Style Check (Grandma Makeover)

When Granny Gets Gorgeous!

When silver years are called second innings, then why shouldn’t one give it a sincere try? The retired life must not be spent in loneliness and monotony but in doing something extra constructive and creative, even if it means to pushing the limits. Looking young and energetic is one such attempt. Senior women in their 60s and beyond are undergoing makeover sessions to revive the springtime in their extended winters. Ace plastic surgeon Dr. Rajat Gupta and consultant psychologist Sameera Sachdeva are in discussion with PRAMITA BOSE to share their insightful thoughts on this new-age granny makeover trend.

Photo Credit: All pictures taken from Pexels.com

Litmus Test for Healthy Skin

When quizzed if a healthy, elastic skin, strong immunity levels and the overall health impact the outcomes of procedures like facelifts, breast augmentations or tummy tucks in 60 plus women, to that, Dr. Rajat Gupta replies that “of course a supple, soft and alabaster skin; a sturdy resistance and a sound health status do ensure that the patient has a faster recovery potential with better and effective results.”

Narrow Outlook

Can this create a psychological barrier for women, who start feeling insecure after hitting menopause and midlife crisis, thinking that they are no longer beautiful and nubile?

“These stages in life bring physical and emotional upheavals that can challenge and upset many women’s sense of self-worth. Swings in body image, hormonal imbalances and societal biases against aging may provoke feelings of being less attractive or undesirable. However, it’s essential to understand and recognise the fact that beauty and value are not determined by outward appearances alone,” affirms Sameera Sachdeva.

She advises all women in this vulnerable stage to “find empowerment by focusing on their achievements, relationships and intrinsic strengths. They should channelise their resources in the right direction and be adequately productive to monetise their talent.”

The fairer sex in general faces psychological pressure to always look immaculate all through life. “Any cosmetic process should be carried out for the patient's own good. If one is doing it to impress her husband, kids, friends or anyone else, she should refrain from it. The motivating factor behind opting for such maneuvers is to look and feel better in her own skin. If that's the aim, then it’s okay to go for the surgery without having prejudices against aging,” volunteers Dr. Gupta, who’s also the founder of RG Aesthetics Clinic.

Tradition Versus Modernity

The old-school philosophy espouses that it is crucial to accept aging naturally instead of putting oneself through artificial skin-deep upliftments, which could be punishing at times.

“It’s quite cool to adopt surgical or non-surgical procedures to give oneself a revamped look with added vigour. Dubbing these artificial enhancements may not be the correct term as that could undermine the gravity and validity of the systematic processes, denting their scientific prospects to be very honest,” argues Dr. Gupta.

Marketing Tactic

It is often being talked about if ‘grandma makeover’ is the latest trend in skin treatment. What suggestion would the medical fraternity give to aged women who are considering cosmetic surgeries?

“Calling this grandmother makeover could be a clever strategic ploy. What we basically endorse is keeping the ends as organic as possible. I would rather instruct not to go overboard doing multiple procedures at one go. Rather keep them staggered to a handful of surgeries, like subtle enhancement of your face or body,” reminds Dr. Gupta.

Package of Happiness

“If you think a cosmetic surgery can buy you happiness for good, then why not? There’s nothing wrong in finding remedies for the shortcomings and resolving the niggling problems. After all, loving and taking care of yourself is so imperative these days, especially in the post-pandemic era,” reasons the doctor.

The medical community at large perceives that the way one wears nice clothes and jewellery to feel good about oneself and elevate the existent mood, similarly, if he/she feels fine about the body that the Almighty has given and wishes to improve on that, then that decision should be applauded and given a shoutout.

“It's not solely about exhibiting one’s vanity in upgrading one’s looks but exercising some sanity as well,” concludes Dr. Gupta laying an emphasis.

To Reignite Love

Many women also fall prey to irrational expectations, putting undue pressure on their old husbands to look fresh, young, energetic and fit enough to hit the gym and stay in shape. This they do under the impression that it will rekindle their conjugal chemistry, which otherwise strengthens with time and deepens with trust and has nothing to do with physicality.

“Subjecting your partner to grueling and taxing means to remain youthful or physically fit to maintain intimacy is unwarranted,” warns Sachdeva, who’s also the clinical supervisor at WellM, an emotional and physical well-being company that helps manage stress and anxiety.

“True marital bliss is based on emotional closeness, trust and mutual respect, which grow deeper over time. Physicality shows the ravages of time via wear and tear as people age and therefore expecting their partners to meet implausible standards can strain the relationship. A healthy connection concentrates on emotional bonding rather than the fragile façade on top, thereby permitting love to flourish on a solid foundation without any superficial needs,” she explains in detail. 

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