8-West Cosmetic Surgery

Body Last Updated: May 24, 2010

Body Changes As We Age

Although each individual’s lifestyle and genetics contribute to the rate at which they experience the aging process, there is a pattern of aging that typically takes place. It used to be that people accepted these changes as a part of growing older, but today, with new emphasis on longevity and quality of life, many people are taking steps to remain healthy and in good shape as they age. Understanding the changes that happen to our faces and our bodies as we age can help medical experts develop and recommend lifestyle changes that can help you look and feel your best at any age. Here are some of the natural physiological processes that age our bodies, and some suggestions for managing them.

Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a term to describe a loss of skeletal muscle mass that is associated with aging. This process accounts for about 20% of the muscle lost in our bodies between the ages of 30 and 70. Sarcopenia is thought to accelerate the aging process, because of the effect it has on muscle and fat distribution. When sarcopenia is in effect, the body replaces muscle with fat, resulting in less muscle (and thus a slower metabolism) and less strength (which over time makes it more difficult to be active). Muscle mass begins to decline in our mid-twenties and accelerates quickly when we reach middle age.

How Sarcopenia Changes the Body

Muscle loss is linked to obesity, a compromised immune system, weaker bones and changes to glucose tolerance. Over time, it becomes more difficult to maintain your ideal weight, and pockets of stubborn fat may appear. Common areas for age related weight gain are on the abdomen, thighs, back and flanks. While weight accumulates in our bodies, we loose fat in our faces as we age, which contributes to sagging skin. Fat plays in interesting role in the face and the appearance of youthfulness.

Managing Sarcopenia

An integrated approach is often most effective when slowing down the rate of sarcopenia. Make muscle-strengthening and muscle-building exercises a part of your weekly routine. While everyone is different, by participating in weight-training exercises twice a week, you can add more muscle, and prevent the natural process of the body replacing muscle with fat. As a result, you will find it easier to maintain your ideal weight as you age. Your diet should change as you age too. It is important to get the right balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat, and much research is pointing to the benefits of steering clear of sugars that raise blood sugar levels. When combined with exercise and diet, liposuction is a safe and effective way to treat stubborn fat deposits associated with aging.

Menopause

Women experience changes in their bodies and skin as they enter peri-menopause and menopause. Some women will have trouble keeping their weight stable as a result of the hormonal changes that occur. Other women will maintain their weight as they see it on the scale, but notice that the distribution of fat changes in their body.

How Menopause Changes the Body

Increase in Stomach Fat

It is not uncommon for your legs to become smaller but your mid section to become bigger with menopause. This shift isn’t ideal for a number of reasons. First of all, excess fat in the stomach area is known to increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.  Secondly, this shift changes your body shape, making your waist thicker.  In effect, women often lose the hour glass figure that is associated with youth. The characteristic thickening of the waist in women as we age is often a result of the combined effect of more fat accumulating in the stomach area, and loose skin from pregnancy or dramatic weight changes. When combined with exercise and diet, tummy tuck surgery can reshape the abdominal area, getting rid of excess skin and fat and creating a shapelier waist.

Breasts

Many menopausal women experience sagging breasts. This is due to age and loss of estrogen, and the effect is compounded when there have been pregnancy and breast-feeding. Breast lift or breast reduction surgery are common plastic surgery procedures for returning breasts to a more youthful shape and size. Breast lift surgery is often combined with breast implants, and today’s new anatomic “Gummy Bear” implants are safe and create a natural looking and feeling augmentation.

Skin

The visible signs of aging often appear first in the skin. Decreased levels of estrogen as we experience menopause causes skin to thin and become dry. It is also common to notice increased sagginess in the jowl area and crepiness.  Medical grade skin care products using today’s latest technological advances are essential for long-lasting skin health and beauty. 8-West Cosmetic Surgery is pleased to offer a complete line of SkinCeuticals products, which include antioxidants for preventing aging, retinol for reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and a rich moisturizer with is very popular with menopausal women. Skin care, when combined with facial rejuvenation surgery and BOTOX® can significantly reduce the signs of aging a create a confidence boost.

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