When you hit your 40s, those little signs of aging that you noticed in your 30s may become more pronounced. Most often, these things are the upper and lower eyelids, which may begin to sag and start to look set in. Crow’s feet are another common sign of aging that may develop around the corners of the eyes. Frown lines and forehead lines also begin to deepen during these years. You may notice vertical lines in the lower portion of the face appear or increase in number and depth. These are called the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Around this time, many people also experience volume loss in their faces.
Women in their 40’s, are typically affected by hormonal and age-related changes in their bodies. Women go through a period of perimenopause, or a time when a woman transitions towards menopause. Perimenopause causes hormonal fluctuations to occur. The body produces much less collagen and elastin than it did in its 20’s or 30’s. During this period, cell turnover also goes down, making the skin appear dull and aged. The metabolism also slows, which means that unwanted fatty deposits may become more pronounced, and losing weight becomes more difficult with exercise and diet alone.
The good news is, thanks to modern technology, we can reverse these signs of aging with great success through plastic surgery. The most common cosmetic surgeries that women in their 40’s love are:
Face, Brow and Neck Lift
Face, brow, and neck lift surgery are commonly performed when patients are in their mid-to-late forties. However, lifestyle choices or genetics may cause patients to need these surgeries at a younger age.
A facelift can create a younger appearance by reducing the sagging or folds of skin on the cheeks and jawline. A brow lift helps correct a sagging or heavy brow, and a neck lift addresses loose skin and unwanted fat deposits in the neck and chin area. The goal is a natural look that leaves patients looking eight to ten years younger. Results typically last 12 to 15 years or longer, depending on a patient’s skin elasticity.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the most effective way to reduce stubborn fatty pockets. This surgical procedure uses a suction technique to remove fat from just about any area of the body. Some of the most common sites include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. Liposuction shapes and contours these areas. In many cases, liposuction can be performed in the office. Results are immediately visible, and it has minimal downtime. However, patients will need to wear a compression garment under their clothes for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Breast Augmentation/Breast Lift
Breast augmentations and breast lifts are popular among women of all ages. Breast augmentation can give women a new feeling of youth and self-confidence. Breast augmentation enhances the size of a women’s breast and may provide a small lift. However, many women in their forties need their breasts put back in place after childbirth, breastfeeding, or simply gravity. The plastic surgeon can reposition the breast on the chest to regain its youthful shape and perkiness. If a woman has lost breast volume, the surgeon may combine a breast lift and augmentation to achieve the best result.
If you’re experiencing these common signs of aging and want to see what procedures are best to help you, schedule a personal consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified, plastic surgeons at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, Drs. Peter Butler, Jocelyn Leveque, and Nathan Patterson.
