The Harley Medical Group Seasonality

SEASONALITY

We all want that perfect bikini body! But preparation for those sun soaked days at the beach starts long before the summer months. As any health and fitness guru will tell you, summer bodies are made in winter – and the same goes for Cosmetic Surgery.

One of the biggest benefits of having a cosmetic, rather than medical procedure is that you can plan a convenient time-frame for your treatment and recovery. 

Thinking ahead not only means you can fit the surgery around the rest of your life, but you can consider the best time of year for your treatment, as environmental factors can have a big impact on your recuperation.

HERE’S OUR SEASONAL GUIDE TO COSMETIC SURGERY...

SPRING

Spring is often the time of year when people are thinking about surgical enhancements, with summer on the horizon and thoughts of holidays, weddings and summer clothes fast approaching.

The long weekend round Easter can mean less days annual leave need to be used up while you recover - though if you’re planning a busy family get-together over the holiday we wouldn’t recommend an Easter surgery. Remember after a procedure like a Breast Augmentation you’ll need to reduce your physical activity for several weeks.

Generally, the weather is still cool enough in spring so that any swelling or bruising will be covered beneath your clothes. Some people also opt for a spring time surgery as part of their New Year’s resolutions. Having had several months of healthy eating and exercising, a Cosmetic Surgery can put the finishing touches to your new body!

SUMMER

This is most likely the time of year when you think the most about your appearance, with summer wardrobes showing off more skin and holiday plans to look forward to. But the warm, sunny weather can be less than ideal for recovery from surgery.

Firstly, because we tend to do more during the summer, taking time-out to rest and recuperate can be difficult. There are so many temptations and things you’d like to be out and about doing that being stuck inside resting can feel frustrating.

Another problem is that heat can exasperate post-op swelling and bruising, slowing your recovery. New scars also need to be kept out of the sun as UV rays can turn them a permanent red/brown colour that won’t fade, the way most scars do, over time.

Certain surgeries – like a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction – will also require you to wear a compression garment while you recover; this can become hot and uncomfortable in warm weather and certainly won’t look great at the beach!

If you’re planning a Non Surgical Treatment, such as a Microdermabrasion or Skin Peel, you also need to take extra care during the sunny summer months. Both treatments remove the top layers of dead skin cells, revealing delicate new skin beneath that needs extra protection from UV rays. This isn’t to say you can’t have these treatments during the summer – you’ll see the best results from a Microdermabrasion or Skin Peel if you keep (them) up regularly - you’ll just need to wear plenty of high-factor SPF and ideally stay out of direct sunlight.

AUTUMN AND WINTER

This tends to be the best time of year for Cosmetic Surgery. An autumn or winter procedure means you’ll have plenty of time to recover and get used to your new look before flaunting the results come summer.

The cooler temperatures are also more conducive with a steady healing process, so you’ll be back to your usual activities in no time.

What’s more, winter clothing is brilliant post-op. Thick jumpers, jackets and cardigans will easily conceal any bruising or swelling immediately after your procedure, plus they’ll make it easier for you to cover obvious changes to your body shape, so there’s no need to tell anyone you’d rather not know about your Cosmetic Surgery!

Your Cosmetic Surgeon will be able to answer all your questions and advise you further about the best time of year for Cosmetic Surgery at your free consultation. Book today for a no obligation initial appointment.