One of the more common questions I hear from patients during plastic surgery consultations is, “when is the best time of year for me to undergo my procedure?” It may not seem like a major point of emphasis to some, but to those who have busy working schedules and daily lives, proper planning is an integral part of the overall plastic surgery experience. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong time to choose cosmetic surgery, it’s a matter of timing that works best for you. One of the most popular times that works relatively well for many of my patients is winter and today I’ll share some of these benefits.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery themselves have declared that the fall and winter months are among the most ideal season to undergo a cosmetic procedure. But why is this? In theory, while the way a procedure is performed (i.e. specific techniques used by the surgeon) will not change or the anticipated aesthetic goals the patient hopes to achieve, the winter does however offer unique advantages for a patient’s recovery and quality of life immediately following their procedure.
Recovery time is a major consideration for many people considering plastic surgery. This is especially true for those patients who have to worry about missing time at work. That’s part of what makes the holiday months the ideal time for plastic surgery. Between the major holiday breaks for Christmas, Hanukah and New Year’s, as well as holiday weekends like MLK day, there is ample opportunity for recovery time that won’t interfere with your work schedule or require too many extra days off.
The cooler winter conditions can also play a part in easing a patient’s recovery. Colder weather calls for looser, bulkier clothing that can help conceal swelling and bruising that can occur after certain cosmetic procedures. Winter hats and scarves can effectively cover up the effects of facial procedures like a facelift or rhinoplasty, while sweaters can offer greater movement and less constriction on the body following a breast augmentation or tummy-tuck. Lastly, I recommend patients to keep out of strong, direct sunlight after their procedures.
For those considering giving their loved ones the gift of plastic surgery with a Southern Plastic gift certificate, rest assured that recovery times are not as great as some may think. Certain breast and facial procedures can take only a week and turn out to be a terrific holiday gift for the person that may have just needed a bit of motivation to achieve their best self. If you are considering a cosmetic procedure or would like to purchase a gift certificate towards any of our services, feel free to contact Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery today for more information. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more news and updates.