Best Plastic Surgery Procedures to Get During Winter

During the chilly winter months, summertime and bikini season may seem far away. However, winter is a great time to consider restorative treatments such as chemical peels and lasers, as well as traditional cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentations.

Here are five of the most popular plastic surgery procedures to get in winter and why our doctors think so:

1. Chemical Peels

The winter is a great time to treat your skin with chemical peels. “Chemical peels can improve unwanted pigmentation and mild surface irregularities,” says Dr. Deborah Yu, board-certified plastic surgeon. Peels like these often require avoiding direct sunlight for a week during recovery, which is easier to do with winter fashion that covers more skin. Additionally, the dry, cold air helps soothe any inflammation, irritation, or redness after a peel, so scheduling one in the winter is an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate your skin before the hot summer months. 

2.  Laser Treatments

Erbium lasers, also known as carbon dioxide lasers, are typically used for resurfacing procedures on smaller areas like wrinkles, scars, and pigmentation issues. Fraxel Dual lasers, or intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers, are best for skin rejuvenation on larger surface areas like the face, neck, and chest because they treat only a fraction of skin at a time, so there is faster healing and less downtime. These two laser treatments use different technologies to address unwanted pigmentation, mild surface irregularities, and acne scars. Many of these skin-rejuvenating treatments cannot be performed if you have recently been tanning or have had direct sun exposure. 

Following both peels and laser treatments, avoidance of sun exposure is paramount for at least the first week, making the winter months an ideal time to consider these treatments. In many cases, sunscreen cannot be applied until your skin has fully recovered, so avoiding these procedures in the summer, when you are more likely to be exposed to the sun, is often a good idea to promote a faster recovery.

3. Breast Augmentation or Reductions

Getting a breast augmentation or breast reduction during the winter can lead to an easier recovery compared to having the surgery done during hot summer weather because swelling and inflammation tend to increase with heat and humidity. Since swelling is a normal part of the healing process after breast surgery, getting these procedures when temperatures are cooler can help minimize discomfort. The dry air and colder temperatures of winter can act as a natural ice pack, keeping swelling in check better than the summer heat. 

Additionally, baggy sweaters and layers make it easier to hide bandages, support garments, and any visible incisions while healing. The bulkier clothing also feels more comfortable against the surgical area that may be tender and sensitive. Attempting to shield surgical sites from the sun is more manageable when more of your body is covered up in the winter. The colder weather makes recovery simpler for both the body and mind after these intimate procedures.

4. Liposuction

Similar to breast surgery, getting liposuction in the winter can promote a smoother recovery process compared to having the procedure done during the summer. Since swelling is common after liposuction while the body heals, keeping the area cold helps constrict blood vessels and minimize fluid build-up and swelling. Excessive heat and humidity in the summer can worsen inflammation and make the compression garments that need to be worn after surgery more uncomfortable. During the winter, it is cooler both inside and outside, allowing for more breathability and airflow under compression garments which leads to less irritation and discomfort.

5. Tummy Tuck

After a tummy tuck surgery, the abdomen needs to be tightly bound with a compression garment to reduce swelling and support proper healing. Compression garments can be hot, especially paired with summer heat. In winter, the air is cooler, making compression more bearable and breathable.

Recovering from a tummy tuck takes patience. Physical activity is typically restricted for up to 6 weeks after this procedure, making the laid-back winter months more suited for limited mobility. Winter is a great time to kick back and let your body heal before your summer social events pick up.

Schedule a Consultation

After considering the many benefits of scheduling your plastic surgery procedure during the winter season, look no further than our plastic surgery clinic in New Jersey for world-class care and service. When you opt for one of our sought-after surgeons, you can benefit from results that fulfill your vision and transform your confidence. 

We consistently keep ahead of innovations and ever-evolving best practices to deliver the pinnacle of safety and artistry with your procedure. Schedule a consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center to discuss treatment planning and see how we can deliver top-tier results in any season.