The holiday season is many things. It's a time of giving, being thankful, spending time with loved ones and reflecting on the previous year. It's also a time of school vacations, time off work, family gatherings and office holiday parties. New Year's resolutions are often made to eat healthier, exercise and be your best self.
It's no surprise then that plastic surgery procedures are at their highest during this time. Whether it's to look and feel your best for those holiday social events or recover in time for summer, this is usually a plastic surgeon's busiest time of the year.
Some of the most popular procedures during this time are nonsurgical, including fillers and neuromodulators. These are good options to get yourself ready for those holiday parties and the many photographs that follow. Fillers can restore lost volume in the cheeks or under the eyes, can plump lips and fill in smile lines or other deep facial lines. These procedures can be done as close to a few days from your holiday events. Results are immediate with some minor swelling and bruising that resolves within several days.
Neuromodulators, such as Botox or Dysport, are also good options to weaken muscles of expression that cause wrinkles on your skin. They can soften horizontal forehead lines, crow's feet or frown lines. Skin looks smoother and younger as a result. Neuromodulators generally take 1-2 weeks to take effect and should be planned accordingly. These procedures, due to the minimal downtime, swelling and bruising, tend to be popular in the weeks leading up to the holidays.
Lasers, IPL treatments and chemical peels are also popular during this time. Summer tans have faded, making IPL treatments or photo facials safer. Pigment concerns can be addressed and resurfacing can be performed to leave you with fresh, smooth, bright skin for the holidays. Timing will depend on the treatment and the number of sessions needed to obtain results, generally, downtime will be on the order of 1-2 weeks. Deeper resurfacing should be planned in advance, however.
The holidays are also the perfect time for surgical procedures. Patients can take advantage of their time off and downtime at work for these procedures. Whether it be facial, breast or body surgery, these procedures require recovery times that can range from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Swelling can be persistent for months thereafter, making the winter a perfect time to stay indoors and hide under layers of clothing. Compression garments are sometimes required, as well, which can easily be hidden under these cozy winter clothes. Generally, by the time spring and summer roll around, most patients are recovered and ready to enjoy their new beach bodies.
Our lives are busy and sometimes taking time for ourselves seems near impossible. The holidays, however, tend to be a time when we all slow down and can enjoy time with our loved ones. Whether it's to look your best for the holidays themselves or finally to do that one thing you've wanted to do for you, the holidays tend to be the ideal time.