This comprehensive guide offers expert advice on utilizing cosmetic care to enhance your natural beauty as you age from Amy Rieck, plastic surgery Practice Administrator at Capek Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, and Jill Behm, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cosmetic, at Synchrony.
Looking and feeling your best is widely considered a universal priority, no matter your age. In fact, wellness practices have been growing in popularity with an emphasis on healthy aging. According to a 2024 Future of Wellness survey by McKinsey, there’s high demand for products and services aimed at promoting longevity among the older population. The survey also found that 70% of consumers in the United States have purchased more in this category in the past year than in prior years. “At our practice, patients over 50 years old make up approximately 55% of the patient population. They are interested in learning more about cosmetic treatments and procedures that can help them look and feel better,” said Rieck. “The foundation for graceful aging is maintaining proper diet and exercise, which can aid chronic disease management and prevention, while cosmetic treatments and procedures can improve results when trying to maintain a more youthful appearance.”
Cosmetic treatments and procedures can enhance your natural beauty, target any specific concerns you may have and revitalize your appearance and well-being at any age. Approaching beauty as wellness, as they do at Capek Plastic Surgery, is empowering but it can also be intimidating, so it is vital to understand what aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery entail, from aesthetic considerations to ensuring treatments fit into your budget.
Finding the Right Cosmetic Solution for You
Throughout her time as a practice administrator, Rieck has noticed that “there is oftentimes stigma surrounding prioritizing beauty and wellness services or fixing something that others might say does not need to be fixed.” There is nothing wrong with investing in cosmetic treatments, and it’s important to view them as both a medical treatment and optimizing your natural beauty.
As we age, our appearance visibly changes over time due to factors such as sun exposure and decreased collagen and elastin production, which ultimately lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Cosmetic treatments such as injectable neurotoxins and fillers offer a potential solution to address these changes.
From neurotoxins and fillers to laser treatments and microneedling, there’s a plethora of options that address skin concerns. If you are looking to tighten sagging skin or restore lost volume, skilled plastic surgeons or dermatologists can create a personalized treatment plan that’s right for you.
Injectable fillers and neurotoxins such as Botox can be an effective way to restore volume loss and smooth the skin to create a more youthful complexion. Those looking to address loose skin and are further along in their aging journey may opt for a full or partial facelift to achieve their desired look. While a facelift requires more care and recovery, it can be a great option for people looking to reverse more advance aging changes such as sagging skin the lower face and jawline.
Comprehensive Maintenance & Skincare
It’s important to understand that treatment options such as Botox, injectable fillers or a facelift are not “one and done” procedures and require comprehensive maintenance both before and after treatment. Injectable treatments and facelifts do not change skin texture or quality, so having a skincare program is vital to age gracefully. Some mindful skincare habits include applying sunscreen regularly and incorporating cleansers, moisturizers, and medical-grade products that contain high-quality ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to boost collagen production and hydration.
Some providers offer collagen and elastin stimulation treatments such as microneedling, which is a minimally invasive procedure where a plastic surgeon or dermatologist uses thin needles to make tiny punctures in the top layer of your skin. This procedure can be used at any age to maintain skin quality as well as enhance the results of other cosmetic procedures and/or surgery such as a facelift.
When considering cosmetic care options, cost can be a strong contributing factor to the final decision. Have a conversation with your provider to help you better understand the financial expectations, and how to prioritize a treatment plan based on your individual budget.
Navigating the Financial Landscape
Cosmetic treatments are considered “elective care” and are not covered by insurance, meaning you’ll be responsible for covering the costs out of pocket. There are other financial factors to consider, such as saving for retirement, or changes in income after retirement, when exploring potential cosmetic care options.
When it comes to having the initial conversation with a healthcare professional about the best treatment plan to fit your needs, it’s worth also discussing what financial options are available to help support the treatment you are interested in. Many plastic surgery practices are able to suggest financing options, such as payment plans or third-party financing programs, which offer promotional financing and help make cosmetic care more accessible; just make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions so that you find a solution that fits within your budget. Additionally, third-party financing programs often offer promotional financing options, with low or no interest for an initial period, which can significantly reduce the immediate financial burden. Some providers also have loyalty programs or discounts for package deals if you are planning multiple treatments, such as injectable fillers or Botox.
“Cosmetic care is an investment and finding a care team that will work with you to help identify the best financing option for you is crucial,” according to Behm. Whether finding a low or no interest period option without penalty or paying lower monthly payments for a longer period, there are various options to help you afford your treatments. Take the time to read the fine print, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about upfront costs, interest rates, repayment schedules, and potential penalties for early repayment. Finding a solution that fits within your budget allows you to proceed with confidence and security.
A Holistic Approach to Graceful Aging
In conclusion, embracing cosmetic care as part of your wellness routine can significantly enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence at any age. The key to aging gracefully is taking a holistic approach by not only maintaining a healthy diet and exercise but also in exploring the wide range of cosmetic treatments available. From non-invasive options to more comprehensive procedures, there are tailored solutions to address your specific concerns and help you achieve your desired appearance. Behm noted that “open discussions with your provider about your goals and financial considerations can equip you with the information and support to help make an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget. By prioritizing both inner health and outward appearance, you can navigate the aging process with confidence, embracing the journey with a rejuvenated sense of self!”
Jill Behm
Jill Behm currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager - Cosmetic at CareCredit, a Synchrony Solution, which she started in 2023. Jill's journey with Synchrony began over 20 years ago. In 2016, two years after GE Capital transitioned to Synchrony Financial, Jill served as the Vice President of Sales and Client Development for the Cosmetic, Dermatology and Spa division. Prior to this she managed furniture and sporting goods portfolios.
Amy Rieck
Amy Rieck is currently the Practice Administrator for Lucie Capek, MD Plastic Surgery & MedSpa.
She studied Healthcare Administration during her undergraduate education at Ithaca College and earned her MBA from the University of Florida. Amy has held various roles in healthcare leadership and operations since 2008.
