Seasonal Timing for Cosmetic Surgery: Autumn and Winter Advantages

Are you planning a cosmetic procedure with a long recovery time? Are you trying to decide what time of the year is best to get a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or a facelift? Scheduling plastic surgery procedure around holidays, events, and birthdays can get tricky. If you’re unsure when the best time to finally take the plunge is, you’ll want to consider looking into the fall or winter months.

The colder months are considered the best time to get plastic surgery. The summer activities slow down, the kids are back in school, and you no longer need to worry about jam packed schedules with social activities or events. You can also wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid direct sunlight.

In this article, we’ll explain why the fall and winter months give the perfect backdrop for recovery. Here’s everything you need to know about the advantages of scheduling autumn or winter plastic surgery.

Deep Dive into Body Surgeries and The Recovery Period

The best time of year for plastic surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure you’re getting done. Each procedure has different prep time and recovery considerations you’ll want to consider before scheduling your cosmetic procedure. During your consultation, a plastic surgeon will discuss the recovery timeline for your desired procedure to ensure it will work around your busy schedule.

Understanding The Recovery Process for Specific Procedures

Here’s how three popular procedures vary:

• Liposuction: Liposuction is considered a minimally invasive procedure. The recovery time is typically around two to three weeks, but most patients can return to regular activities in just a few days. This means scheduling this plastic surgery can be strategically planned so body exposure is minimal. During the winter, patients can hide the swelling with oversized sweatshirts to allow the contouring and swelling to subside.
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Patients must avoid sitting directly on their buttocks and exposure to the cold during the recovery process, so attending social activities and holidays can be challenging. This is why patients getting a BBL should prioritize proper healing during the spring, when it’s not too cold, so they can heal before the summer months.
• Tummy Tuck: The recovery period for a tummy tuck is around six to eight weeks. During this time, patients must wear compression garments. These garments can easily be covered up with winter clothing during the winter months.

Plastic Surgery Recovery Considerations

The recovery process can look different for every procedure. However, some typical post-operative care instructions that tend to stay consistent include:

• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid driving or operations a vehicle
• Avoid swimming and exposure to direct sunlight without sunscreen
• Avoid smoking and drinking

 

All these post-procedure instructions are much easier to follow during winter or fall than in summer or spring. Not only will there be fewer special events, but winter fashion can also conceal and support the body’s healing process. Patients can easily layer loose clothing and still wear protective garments under their clothes.

Facial Surgeries: Enhanced by Less Sunlight

Scheduling a facial surgery brings new challenges, especially if you live in a place that’s sunny year-round. To maintain the procedure results, patients must reduce their sun exposure and always wear sunscreen anytime they are outside. You’ll also need to be mindful of what you wear and how much time you spend outside. This is why many facial plastic surgeons recommend scheduling an autumn or winter procedure.

Two popular facial surgeries that are better to undergo in the winter than in the fall include:

• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): The healing process is one to three weeks for eyelid surgery. During this time, patients must reduce sunlight exposure and avoid excessive heat. Scheduling this plastic surgery during the winter can ensure you have a rejuvenated appearance by spring.
• Facelift: A facelift can take around four to six weeks to fully recover. Scheduling this plastic surgery during the winter months can help you decrease UV exposure and avoid unwanted complications during the healing process.

Protecting Your Skin for Optimal Results

Finding the best time of year for plastic surgery is only one part of the process. You’ll also need to adjust your lifestyle and everyday routine to minimize scarring and reduce your risk of hyperpigmentation. To do this, most plastic surgeons will recommend:

• Avoid sunlight or minimize exposure
• Stay hydrated and prioritize a well-rounded diet
• Use a gentle and effective daily moisturizer
• Wear SPF 30 or higher
• Wear protective gear when outdoors (even during fall and winter)

It’s no secret that avoiding the sun is much easier to do during the winter months. However, you’ll still need to be mindful of your sun exposure since the sun can be strong. No matter what time of the year it is – always wear protective gear and sunscreen.

Planning Your Surgery: A Seasonal Guide

Autumn and winter are considered the best times for plastic surgery. Not only is the weather more accommodating for recovering while staying indoors, but there are also fewer social events and activities you’ll need to work around in warmer months, like summer parties, bathing suits, and vacation time.

If you want to plan for cooler temperatures, here’s what you’ll need to do once you’re ready to start scheduling your winter plastic surgery.

• Schedule a Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon in early autumn. This gives you enough time to discuss treatment options, budget, and schedule.
• Ask About Recovery Time: The plastic surgeon will provide you with an accurate timeline for recovery. You’ll want to use this timeline to find the best time to plan for your surgery that works with your schedule.
• Ask About the Surgeon’s Schedule: Most surgeons have more schedule flexibility during the winter months, so you’ll likely have more favourable dates to pick from.
• Consider Your Schedule: You’ll want to write down any social obligations, strenuous activities, holidays, and vacations planned during the winter. Depending on the surgery, you’ll want to avoid surgery dates two to six weeks before these dates.
• Holiday Considerations: Many patients wait until after December to schedule their plastic surgery. This is right after the holidays, making it a great time to unwind and relax for a few weeks while recovering.
• Consider Your Family’s Support: Depending on the plastic surgery you’re planning for, you might need some support from your family. Consider checking with them to discuss their timing and availability.

Plan for Winter Plastic Surgery Today

For most patients, winter is considered the best time of the year to schedule a plastic surgery. While you recover, you can wear loose-fitting clothes, avoid direct sunlight, and avoid social obligations.

Before you schedule your winter plastic surgery, it’s best to book a personal consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss treatment options for your desired cosmetic procedure.

The team at Toronto Plastic Surgery is here to help you take advantage of the cooler weather months. From the consultation to the treatment, our board-certified surgeons will help you through the recovery period. Schedule a consultation today to start planning for your upcoming winter plastic surgery.

Schedule a consultation today!