Many people consider plastic surgery in order to get the perfect beach body. That’s one of the reasons why, counterintuitive as it may seem on the surface, winter is one of the best times you can get cosmetic surgery.
While plastic surgery can be performed year-round, at our Milwaukee, Wisconsin practice, we’ve found that many of our patients prefer to have their surgery done during the wintertime.
Cooler temperatures and holiday downtime make this season among the best times of the year for smooth recovery and the achievement of optimal results.
If you’re considering plastic surgery, here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider having it done before spring.
Ample Recovery Time
The winter months are often associated with a more relaxed schedule. This is largely due to the series of holidays that take place toward the end of the year: for example, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Given these holidays, many find that this time of the year allows them to plan time for surgery without taking additional days off work or missing important life or work obligations.
Plus, as winter tends to be a calmer social time than summer, choosing to have your procedure in the winter gives you the opportunity to prioritize rest and recovery, allowing you to more easily follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions without the pressures of a hectic schedule.
Cooler Temperatures Are Your Friend
The recovery process for cosmetic surgery can involve considerable swelling and discomfort. Thankfully, low temperatures can help with both.
While recovery is possible at any temperature, high temperatures and humidity can exacerbate swelling while making any compression garments you’re likely have to wear post-surgery deeply uncomfortable.
In contrast, the cold of winter can provide a more comfortable environment for recovery, while giving you the perfect excuse to stay inside and get the rest you need.
More Time to See Results Before Summer
Some people get cosmetic procedures done so they can look better in a swimsuit. However, many cosmetic surgeries, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, or tummy tucks, require several weeks to months for the final results to fully settle.
By scheduling a procedure in winter, you can allow your body plenty of time to heal while allowing it to settle into its new form. This means that, by the time hot temperatures roll around, you’ll be ready to show off your results and your new body with pride.
Less Sun Exposure During Recovery
Although the sun provides us with healthy vitamin D, it can also do considerable damage to your skin. Protecting your skin from the sun is an essential part of post-surgical care, particularly if you’ve recently undergone procedures like facelifts or rhinoplasty. Exposure to UV rays can darken scars, delay healing, and in some cases, compromise results.
The shorter days of winter, and the fact that you’ll likely be heavily covered most of the time that you’re exposed to the sun, mean that it can be easier to avoid prolonged exposure to UV light.
Boost Your Mood During the Winter Blues
As a practice based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we’re more than familiar with just how brutal some winter days can get. While we always keep high spirits, it’s fair to say that gray days, cold temperatures, and less sunlight can affect a number of peoples’ psyches.
By scheduling a procedure during the winter, you can feel good knowing that you’ll be making your debut in the new year with a new body in which you can be confident and proud. Whether your goal is to enhance your natural beauty, regain confidence after pregnancy or weight loss, or address a feature that’s always bothered you, having a procedure performed in winter will allow you to focus on yourself and make the changes that bring you joy.
How to Prepare for Your Winter Procedure
The recovery process for every cosmetic procedure is different, and before you have yours performed, a skilled surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous will talk you through everything that you should expect and have ready in the days, weeks, and months following your procedure.
That said, there are a few general tips we can offer about how best to prepare for your procedure in winter.
First, you should have a recovery space ready, full of blankets, entertainment, and all the post-surgical supplies recommended by your surgeon. Second, you should closely follow any instructions provided by your surgeon regarding post-operative care. Third, you should always stay hydrated and well-nourished — and finally, even though you may have less exposure to sun, you should still be mindful of it, covering your exposed skin and using UV protection when appropriate.
If you’re ready to take the next step, Dr. Mark Bosbous in Milwaukee is here to guide you through your cosmetic surgery journey with expert care and personalized attention. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and start your transformation.