In the past year, the number of UK women over 50 having cosmetic surgery has surged. New figures from the Harley Medical Group have shown that large numbers of post-menopausal women looking for plastic surgery is on the increase.

The reasons for the surge in cosmetic surgery numbers is two-fold: During the menopause, the skin finds it harder to retain moisture thanks to a drop in oestrogen in the body. The amount of collagen and elastin produced by the skin – both elements which help the skin look plump and fresh – decreases with age. This leads to drier skin and a slightly saggier complexion and many post-menopausal women sometimes also find they suffer from thread veins, discoloured skin and acne. Combined with thinning hair and weight gain, some women are turning to cosmetic surgery in a bid to feel better and turn back the clock.

With many older women such as Jane Fonda and Raquel Welch admitting to having had plastic surgery in the past, and with older celebrities looking fantastic well past menopause, post-menopausal women are realising that they can still look fabulous at any age.

Most of the procedures are non-invasive – dermal fillers, Botox, skin peels and laser treatments are the most popular.

Botox can help with unwanted wrinkles. Dermal fillers help to plump the skin out making it look younger and fresher whilst also helping with unwanted wrinkles. Skin peels will help improve the look and feel of the skin. Laser treatments help to get rid of thread veins and remove unwanted hair.

(Photo Credit: Martine Lemmens)