When it comes to plastic surgery, timing is an important consideration. Undergoing cosmetic surgery during the cold winter months may seem ideal in terms of recovery. Baggy sweaters and scarves can mask swelling and other tell-tale signs of surgery, and holiday time off can double as recovery time. But the truth is, there is no perfect month or time of year for undergoing plastic surgery; whether or not you’re ready for undergoing plastic surgery; whether or not you’re ready for plastic surgery depends on several other factors that aren’t seasonal.
The first step in determining when or if you’re ready for surgery is consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has the experience and knowledge to help you figure things out. Through candid discussions, you and your doctor can identify if the timing is good, or if there are reasons to postpone surgery for another time. Here are a few additional aspects to consider when planning your cosmetic surgery.
Mental and Emotional Stability
While most individuals who decide to undergo plastic surgery may have been considering it for months or years, there are a few who make the decision impulsively or for the wrong reasons. An experienced plastic surgeon will determine whether a patient is pursuing plastic surgery logically and rationally, or making a rash decision or attempting to please another person.
During consultation, an evaluation of different factors such as your expectations, general demeanor, and personal motives are essential to providing an accurate assessment of whether surgery is right for you.
Physical Health
A qualified surgeon will take all reasonable steps to rule out any potential health factors that could interfere with a successful operation. For example, if you have a few extra pounds you plan on losing, a doctor might advise you to hold off on a liposuction procedure to achieve optimal results. Medical conditions such as diabetes or lifestyle factors such as smoking must also be accounted for. According to the website of Dr. Kouros Azar, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Thousand Oaks, California, overall health is important whether you’re having a simple breast augmentation or a complex multi-stage procedure. “All patients are carefully screened for medical problems that might contribute to problems during plastic surgery. These problems are either addressed or avoided prior to surgery as much as possible.” Looking out for your health, safety, and satisfaction is in everyone’s best interests.
Financial Security
If you’ve ever made a major purchase, maybe you’re familiar with how much goes into the decision-making process. Because undergoing plastic surgery isn’t a hasty (or cheap) decision, one could categorize a cosmetic procedure as an investment. However, it isn’t a necessity, and no one should put themselves in a financial bind to pay for plastic surgery. While it is possible to finance all or a portion of your surgery, ideally you should have money set aside to pay for at least part of the bill.
So, are the cold winter months the best time of year to have plastic surgery? Contrary to what the marketers would have you think, each patient has his or her own “best season,” and that’s whenever they are prepared mentally, physically, and financially.
