Is Summer the Right Time for Plastic Surgery?

During the summer months, people tend to spend more time outdoors, attend more social events and show more skin – all of which can come along with a renewed motivation to make a change they've been considering for a while. So it's really no surprise that many of our Sacramento patients reach out around this time of year wondering if now is the right time to move forward with a plastic surgery procedure.

In short, it depends on the procedure. Summer can be an ideal time for some surgeries and a less-than-ideal time for others. Here's a practical guide to help you think through your options.

Procedures That Work Well in Summer

For body contouring procedures like tummy tucks, liposuction, arm lifts and thigh lifts, summer scheduling can work well if you're able to take time off and rest during recovery. Many of our patients find that the slower pace of summer makes it easier to step away from work and social obligations for a week or two. The key is planning ahead so your recovery period doesn't overlap with the activities you most want to enjoy.

Breast procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lifts and breast reductions, are also reasonable to schedule in summer. Most women are back to light daily activity within a week or so, and physical restrictions ease gradually over the following weeks.

Procedures That Require Extra Sun Caution

Some surgeries require more careful sun avoidance during the healing process, which makes summer scheduling something to think through carefully.

After nose surgery, for example, the skin over the nose can be more sensitive to sun exposure during the early months of healing. Significant sun exposure while the tissues are still settling can affect the final outcome. Patients who plan a rhinoplasty in summer should be prepared to be diligent about sun protection and to limit time in direct sunlight during recovery.

Facelift and eyelid surgery patients are in a similar position. Fresh incision lines and healing skin benefit from consistent protection from UV exposure. If you're spending a lot of time outdoors in summer, that's worth factoring into your timing conversation with Dr. Davis.

Recovery and Your Summer Plans

Timing surgery around your summer schedule matters more than the season itself. Someone recovering from a tummy tuck shouldn't be poolside in the heat for the first few weeks, regardless of when they have surgery. The better approach is to map your recovery timeline against your calendar. Dr. Davis can walk you through what to expect week by week so you can make an informed decision about when plastic surgery best fits your schedule and lifestyle.

It's Never the Wrong Time to Start Planning

Even if summer isn't the ideal window for the specific procedure you have in mind, it's never the wrong time to schedule a consultation or begin the planning process. Many patients who come in during the summer months decide to move forward with surgery in the fall, which often turns out to be a wonderful time to recover, with cooler weather, less temptation to jump back into outdoor activity too soon and results that are well on their way by the time the following summer arrives.

A consultation with Dr. Davis gives you the information you need to make a decision that works well for you, whether that means scheduling something soon or building a plan for the months ahead.

To get started, call our Sacramento office at 916-318-5770 or contact us online today.