There’s something about reaching a certain stage of life and realising that your body doesn’t necessarily respond, look or feel the way it once did.
Maybe your favourite jeans fit differently around the waist. You notice a little more fullness through your abdomen, or your shape seems to have shifted despite maintaining much the same routine you've followed for years.
For many women, these experiences coincide with perimenopause or menopause. And while the conversation around menopause has become much more open in recent years, the physical changes that accompany it can still take some getting used to.
It isn't always about weight gain, either.
As oestrogen levels change during the menopause transition, the way fat is distributed throughout the body can shift, with a greater tendency towards the abdominal area. Changes in muscle mass, ageing and lifestyle can also influence overall body composition. This means someone may notice a difference in their waistline or proportions without a significant change on the scales.
Of course, not every woman experiences these changes in the same way. Some notice very little difference, while others find themselves adjusting to a body shape that feels quite different from what they've known.
A conversation we're having at Verde
At Verde Laser Clinic, some of the women who come to us to explore body contouring are navigating this very stage of life. Often, the conversation is less about wanting a completely different body and more about particular changes they've noticed over time. It might be a waistline that has become less defined, greater fullness through the midsection, or simply a shift in proportions that has prompted them to consider their options.
What's interesting is how differently women approach these changes.
Some are comfortable embracing a new shape. Others are curious about treatments that might complement the efforts they're already making through nutrition, movement and their broader lifestyle. And for some, it's an opportunity to give a little more attention to themselves at a time when other priorities may have taken centre stage for years.
These are all different perspectives on what can be a significant period of transition, and they're conversations we welcome.
Finding what feels right for you
There's a wider discussion to be had about the expectations placed on women as they age, particularly when it comes to appearance. We believe there's room for two things to be true: you can appreciate and accept the changes that naturally come with life while also being interested in making a change for yourself.
One doesn't have to contradict the other.
For women who are curious about body contouring, Verde offers Erchonia Emerald Laser Therapy, a non-invasive treatment intended for body circumference reduction in individuals with a BMI of up to 40 kg/m².
At Verde, we take the time to understand what has brought someone to us, talk through the treatment options, and consider whether it aligns with their expectations. Emerald treatment is designed to complement a healthy, energy-controlled diet and regular physical activity, with outcomes varying between individuals.
Our clinic is located within Tonic Co. in Paddington, a setting that feels particularly fitting for this kind of conversation. Alongside Verde's focus on non-invasive body contouring, Tonic Co. brings a broader wellness perspective through naturopathy, nutrition and other complementary health and wellness services.
While the two businesses offer distinct services, there's a shared appreciation for the fact that health, lifestyle, confidence and the way someone feels in their body can all be important at different stages of life. Perimenopause and menopause can bring plenty of changes, some welcome, some challenging and others that simply take time to understand.
For us, creating a supportive space means recognising those experiences without making assumptions about what anyone should want to change. And whether that leads someone to explore body contouring or simply have a conversation about their options, we're always happy to welcome them.
Learn more about our Emerald Laser Therapy or get in touch to discuss your goals.