National Menopause Awareness Month

Brookes Pittman, APRN | 09/06/2016

Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to recognize September as National Menopause Awareness month. An estimated 6,000 US women reach menopause every day. So, we want to be a part of the conversation and help women take charge of this part of their journey. Menopause and specifically its symptoms can be challenging emotionally and physically. The fluctuation and drop in Estrogen levels cause many changes in women's bodies. Along with the typical symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and mental fogginess come changes in the skin, in the form of wrinkling, sagging, and dryness. In fact, we know that a decline in B Estradiol during menopause is a significant culprit in the accelerated aging of the skin. On closer examination, we see the drop in estrogen playing a big role in fat loss within the face, causing the sagging and wrinkling to be more evident. Dr. Roberto Garcia, founder and principal at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery, often recommends using the patient's own fat (harvested from their buttocks or abdomen) to restore the lost facial volume. The results are long lasting, natural, and beautiful! Lowered estrogen levels often result in less production and repair of collagen and elastin in the dermis of the skin. The inability of the skin to repair itself is more prevalent in patients that have exposed their skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Procedures such as chemical peels, laser photofacials, and microneedling are excellent to help stimulate collagen and repair the damaged skin. Finally, because the reduction of estrogen due to menopause has an effect on the production of melanin in the skin, many women will notice that in areas of the face that have been exposed to UV rays, age spots and brown spots begin to appear more rapidly. These changes occur due to the drop in estrogen having an effect on the synthesis of melanin. When melanin is not synthesized quickly enough, unsightly darkened areas will appear on the surface of the skin. Dr. Garcia can discuss an array of treatment options to lighten the skin to bring back that healthy, refreshed glow. For more information about National Menopause Awareness Month and the effects of menopause on the facial aging, please visit our website at https://contoura.com/ or call our office to schedule a complimentary anti-aging consultation at (904) 686-8020.

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