The holiday countdown: Why now is the time to book minimally invasive treatments

Take a look around, and you'll already notice holiday wreaths and tree ornaments filling up store shelves. It's called the holiday creep, and every year it feels like people are being pushed to start thinking about the holiday season earlier. While it may feel overwhelming or even annoying to find Santa Claus staring at you as you prepare for Thanksgiving, it's also a valuable reminder that now is the time to start planning your holiday glow-up.

Major holidays like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year's Eve are already right around the proverbial corner, and everyone wants to look and feel their best when friends and family roll into town to celebrate. It also doesn't hurt to look fresh and fabulous for the office holiday party! However, if you want to invest in yourself this holiday season, now is the time to start thinking about scheduling minimally invasive procedures because waiting until the holidays roll around means it's already too late.

Waiting to schedule your holiday appointment can have consequences

From back-to-school to end-of-the-year work commitments and the changing seasons, it feels like everyone is busier in the fall months, which can make it hard to plan ahead. Unfortunately, if you don't take time to plan your minimally invasive procedures now, you may find yourself left out in the cold when the holidays roll around.

"The holiday rush is something we see every year, and one of the most important messages for patients is that the best aesthetic results are rarely the result of last-minute decision-making," said Lara Devgan, MD. "Good work needs time, not only for appointments and thoughtful treatment planning, but also for the biology of swelling, bruising, collagen remodeling and tissue integration."

The holidays can be one of the busiest times of year for plastic surgery, so it's vital to schedule your appointment early. You aren't the only one who wants a little holiday pick-me-up before party season. Popular procedure dates fill quickly and planning ahead gives you more flexibility to choose an appointment date that fits your schedule, travel plans, work commitments and recovery time.

"November and December are extremely busy months in aesthetic practices," said Dr. Devgan.

Scheduling now also gives you time to prepare comfortably for your procedure and recovery without feeling rushed, so you can heal and put your best face forward. Booking early can help ensure you have the time and support you need for a smooth recovery so you can be ready for the holiday season.

"Many minimally invasive procedures take time for results to settle or develop," said Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS. "Botox takes up to two weeks to fully kick in, and dermal fillers have days to weeks of swelling that you will want to resolve before posing for photos at holiday parties!"

When it comes to aesthetics, remember that timing is part of your treatment.

"If you want to look your best for a specific event, you should work backward from that date rather than trying to squeeze something in at the last minute," said Dr. Devgan. "Even minimally invasive procedures can involve swelling, bruising, asymmetry during the settling period or simply time for the final result to emerge. Starting early also allows us to be conservative. I would much rather perform a subtle treatment, allow it to settle and reassess, than try to accomplish too much in one appointment because someone has an important party three days later."

Which minimally invasive procedures do you need to schedule now?

Technically, the answer really depends on your personal timeline and aesthetic goals. In some cases, you may not have specific dates yet, but you should review your calendar to anticipate what the holiday season may look like for you.

Dr. Devgan shared some minimally invasive procedures patients may be considering in the build-up to the holidays:

• Neuromodulators: To soften dynamic lines, open the eye area, subtly lift the brow, refine the lower face and treat the platysma or neck.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers: When appropriate, for subtle structural optimization of areas such as the cheeks, chin, jawline, lips or profile.
• Nonsurgical rhinoplasty: For carefully selected patients who want subtle improvements in nasal contour and profile.
• Autologous or regenerative treatments: Depending on the patient, treatments aimed at improving skin quality and tissue health can be considered well in advance of an event.
• Light resurfacing or carefully selected skin treatments: These can improve tone, texture, luminosity and overall skin quality, but should be planned around the patient's skin type and expected downtime.

There is also an important distinction between physical recovery and being ready for holiday parties.

"For neuromodulators, there is usually essentially no social downtime, but I tell patients to allow approximately two weeks for the result to fully declare itself and settle," said Dr. Devgan. "With fillers, many patients look completely presentable that day, but swelling and bruising can occur. Lips, in particular, can swell noticeably. I generally prefer at least one to two weeks and sometimes longer, depending on the area treated, before a major event."

Other minimally invasive treatments may require an even longer lead-up from treatment to "event-ready" status. If you want glowing skin for Thanksgiving, you need to get on the schedule with your plastic surgeon now, and it may already be too late for some procedures.

Don't wait until the last minute

Maybe you are too busy to make a holiday plastic surgery appointment today. Maybe you didn't think about it until the last minute, or you are a classic procrastinator. It may feel like you won the lottery if you call a plastic surgeon and can find a last-minute opening to squeeze into your schedule. Unfortunately, the results may not be exactly what you were hoping for in terms of a holiday glow-up. That's because last-minute procedures or touch-ups often fail to deliver the results patients expect.

"Because biology does not follow our social calendar," said Dr. Devgan.

Healing is a personal journey that can be different from patient to patient. Swelling or bruising can be unpredictable and may not disappear in time for a holiday party.

"Last-minute procedures or touch-ups will add stress and pressure to a situation where anxious patients already feel like they are under the gun," said Dr. Horton. "Swelling, bruising and incomplete effects of a treatment might create feelings of self-consciousness that could negatively influence a patient's experience related to the treatment."

Beyond the stress of managing potential swelling or bruising, last-minute treatments can also cloud judgment, making patients more likely to pursue changes that may not serve their long-term aesthetic goals.

"Last-minute treatments also create a temptation to overcorrect," said Dr. Devgan. "When someone is anxious about an upcoming event, it can be easy to focus on what they see in the mirror that day rather than what will look harmonious once everything settles. One of my guiding principles in aesthetic medicine is restraint. The goal is not to look recently treated. The goal is to look like yourself on your best day. Giving ourselves adequate time makes it that much easier to achieve."

If you are rushing to make changes in anticipation of something, you may not go into the appointment with a clear head, instead feeling stress and pressure to make changes that may not heal in time or create a balanced aesthetic for your features.

Popular minimally invasive procedures for the holidays

So, you made an appointment and are on your surgeon's booked holiday schedule? Perfect! It's time to consider which procedures can help you achieve your holiday glam goals.

"I love treatments that create small, strategic improvements without changing someone's identity," said Dr. Devgan. "Neuromodulators are a perennial favorite because a few millimeters of change in brow position, facial tension or lower-face dynamics can make someone look more rested without looking 'done.' I also like subtle profile balancing when appropriate. Small adjustments to the chin, jawline, cheekbones or nose can sometimes create more harmony than simply adding volume to the center of the face."

Likewise, never underestimate the power of skincare. Hydrated, healthy skin can give you a luminous glow and have a tremendous impact on how you look and feel in the lead-up to a big event or gathering.

"A thoughtful medical-grade skincare regimen, sunscreen, antioxidants, retinoids or retinals when appropriate and good barrier support should be part of the plan rather than something patients begin the week before an event," said Dr. Devgan.

Her parting advice for patients who want to shine this holiday season?

"Ultimately, my holiday advice is to start earlier than you think you need to, do less than you think you need to and leave enough time for your face to become your face again," said Dr. Devgan. "Beauty is in the details, and the best aesthetic work should be almost impossible to identify."

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.