Is winter the best season for plastic surgery recovery?
The weather outside may be frightful, but that doesn't mean that you have to snuggle up with a blanket until temperatures thaw. In fact, wintertime may be the best time to think about getting the plastic surgery procedure you've always wanted.
If plastic surgery is on your holiday wish list, think about scheduling an appointment with an ASPS Member Surgeon during the winter months. It may be the best – and coziest – season for plastic surgery recovery.
The ideal season for plastic surgery
When it comes to plastic surgery, when is the right time to consider going under the knife? That may be a loaded question because the timing of a plastic surgery procedure depends on your unique circumstances and aesthetic desires. However, there is a case to be made that if you are considering plastic surgery, you may want to schedule your procedure during the cooler winter months. But why?
"While plastic surgery can be performed safely year-round, the winter is often considered an ideal time for many patients to have their procedures done," said Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS. "A large reason is the reduced workload many patients have around this time, but it is also often more comfortable to wear recovery garments during the colder months."
Winter Helps You Get Cozy in Layers
One of the primary reasons winter may be a more comfortable time for plastic surgery is the colder temperatures.
"Typically, the cooler months can help with the recovery process for a number of reasons," said Anureet Bajaj, MD. "We tend to wear more layers, so the compression garments are easily hidden. Also, since it's cold, the extra layer of the compression garment provides additional warmth."
Use of compression garments is a staple of surgical plastic surgery recovery. These garments help control swelling and fluid buildup by applying consistent pressure on a surgical site. They also help improve circulation and minimize scarring.
"Cooler temperatures help avoid the heat, sweat and humidity of summer, which can irritate surgical sites, increase discomfort and prolong swelling," said Dr. Hadeed. "In addition, layered winter clothing naturally hides compression garments, bandages, bruising or swelling, allowing for a more discreet recovery. An added benefit is that surgery in winter gives scars and swelling months to fade before higher sun exposure in warmer seasons, leading to better long-term aesthetic outcomes."
Dr. Bajaj also noted that dressing in layers can help conceal the natural swelling that occurs after surgery.
"For example, since we wear more turtlenecks, it's easier to hide neck procedures, or the bulky sweaters can make breast surgery less obvious," said Dr. Bajaj.
Not only does winter weather make recovery more comfortable, dressing in layers for the season can also help hide your recovery when you feel like getting out and about. You get to discuss your surgery and recovery on your terms, when and where you want, instead of having to explain bandages or compression garments.
There is also an added recovery advantage with colder temperatures.
"Cooler temperatures can provide a natural benefit in managing postsurgical swelling and discomfort, similar to how ice packs can be beneficial immediately after surgery," said Dr. Hadeed. "This makes wearing compression garments more tolerable, as compared to the summer months when the heat and sweat can make wearing the compression garments uncomfortable."
'Tis the season for time off
Winter may also be an ideal time for plastic surgery because the holidays, special events and the end of the year make it a natural season to take time off from work.
"Many people may choose to have surgery during the holidays in particular because it is easier to take time off for some jobs," said Dr. Bajaj. "For example, a lot of people already are off for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so it's easier to add a few days for the surgical recovery."
It is also an excellent time to use any vacation time that won't roll over into the following year. Some people struggle to manage their vacation time at the end of the year, needing to take extra days off or risk losing time entirely.
The benefit of shorter, darker days
Shorter, darker days in the cold winter months can get you feeling down, but they may be ideal for certain types of plastic surgery recovery.
"The winter is also a great time to have facial procedures, laser treatments and chemical peels," said Dr. Bajaj. "The shorter days and colder months make it much easier to avoid sun exposure during the recovery process."
During the recovery process, the sun is your enemy. UV exposure can cause discoloration in scar tissue, potentially making surgical scars thicker, redder or darker. Sunscreen is a must no matter what, but surgery in colder, shorter, darker months may help scars heal more evenly.
"Reduced sun exposure is one of the strongest advantages of winter surgery," said Dr. Hadeed. "The UV rays can darken healing scars, which can make them more visible. This is especially beneficial for facial procedures or those involving visible incisions."
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, inclement weather and the dark dullness of winter, now may be the perfect time to do something you've always wanted for yourself. It also gives you an excuse to stay home and snuggle up in your favorite pajamas with a warm beverage, a good book or your favorite binge-worthy show. Come next summer, you can emerge from your winter cocoon a whole new and beautiful you.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
