When it comes to self-love and beauty standards, society is hell-bent on convincing women they will never be enough. In recent years, the beauty and wellness industry has pivoted from the “mommy makeover” phenomenon to promoting the “menopause makeover.” This shift highlights an enduring societal obsession with youth and physical appearance, one that continually pressures women to modify their bodies at every life stage.
For older Millennials and Generation X who have begun sitting comfortably in their skin, the idea behind menopause makeover can feel like an unwelcome push to conform to new beauty ideals just when they thought they could embrace aging on their terms. A disruptive reminder that society never stops scrutinizing their appearance.
From Mommy Makeovers to Menopause Makeovers
The concept of the “mommy makeover” gained popularity over the past decade, offering post-pregnancy women a suite of surgical procedures aimed at restoring pre-baby bodies. This package typically includes tummy tucks, breast lifts, and liposuction, all bundled together to erase the physical evidence of motherhood. It capitalizes on the societal pressure for women to bounce back to their youthful figures, reinforcing the idea that natural post-birth bodies are somehow undesirable.
Now, as the generation that once sought mommy makeovers begins to approach menopause, a new marketing strategy has emerged. The “menopause makeover” targets women between the ages of 43 and 54, suggesting that they need a similar suite of interventions to combat the signs of aging.
These procedures might include facelifts and other cosmetic surgeries aimed at erasing wrinkles, sagging skin, and other natural aging processes. This trend underscores a persistent message: no stage of a woman’s life is free from the scrutiny of beauty standards.
The Inescapable Pressure to Alter
At its core, the rise of the menopause makeover reflects an insidious societal belief that women’s natural bodies are inadequate at every stage. From puberty to menopause, women are conditioned to believe that their natural development must be managed, corrected, or enhanced.
This constant pressure is not only exhausting but also psychologically damaging. It perpetuates a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction, as women are never allowed to fully accept their natural bodies.
The beauty industry, driven by profit, exploits these insecurities. It creates and then fulfills a need that often stems from societal expectations rather than personal desire. The menopause makeover is just the latest iteration in a long history of beauty standards that dictate how women should look, often at the expense of their mental and physical well-being.
I’m 49 and starting to feel like I’m offending the world for aging. WTH, what should I do about it? Sorry time passes, bodies change.
Carol – Empty Nest Joy reader
The Impact on Women’s Self-Perception
The societal fixation on youthful beauty leaves little room for women to embrace the natural aging process. Aging should be seen as a journey filled with wisdom and experience, yet the beauty industry frames it as a problem to be fixed. This narrative not only diminishes the value of older women but also fosters a culture where aging is feared and stigmatized.
Women deserve the space to age without feeling pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals. They should be encouraged to embrace their natural appearance and celebrate the milestones of their lives. Instead, they are often met with a barrage of products and procedures designed to make them look younger, perpetuating the notion that aging is a flaw.
Society has long told women that they become invisible as they age, yet the push for menopause makeovers suggests that even in invisibility, they are expected to meet ever-changing beauty standards. It is time for women to say our bodies and the changes associated with them are not trends; they are natural and deserving of love, respect, and acceptance at every stage.
Embracing Natural Aging
It wasn’t too long ago that the topic of menopause was thought to be a private matter, not to be discussed openly, let alone embraced as a natural phase of life. Women were expected to quietly endure its symptoms and changes, often feeling isolated in their experiences.
However, as societal attitudes toward women’s health have evolved, there has been a gradual shift. Women are now beginning to challenge the stigma surrounding menopause, speaking out about their experiences, and advocating for more comprehensive support and understanding.
While the concept of a menopause makeover may seem like a solution to the physical changes associated with this life stage, it does not address the deeper need for open discussion and management of menopause.
Instead of promoting cosmetic interventions, we should focus on education, support, and destigmatizing menopause to empower women to navigate this transition with confidence and self-acceptance.
“I feel like I offend the world at every age for different reasons just being a girl/woman. It’s exhausting and unfair.”
Tina – Empty Nest Joy reader
The rise of the menopause makeover calls for a cultural shift towards accepting and celebrating natural aging. Women should be empowered to define beauty on their own terms, free from societal pressures. This involves challenging the pervasive ageism that underpins much of the beauty industry and recognizing the value and beauty of women at every stage of life.
It is essential to promote a more inclusive and realistic portrayal of women in media and advertising. By showcasing diverse body types and ages, we can begin to dismantle the harmful standards that dictate how women should look. Additionally, supporting movements and brands that advocate for natural beauty and self-acceptance can help shift the narrative.
As women, we must recognize the detrimental impact these expectations can have on future generations. By continually striving to meet unrealistic beauty standards, we risk passing on a legacy of insecurity and self-doubt to our daughters and granddaughters.
Young girls are particularly vulnerable to the messages society sends about beauty and worth, which can affect their self-image and aspirations from a young age.
It’s crucial that we break this cycle by promoting self-acceptance, authenticity, and resilience in the face of societal pressures. By embracing our natural beauty and rejecting the notion that our worth is tied to our appearance, we can empower future generations to prioritize inner strength, kindness, and intelligence over external beauty alone. This shift in perspective will not only benefit women individually but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.
