” is gaining traction, acknowledging the physical changes associated with menopausal hormonal shifts. Plastic surgeons, including Steven Teitelbaum, MD, in Los Angeles, are tailoring procedures to address individual needs, such as breast reductions, smaller implants, or breast lifts, often complemented by liposuction for enhanced results.
The menopause makeover will be a new, personalized individual approach to cosmetic alteration with procedures such as breast surgeries, liposuction, facelifts, chin implants, body contouring, and more.
Breast Reductions, Smaller Implants, and Breast Lifts
When it comes to menopause, the hormonal changes can lead to changes in the breasts. Even patients who had never considered plastic surgery when they were younger may consider natural-looking changes to their new bodies.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has reported a staggering 54% increase in breast reductions over the past years, coinciding with a shift towards smaller implant sizes. The desire for a more athletic and manageable body shape has influenced this trend, with patients opting for breast lifts to achieve natural-looking outcomes.
These breast procedures will emphasize the patients’ desires to be comfortable and confident, with options leading to the best possible results.
Liposuction With Breast Procedures
Liposuction took center stage in 2023, with techniques and technologies getting better and better. Steven Williams, MD, believes this trend will continue into 2024 and lead to advancements in procedures including breast enhancements.
Liposuction can be used to remove unwanted fat from common menopausal fat storage areas such as the axilla, front of the armpit, or lateral chest, where the patient’s bra strap typically lies, in order to smooth harsh transitions, hollowed areas, and indents. This use of fat contours the body slightly and draws attention to other areas, such as the breasts, resulting in a more youthful and natural appearance.
New Facelift Techniques
Advancements in facelift techniques are on the horizon. With unique challenges posed by medications like Ozempic and the natural changes in the skin caused by age and menopause, plastic surgeons have adjusted their approach to facial procedures. Patients undergoing rapid weight loss with Ozempic may experience changes in skin consistency, while patients going through the natural stages of aging might face their own skin consistency issues.
This has prompted surgeons to adapt their approaches to reinforce skin during facelift procedures. This approach has been popular in the past years, but now with more emphasis on anchoring the skin to the muscle in order to achieve a structurally sound recovery and discreet scar.
Chin Implants With Jawline Liposuction
A heightened focus on the neck and jawline is observed across different age groups. The jawline is one of the first areas patients typically notice laxity in the face. Patients may wish to address this area without resorting to an entire facelift at just 40 years old.
Younger patients, seeking sculpting rather than lifting, are opting for procedures like jawline liposuction and chin implants to redefine their facial features. This approach is less invasive than a facelift and still leaves that option on the table for later.
Body Contouring
Anticipations for 2024 suggest a surge in demand for body contouring procedures, with surgical excision playing a pivotal role in addressing loose skin resulting from significant weight loss. The trendy energy-based skin-tightening devices of 2023 are being reevaluated, as they work best on younger patients with a thicker dermis – patients who probably don’t need skin tightening.
Surgical interventions are gaining prominence due to their undeniable results, but with focus on incision placement in order to conceal resulting scars as best as possible. The most common surgical procedures include tummy tucks and body lifts in which excess skin is removed and remaining skin is tightened.
Liposuction will be popular due to its ability to be minimally invasive yet effective. Small changes to the contour and curves of the body will be of high demand, especially with the lack of scarring.
Post-Op Care Will Get Easier
With more emphasis on natural-looking results and smaller alterations, innovations in post-operative care will be even more important. As advancements in surgical techniques continue to become more advanced, post-operative care will become crucial to backing the work done in the operating room.
This is exemplified by Sylke, a mesh silk wound dressing developed by Mark Mofid, promise improved healing and minimized scarring. These advancements aim to enhance patient experiences and outcomes in the recovery phase.
Growth Within the World of Plastic Surgery: The Transformative Advancements with the Menopause Makeover
As observers of the plastic surgery landscape, the menopause makeover trends outlined above reflect not only evolving aesthetic preferences but also a growing awareness of individualized approaches and innovative solutions in the pursuit of beauty and self-confidence. The anticipated developments in 2024 paint a picture of a dynamic and transformative year in the field of plastic surgery.
Choosing Bruno | Brown, One of the Area’s Top Plastic Surgery Providers
Our doctors at Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery are committed to staying up to date with the latest trends, technologies, techniques, and advancements in the plastic surgery industry in order to provide the best quality care for their patients. They recognize the unique characteristics of each patient and craft personalized plans specific to their wants and needs. From walking in the door for your first consultation to discussing your recovery progress, our doctors will be with you every step of the way.
