We all tend to feel our best when we’re also looking our best. Which means plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments can be a form of self-care — and it’s always a good time to show yourself some TLC. But there are certain times of year that may be better suited for one procedure over another. If you’ve been considering a cosmetic change, here are some tips to help you pinpoint the best time to schedule your makeover.

The Best Times of Year for Plastic Surgery

Choosing the optimal season or time of year to have plastic surgery can significantly impact the recovery process and overall experience. In the following list, we outline the best times of the year for different types of plastic surgery, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, post-operative care, and personal comfort. Whether you’re planning a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, or facelift, understanding the ideal timing for your chosen procedure can contribute to a smoother and more satisfying outcome. Here are the best times to get plastic surgery:

1. Well Before Major Events

Want to look your best before a wedding, reunion, or other special gathering? We don’t blame you! But since many cosmetic procedures require at least some amount of healing time, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving yourself plenty of space to recover before any special occasions.

Recovery Timelines for Plastic Surgery Procedures

Timelines are different for each type of procedure, but in general, here are some to bear in mind:

• Breast augmentation: You can work from a desk at home 3-4 days after your procedure. Most breast augmentation patients return to work at a desk in an office after 1 week. After your breast augmentation you should wait for 4-6 weeks before engaging in exercise, vigorous activity, and swimming (to avoid submerging the incisions).
• Tummy tuck: Recovery times vary, but many patients take up to a month off work. You can begin working remotely at a desk from home 1 week after the procedure. Some patients can resume working at a desk in an office 2 weeks after a tummy tuck. After your tummy tuck, you should wait 4-6 weeks before participating in exercise, vigorous activity, and swimming.
• Liposuction: Generally, recovery is easier due to small incisions. After liposuction, patients typically go back to working at a desk in an office 2-3 days later. Light aerobic exercise is allowed after 3 weeks after lipsocution. However, patients should wait for 4-6 weeks before engaging in vigorous exercise and swimming.
• Facelift: Patients can work remotely 1 week after a facelift. Typically, you can resume working in an office after 2 weeks of recovery, but you may need to wear makeup to cover incisions. We suggest waiting for 4-6 weeks before participating in exercise.

Of course, there are many other cosmetic procedures, all of which will have various healing times. And while injectables and other in-office treatments don’t require surgery, they may still lead to temporary bruising and swelling. We’ll go over the healing process during your consult so you can plan accordingly.

2. Before (Or After) the Holidays

The holidays are hectic enough, and since you’ll probably be gathering with loved ones and attending events through the season, it’s best to save this time of year for other forms of self-care. Injectables, CoolSculpting®, and other noninvasive procedures often require less healing time, and these may be scheduled more easily during the holidays, but save more time-consuming procedures for later. After the hustle and bustle is behind you, there’s no better way to hit reset for the new year than so you can feel your best.

3. During Downtime

From annual vacations to professional commitments and busy birthday months, you already know which calendar pages fill up quickest for you. Aside from the holidays, you’ll want to schedule your procedure well outside these other busy windows. Not only will you give your body sufficient time and space for recovery, but you’ll also avoid having to attend events with post-procedure bruising or swelling.

4. When It Works Best for You & Your Procedure

The winter months of January and February are often hailed as the best time of year for plastic surgery, and in many situations, that may certainly be the case. After all, you’ve probably just seen all your loved ones for the holidays, you’ll have several weeks (or months) of wearing extra layers to cover up any wounds or swelling, and it’s well enough before bathing suit season. Tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast augmentation are often done during cooler weather, when it’s easier to cover up and allow scars time to fade.

But there are also compelling arguments for scheduling procedures other times of year, too. If you travel during the winter or love skiing, for instance, you might find that spring or even summer are better-suited for your procedure. Late summer and early fall are also mostly free of major holidays, so the calendar tends to open up these times of year.

Schedule a Free Consultation for Plastic Surgery

Looking to get a cosmetic procedure on the calendar for 2024? Our cosmetic surgeons will discuss exactly what to expect so you know the right time to schedule. Find out more during a free consult: call 679.990.3551 or request an appointment online.