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When is the Best Time to Get Plastic Surgery

The best time of year to get plastic surgery ultimately depends on you and your personal goals.

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However, it is simply better to undergo certain procedures at specific times of the year for a myriad of reasons such as:

  • Allow an Appropriate Period for a Safe Recovery
  • Conceal Swelling and Scars After Surgery
  • Provide the Best Alibi to Give People you Prefer Not to Tell

Planning ahead for plastic surgery also allows you to make certain incidental changes, like hair color or makeup, to shake things up in your appearance just enough to throw nosey friends off the scent. If you plan to diet first, it’s advantageous to get plastic surgery after your weight loss (or when your weight plateaus and stabilizes) to maximize the results of your cosmetic surgery.

If you’re considering multiple cosmetic surgery procedures, it’s beneficial to plan what type of plastic surgery you should get first.

While December is a very popular and busy time to get plastic surgery, since most people have more time off during the holidays, there are plenty of other viable options throughout the year.

Seasonal Plastic Surgery Recommendations

We are constantly asked the following questions regarding when to get plastic surgery:

  • “When is the best time of year to do this surgery?”
  • “Is winter a better time for a facelift than summer— when it is hot and the sun is strongest?”
  • “When is the best time to schedule breast augmentation or liposuction to allow swelling to go down so I can show off my new body in a bathing suit?”

To answer these questions and many more, Dr. Scott Rotatori has outlined the following general guidelines for when to schedule the most common types of plastic surgery based on the time of year.

Winter: Mid-December through March

Generally, winter is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of cosmetic surgery, from facelifts to liposuction. That’s because cooler weather allows bulkier clothing to conceal swelling and bruising. Turtlenecks, scarves and hats also hide the effects of a facelift, eyelid tuck, laser resurfacing, brow-lift or rhinoplasty (nasal surgery).

Bulky sweaters and trousers camouflage the obvious change in your body’s build from any type of cosmetic surgery – ranging from breast augmentations and reductions to liposuctions or tummy tucks.

In addition, winter is the ideal season to get plastic surgery since rest and recovery are important and it is best to stay out of direct strong sunlight after most common types of plastic surgery operations. Winter is certainly an easier time to achieve this goal, even in warmer climates such as here in Central Florida.

Winter months also tend to be a slower time for many businesses, combined with long holiday weekends and more vacation time. Getting plastic surgery is also a popular New Year’s resolution, making January through March twice as popular for getting plastic surgery.

Top Advantages of Getting Plastic Surgery in the Winter

  • Winter Clothing Conceals Changes and the Healing Process
  • Major Holidays Equate to Longer Time Off Work
  • Long Holiday Weekends (Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day)
  • Recovery Requires Avoiding Strong Direct Sunlight

Best Types of Plastic Surgeries to Get in the Winter

Spring: April through June

Spring is another busy and advantageous season to get plastic surgery. For one, it’s time to start planning for warm weather. Between the beach, bathing suits, summer parties, weddings and vacations— most people simply have a mindset to get cosmetic surgery done in spring so they can be bikini and shorts ready.

If you’re against getting plastic surgery in the winter because you want to enjoy the holidays or play winter sports, many of the same advantages of getting plastic surgery in the winter apply to spring as well. Not to mention, getting plastic surgery in the spring gives you a chance to diet and exercise to lose any extra holiday weight.

Top Advantages of Getting Plastic Surgery in Spring

  • Kids are Still in School
  • Spring Holidays and Long Weekends to Recuperate
  • Bikini and Shorts Ready Just in Time for Summer

Best Types of Plastic Surgeries to Get in the Spring

Summer: July through August

While the least popular time of year to get plastic surgery, summer is a good option if you don’t mind staying indoors and out of direct sunlight. With summer a common time for extended vacations, you’ll have plenty of time to heal and recuperate. Hiding indoors to heal isn’t so bad in the comfort of your air conditioning.

Post plastic surgery poolside healing is not recommended, however. It’s not even a good idea to recuperate in the shade during the summer months because the heat and sun can exacerbate prolonged swelling and cause post-op bleeding. If you do decide to have surgery during the summer, plan on staying indoors for 3 to 4 weeks.

However, summer is not a good time for laser resurfacing. This is because treated areas must not have any exposure to the sun for at least 6 weeks! Also, immature or new scars should not be exposed to direct sunlight. An immature scar that is allowed to tan, will stay tan and be more noticeable.

Top Advantages of Getting Plastic Surgery in Summer

  • Summer Vacations Provides Time to Heal
  • Your Body will Heal in Time for Cool-Weather Activities

Best Types of Plastic Surgeries to Get in the Summer

Fall: September through Early December

Fall is also an advantageous season to get plastic surgery. For one, many individuals are starting to plan for holiday parties and cool weather outdoor fun. If you’re against getting plastic surgery in the summer because you want to enjoy warm weather, many of the same advantages of getting plastic surgery in the spring apply to fall as well.

In addition, if you had an active summer, you may be at an ideal weight to maximize success from a body contouring surgical procedure. Plastic surgery in the fall months also allows you to fully recover in time for holiday festivities.

Top Advantages of Getting Plastic Surgery in Fall

  • Sweater Weather Helps Conceal Healing
  • Heal Just in Time for the Holidays
  • Long Weekends Help You Get Plenty of Time to Recuperate

Best Types of Plastic Surgeries to Get in the Fall

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Rotatori

Planning a surgical procedure, but aren’t sure which month is the best time of year for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rotatori, today.

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