Thinking about undergoing a procedure with The Harley Medical Group but unsure when is best for you? Our experts have put together this seasonal guide to cosmetic surgery so you can plan a convenient time for your treatment and recovery.
Thinking ahead not only means you can fit the surgery around the rest of your life, but you can consider the best time of year for your treatment, as environmental factors can have a big impact on your recuperation.
Spring is often the time of year when people are thinking about surgical enhancements, with summer on the horizon and thoughts of holidays, weddings and summer clothes fast approaching.
The long weekend round Easter can mean less days annual leave need to be used up while you recover - though if you’re planning a busy family get-together over the holiday we wouldn’t recommend an Easter surgery. Remember after a procedure like a Breast Augmentation you’ll need to reduce your physical activity for several weeks.
Generally, the weather is still cool enough in spring so that any swelling or bruising will be covered beneath your clothes. Some people also opt for a spring time surgery as part of their New Year’s resolutions. Having had several months of healthy eating and exercising, a Cosmetic Surgery can put the finishing touches to your new body!
This is most likely the time of year when you think the most about your appearance, with summer wardrobes showing off more skin and holiday plans to look forward to. But the warm, sunny weather can be less than ideal for recovery from surgery.
Firstly, because we tend to do more during the summer, taking time-out to rest and recuperate can be difficult. There are so many temptations and things you’d like to be out and about doing that being stuck inside resting can feel frustrating.
Another problem is that heat can exasperate post-op swelling and bruising, slowing your recovery. New scars also need to be kept out of the sun as UV rays can turn them a permanent red/brown colour that won’t fade, the way most scars do, over time.
Certain surgeries – like a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction – will also require you to wear a compression garment while you recover; this can become hot and uncomfortable in warm weather and certainly won’t look great at the beach!
If you’re planning a Non Surgical Treatment, such as a Microdermabrasion or Skin Peel, you also need to take extra care during the sunny summer months. Both treatments remove the top layers of dead skin cells, revealing delicate new skin beneath that needs extra protection from UV rays. This isn’t to say you can’t have these treatments during the summer – you’ll see the best results from a Microdermabrasion or Skin Peel if you keep (them) up regularly - you’ll just need to wear plenty of high-factor SPF and ideally stay out of direct sunlight.
This tends to be the best time of year for Cosmetic Surgery. An autumn or winter procedure means you’ll have plenty of time to recover and get used to your new look before flaunting the results come summer. Our experts who created this seasonal guide to cosmetic surgery agree that this is the most popular time.
The cooler temperatures are also more conducive with a steady healing process, so you’ll be back to your usual activities in no time.
What’s more, winter clothing is brilliant post-op. Thick jumpers, jackets and cardigans will easily conceal any bruising or swelling immediately after your procedure, plus they’ll make it easier for you to cover obvious changes to your body shape, so there’s no need to tell anyone you’d rather not know about your Cosmetic Surgery!
Our patient Sophie had her surgery in Winter and said it was the perfect time to help her recover.
Your Cosmetic Surgeon will be able to answer any more questions that you haven't found in our seasonal guide to cosmetic surgery, and they can advise you further about the best time of year for Cosmetic Surgery at your free consultation. Book today for a no obligation initial appointment.
