Cosmetic Procedures in Your 40s

These days, it is not unusual to hear the phrase “Forty is the new 30!” In essence, this means that men and women in their 40s should not be considered past their prime. Given that people in this age group have more disposable income than previous generations at that age, as well as being more active, healthy, and committed to a wellness lifestyle, it seems obvious that they are not willing to resign themselves to sedentary life.

Part of this wellness trend for people in their 40s is a desire to look as good on the outside as they feel on the inside. This desire drives many potential patients to explore cosmetic procedures as a way of rejuvenating and refreshing their appearance. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a total of more than 7 million cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) were performed by its member surgeons in 2014. This accounted for almost half of all cosmetic procedures performed in 2014. Our staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery has seen a similar trend, in terms of an increasing number of patients in their 40s.

Five Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures

BOTOX® Cosmetic (approximately 3.8 million procedures): BOTOX® injections are designed to reduce the appearance of deep frown lines on the forehead and between the brows by relaxing the facial muscles responsible for such movement. This will provide the face with a smoother appearance and make the patient appear refreshed.

Dermal fillers (approximately 1.1 million procedures): Unlike BOTOX® injections, which focus on larger facial lines specifically on the forehead or between the brows, dermal filler injections focus on fine lines around the eyes, nose, and mouth. The fillers add volume to the skin.

Eyelid surgery (approximately 88,000 procedures): Eyelid surgery can be performed on either the upper or lower eyelids. Surgery to the upper lids can correct excess loose skin or fat around the upper lids, while surgery for the lower lids will reduce the appearance of baggy excess skin and dark circles under the eyes. Eyelid surgery is often done in conjunction with dermal fillers to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet around the outer corners of the eyes.

Breast augmentation (approximately 84,000 procedures): A breast augmentation can restore the breasts to their more youthful, rounded appearance, before the effects of pregnancy and aging cause them to sag, droop, and lose volume. Patients can select silicone or saline implants, as well as whether to position them just behind the mammary glands and ducts (subglandular) or behind the chest muscles (subpectoral). They can also choose both the implant size and profile (the ratio between the height and width of the implant).

Liposuction (approximately 81,000 procedures): This procedure is designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat that have not properly responded to a regular exercise routine and sensible, balanced diet. A thin metal tube, called a cannula, is inserted into the body at the areas targeted for fat removal. The fat is then vacuumed out of the body. This can be done in a variety of areas, including the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, back, knees, and buttocks.

Today’s 40-somethings are no longer resigning themselves to being over the hill. Instead, they are actively seeking out ways to continue to be as active as possible. This may include any number of cosmetic procedures to help the body look youthful and rejuvenated.