A new survey from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) released on September 16, 2026, reveals women are increasingly referencing menopause and perimenopause when discussing facial aging and treatment options.
According to the AAFPRS 2025 annual member survey, 45% of facial plastic surgeons indicate that more female patients are referencing menopause or perimenopause as a reason for treatment, a significant increase from 28% in 2024.
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“Menopause can bring noticeable changes to the skin and face, and patients are increasingly making that connection when they come in for a consultation,” says double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Brissett, President of the AAFPRS and Division Chief, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Houston Methodist. “What we are seeing is a greater willingness to talk openly about those effects and to ask what is happening, what is normal, and what options may exist. Our goal is to empower women with knowledge and help them navigate this life stage with confidence.”
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect skin thickness, elasticity, hydration and collagen production, while changes in facial volume and texture may also become more noticeable. For some women, that can translate to increased skin laxity, dryness, changes in facial contours or an overall feeling that their face is changing more quickly than it once did. The degree and timing of these effects can vary considerably from person to person, underscoring the importance of recognizing that no two patients experience menopause in exactly the same way.
“For facial plastic surgeons, the important part of this conversation is understanding the patient’s concerns in the context of her overall health and where she is in the menopause transition,” says Dr. Brissett. “There is no single way that menopause affects the face, and there is no single approach to addressing those concerns. A thoughtful consultation should begin with listening and understanding the patient’s goals.”
The AAFPRS encourages women considering an aesthetic treatment to discuss their concerns with a qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. The AAFPRS and its members also emphasize that appearance is only one part of the menopause experience. Women experiencing symptoms or concerns related to menopause should speak with their appropriate healthcare providers about their overall health and individual needs.
For medspa owners and medical wellness professionals, the shift shows how menopause is increasingly becoming part of how patients describe their aesthetic concerns. That creates an opportunity to strengthen consultations with better questions around life stage, skin changes, treatment goals and overall wellness, while avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.
For practices building longer-term patient relationships, understanding the menopause transition can help teams better connect aesthetic recommendations with education, realistic expectations and appropriate referrals when concerns extend beyond aesthetics.
