Thinking about a Christmastime recovery in July? The consultation math starts now
The last thing you want to be thinking about in the middle of July is Christmastime. July means hot weather, Fourth of July celebrations and summer vacation, not snow, carols and holiday shopping. However, if you are thinking about getting a little pre-Christmas glow-up to put your best face forward this holiday season, now is the time to start planning.
To help you plan for a Christmastime recovery, we spoke with ASPS Member Surgeons Kristy Hamilton, MD, and Karen Horton, MD, MSc, FACS.
Why is Christmas a popular time for plastic surgery?
The start of the holiday season can feel packed, with family gatherings, holiday parties, cookie exchanges and plenty of in-person celebrations. It is natural to want to look your best, especially if you are going to be meeting with family and friends you may not have seen in a hot minute. Noninvasive and surgical procedures are both popular options for enhancing your look and boosting confidence during a time of year that can often feel stressful and overwhelming. It is one way people can invest in themselves.
Christmastime may also be the perfect time to plan for a plastic surgery procedure because no one blinks twice at someone taking time off from work around the holidays. Not only do people have more time off, but the cooler temperatures may make recovery more comfortable. Ugly Christmas sweaters are also an excellent way to hide healing scars.
The one significant problem with planning any holiday plastic surgery procedure is that plastic surgery offices are typically booked solid with many others who have the same plan as you. If you want your holiday glow to shine through, the consultation math starts now.
Why you need to start making your holiday plans now
For patients hoping to look and feel their best during the holidays, planning well before the season arrives can make all the difference.
"If the holidays are the goal, summer is the moment to start the conversation," said Dr. Hamilton. "I tell patients to think in seasons, not weeks. Booking three to six months ahead provides room to plan thoughtfully, rather than racing the calendar, and ensures an appropriate period for recovery. Beautiful results are never rushed, and the patients who plan early are the ones glowing by the time the parties start. Additionally, the holiday season is a 'busy season' for plastic surgeons, as many patients have time off then or are receiving their plastic surgery as a gift; therefore, those surgical slots fill up very, very quickly, months or years ahead."
Once you've done your research, have a surgeon in mind and are ready to start exploring your options, it is never too early to schedule an initial plastic surgery consultation. Although planning months ahead may seem excessive, it is the best way to ensure you and your surgeon can plan accordingly.
A common concern patients may have about starting the process early is forgetting vital information between now and their surgery. Staying organized and taking notes or keeping a detailed log or calendar may be one way to help you stay on top of your plastic surgery plan when life starts getting crazy between now and your surgery date.
"Scheduling a plastic surgery consultation is a big first step, and can be done any time," said Dr. Horton. "I recommend bringing a friend or family member with you to the visit, as you won't remember everything that was said. Ideally, that person will be one of your 'helpers' after surgery, so they can hear firsthand about the downtime and how they can best support you. If the consultation is several months or even a year before your actual surgery date, then another 'discuss surgery' visit, either in person or on video, is a good idea to refresh your memory about the surgery details and recovery."
Understand that consultations can take time
If you've ever tried booking a doctor or specialist appointment, you know that it can take time. Depending on the practice and where you live, time is often measured in weeks or months rather than days. The same can be true for scheduling a plastic surgery consultation, which is why you want to start now if you want glowing results by Christmas.
"Most plastic surgeons book out several weeks or months for a new patient consultation," said Dr. Horton. "However, putting your name on a wait list may help get you in sooner, as schedules change and appointment availability for an earlier visit might pop up! I spend a full hour with new patients at their first visit, where we get to know them well, go over the entire procedure in detail, examine them and come up with a surgical plan. Then my patient coordinator meets with them and discusses everything logical, such as cost, including an itemized breakdown of what they are paying for, my availability and when might be the best time for surgery, considering the patient's schedule and lifestyle as well."
While the wait can seem agonizing, it can actually be a good sign for patients. A plastic surgeon has a finite amount of time they can dedicate to new patients, between an intense surgical schedule, paperwork and other obligations. They can only see so many patients in a day, especially when they are taking the time to get to know their patients and understand their aesthetic goals and unique situations.
"In a boutique private practice, the consultation is unhurried by design, but that also means the calendar fills," said Dr. Hamilton. "Depending on the season, obtaining a consultation can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months or more, and we always see a surge heading into the holidays. I recommend reaching out before you feel ready because the consultation is where the planning begins. Then you can take your time to decide if and when you would like to proceed."
Your plastic surgery timeline to Christmastime
The plastic surgery timeline will vary for each patient, depending on the procedure, health considerations, recovery and scheduling availability.
"For shorter procedures such as a labiaplasty, we can often schedule patients within a few weeks, as we need a shorter period of time in the operating room, and it is done under local anesthesia," said Dr. Horton. "For a more involved all-day procedure under general anesthesia, we need to book out the entire day in the operating room and arrange for a board-certified anesthesiologist to be present as well."
Scheduling timelines can also vary based on factors beyond the procedure itself.
"The timeline varies depending on the season," said Dr. Hamilton. "From that first conversation to the operating room is typically six to 10 weeks, sometimes longer for more involved procedures or depending on the time of year surgery is scheduled."
Early planning is also essential because recovery is a process. You don't want to show up to your holiday celebration feeling mentally or physically drained, wearing compression garments instead of your favorite holiday dress or suit. Giving yourself ample time to heal is critical for your well-being and optimal aesthetic results.
"Recovery is procedure-specific," said Dr. Hamilton. "For something like my signature breast augmentation, most patients are back to desk work the next day, with full exercise in a week. For my advanced preservation breast augmentation, my patients can return to daily life right after surgery, the same day, resuming their full exercise program one week later, including tennis or Pilates. A tummy tuck or mommy makeover usually requires two to three weeks of real downtime and six to eight weeks before life feels normal. A facelift creates approximately two to three weeks of social downtime as swelling settles, while the final refinement unfolds over months. The key is respecting the healing process. The patients who give their body time are the ones thrilled with their results."
Although recovery timelines vary by procedure, successful healing isn't measured solely by physical progress – it also includes the emotional adjustment that comes with the weeks after surgery.
"Surgery is a big decision, and recovery usually takes longer than you think," said Dr. Horton. "The recovery has a physical component, of course, but is also mental and emotional. Fatigue, guilt or shame, anxiety, mild depression and feeling 'out of sorts' are all very common in the early postoperative period. Eventually, patients 'turn the corner' and feel better, but the initial few weeks can be really hard. Having someone with you for at least the first few days is vital for safety and sanity. Also having a 'buddy' to call on for help with your first shower, taking you to follow-up appointments and being there for fun when you try on your holiday outfits can make the surgical recovery more meaningful and memorable."
Calling an ASPS Member Surgeon today is the best way to kick-start your holiday makeover, giving you the time and mental bandwidth to ring in the holidays as a radiant, confident 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.
