Aging on your terms. Confidence, choices, and med-aesthetic treatments.

Aging isn’t always easy. While some women embrace the natural changes that come with time, others experience a decline in self-confidence and seek interventions to help them feel their best.

This is particularly common among women between the ages of 35 and 55 - years marked by perimenopause and menopause, when aging signs often become more noticeable.

Medical aesthetic treatments have seen a significant rise in popularity in Malta over the past decade, thanks in part to increased transparency and shared experiences. While the core procedures remain largely the same, advancements in techniques have led to more natural-looking results, says Dr Joanna Delia, founder of med-aesthetic clinic People & Skin.

The most popular treatments

Botulinum toxin (Botox) and dermal fillers continue to be the most sought-after treatments, addressing concerns such as wrinkles and volume loss. The age range for these procedures varies from 25 to 85, but the majority of new clients tend to be between 40 and 50 years old, Dr Delia says,

One woman in her early 40s shared her experience: she receives Botox every few months, has undergone micro-needling for skin pigmentation, and is considering CO2 laser treatment. “I do it because I can,” she says. “I like using my skin’s ability to heal to look better.”

*Photo by Alexandra Pace for People & Skin*

Conversely, another woman in her mid-40s has never tried any medical aesthetic treatments. “I’m not against procedures - if it makes you happy, do it. But I see beauty in facial expressions, in wrinkles. They tell a story of experience and wisdom. It’s interesting how we embrace wrinkles in men but not in women.”

In fact, women make up about 80% of patients seeking these treatments, Dr Delia says.

Changing needs across age groups

But procedures are not limited to older women. Younger clients often follow trends, with lip augmentation being particularly popular. However, most treatments focus on addressing volume loss, particularly in the lower face.

Women in menopause, for example, may notice facial changes due to bone loss, especially in the peri-oral area. In these cases, treatments aim to restore natural proportions and enhance confidence, Dr Delia adds.

Still, not everyone who wants treatment moves forward with it. One woman in her mid-40s shared: “I try to accept the way I look. If I’m unhappy, I solve the problem by not looking in the mirror for too long.”

More than just aesthetics: the confidence factor

Self-confidence is the key takeaway. “The goal of these treatments isn’t to change who someone is but to enhance their natural beauty and help them feel more confident. A good practitioner tailors treatments to individual needs, ensuring a balanced, natural-looking outcome,” Dr Delia says.

Beyond aesthetics, medical conditions can significantly impact facial appearance. Patients who have experienced trauma - such as domestic violence, neurological conditions, scarring, or the effects of long-term illness - often seek treatments to restore balance and normality, she adds.

Safety and ethical considerations

Safety should always be the top priority. Choosing a qualified, licensed medical doctor is essential. In the EU, including Malta, only licensed doctors are permitted to perform injectable aesthetic treatments, as these are still medical procedures, Dr Delia stresses.

Patients should also ensure that the products used are CE-marked and ideally FDA-approved to guarantee safety and quality. With so many dermal fillers on the market, conducting thorough research is crucial.

“A growing concern is the rise of illegal treatments performed by unqualified individuals. A decade ago, patients were more cautious about choosing practitioners, but today, there is an alarming trend of people opting for unsafe procedures without knowing what is being injected into their faces.”

Additionally, she says, the amount of filler used plays a significant role in achieving natural results. As many professionals say, "If you can tell, it’s not done well."

“A growing concern is the rise of illegal treatments performed by unqualified individuals. A decade ago, patients were more cautious about choosing practitioners, but today, there is an alarming trend of people opting for unsafe procedures without knowing what is being injected into their faces. Some also go to non-medical injectors to increase features like lips or cheeks, unaware of the potential long-term harm caused by unregulated substances,” she says.

Risks and benefits

Dr Delia notes that, as with any medical procedure, there are risks involved. The most common side effects include temporary swelling and bruising, which typically subside within a week. More serious complications can arise if a procedure is performed incorrectly.

However, choosing a skilled professional minimizes these risks, and in rare cases where issues do occur, an experienced doctor can address them effectively.

*“The goal of these treatments isn’t to change who someone is but to enhance their natural beauty and help them feel more confident.”*

The biggest benefit? Restoring confidence. “Whether clients seek treatments for aesthetic reasons or to address changes due to medical conditions, the ability to leave a clinic feeling rejuvenated and self-assured is the most rewarding outcome,” she says.

In the words of one woman who might consider future interventions: “I don’t use any of this stuff yet but understand why people do.”

Share your views

Do you have something to say or share on the subject?

Is there a woman-related subject you feel needs to be ‘unclouded’, spoken about, or explained? Is there something you feel passionately about? If so, share your views… or share your story - to inspire and help other women.

Woman Unclouded believes that by sharing - stories, experiences and expertise - women can inspire one another - to take the leap, or to simply make sense of things.

All you have to do is drop us an email at hello@womanunclouded.com