Turning 50 changed how I see my face in the mirror. Sagging, broken capillaries, pigmentation, heavier eyelids and a softer jawline all showed up at once. So I spent months researching everything from Botox and PRP microneedling to lasers, IPL and deep plane facelifts. In this solo episode, I share what I'm doing now, what I'm skipping, what's next, and where I'd actually spend my money.
I turned 50, and suddenly my face started telling a different story. Things were sagging. Little broken capillaries showed up. Pigmentation got louder. My eyelids felt heavier, and my jawline wasn't what it used to be.
Can you relate? That moment in the mirror hits harder than anyone warns you about.
So I did what I always do. I researched. For months. I looked into deep plane facelifts, eyelid surgery, Botox, filler, PRP microneedling, lasers, IPL, topicals, and everything in between. And honestly? My opinion on cosmetic procedures has changed.
In this solo episode, I walk you through what I'm doing right now, what's on my list for later, what I'm cautious about, and where I think your money is actually well spent. No judgment either way. This is your face and your decision. I just want you making it with real information.
A deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the deeper layer of tissue under the skin, not just the skin itself. The goal is a more natural-looking result that tends to last longer than a skin-only lift. It's a bigger surgery with a longer recovery, so the surgeon's experience matters a lot. Look for a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who does this procedure often.
Microneedling creates tiny, controlled injuries in the skin that trigger your body's own repair and collagen production. With PRP, platelet-rich plasma from your own blood is applied during the treatment to support that healing response. It's usually done as a series of sessions spaced weeks apart. Research on the added benefit of PRP is promising but still limited, and results build gradually.
Botox relaxes the muscles that create expression lines, like forehead lines, frown lines and crow's feet. Results typically last about three to four months. It won't fix sagging, broken capillaries or pigmentation, so it's one tool, not a full solution. In the episode, I share exactly where I think Botox is worth the money and where it isn't.
Filler can restore lost volume, but when it's overdone it can look puffy or unnatural. It can also migrate over time, and while serious complications are rare, they do happen. The skill and judgment of your injector make a huge difference. I talk about my own hesitation with filler in this episode.
Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of skin. They can deliver bigger results but come with more downtime and a higher risk of side effects. Non-ablative lasers heat the skin underneath without removing the surface, so recovery is easier, but you usually need more sessions. Fractional lasers treat tiny columns of skin at a time, and they can be either ablative or non-ablative.
IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broad-spectrum light to target redness and brown spots. Many women use it for broken capillaries, sun damage and uneven tone. It usually takes a few sessions. IPL isn't a fit for everyone, and tanned or darker skin carries a higher risk of pigment changes, so get assessed by an experienced provider first.
More aggressive heat-based treatments, like strong ablative lasers, generally carry a higher risk of pigment changes than gentler options. Your skin tone, recent sun exposure and aftercare also play a role. That's a big reason I'm cautious about aggressive treatments. Always ask your provider about pigment risk for your specific skin before booking.
Estrogen plays a role in skin thickness, hydration and collagen, which is one reason skin can change so quickly around menopause. Some women use topical estrogen on their face as part of their routine. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether it's appropriate for you, especially if you're already on hormone therapy.
This episode is for educational purposes only and isn't medical advice. Talk with a qualified provider before starting any cosmetic or hormone treatment.
About Karen Martel
Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformational Nutrition Coach who founded Karen Martel Midlife Solutions to address the gap in personalized women's hormonal healthcare. She specializes in bioidentical HRT, comprehensive hormone testing, and clinical coaching for women in perimenopause and menopause.
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