Plastic surgery recovery considerations during wintertime

When considering plastic surgery there are a lot of decisions you need to make. For instance who will be your surgeon? What procedures will you have done? How will you handle the financial side of it?

Two aspects of the planning process that are often overlooked include plastic surgery recovery as well as the best time to have a procedure completed. For some people the winter is preferable for several reasons.

Reduced sun exposure

Spring and summertime are known for outdoor activities pool parties road trips and vacations. Colder months are a nice opportunity to stay warm and cozy indoors while your incisions heal away from the damaging UV rays of the sun. When summer comes around again you’ll be ready to go outside looking fabulous — while still wearing sunscreen of course.

Healing for best results

After a procedure there is often an adjustment period as your body heals. Depending on how invasive the surgery is it may take your body anywhere from a few days to a few months to fully recover.

If you have your procedure done during the winter you’ll be afforded several months of healing time. By summer you’ll be fully healed and ready to show off your new look.

Days off for recuperation

The Mayo Clinic indicated that following surgery you should get a ride home and have a friend or family member stay with you the first night. Your surgeon will instruct you on the specific limitations and rest protocols but you should plan on taking a few days off from work to recuperate. Consider scheduling your procedure to take advantage of the winter holidays.

Layered clothing and covering up

A major procedure such as abdominoplasty or breast augmentation may require that you wear supportive compression garments to help with temporary pain and swelling. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offered a helpful animation that mentions using a compression garment after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

For people who plan to have their procedure done in the summer this constricting garment can prove to be hot and uncomfortable. However in the cooler winter months it may provide an extra layer of warmth. It can also be easily concealed by the bulkier clothing typical of wintertime.

Deciding when to have a procedure is an important aspect of planning your plastic surgery recovery. Make sure to discuss your questions and concerns with your plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for you.

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