Cosmetic Surgery for the holidays?

You have been good all year…why not treat yourself to a long-term investment like cosmetic surgery for the holidays? Unlike designer handbags and shoes which eventually go out of style, looking fabulous and improved self-esteem never gets old. Plus, colder weather and more time off during the holidays allows for ideal recovery conditions. Here are some procedures we have found popular in our practice this time of year.

Face Lift and Laser Resurfacing

A Facelift is a surgical procedure used to lift sagging facial tissues to a higher more youthful position. Most facelift procedures address the SMAS [underlying fibrous tissues of the face/neck], the platysma [neck muscle] and the skin of the face/neck. Confirming what we have seen in our Cosmetic Surgery practice for years, a study published in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery revealed that patients looked an average of 9 years younger than their actual age after receiving facial rejuvenation procedures like facelift surgery. More recently, it was proven through scientific research that more than five years after facelift surgery, three-fourths of patients still look younger than they did before surgery. For optimal results, many patients combine facelift surgery with laser skin resurfacing.

Laser resurfacing is a less-invasive yet effective way to correct sun damage exhibited by age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Laser treatments use thermal technology to remove the damaged, superficial layers of skin to ultimately reveal more fresh and youthful skin.

While recovering from facial rejuvenation procedures like laser resurfacing and facelift surgery, patients are instructed to avoid sunlight exposure. The shorter days of winter make such post-op recommendations more ideal and feasible . After all, many patients will see minimal sunlight given it is dark during their daily commutes. Even more, between sunny vacations, boating and a plethora of outdoor activities, avoiding the summer sun is almost impossible for many thus making winter a practical choice for facial rejuvenation procedures.

Body Contouring through liposuction and breast augmentation

Liposuction removes excess fatty tissues to reveal a trimmer silhouette while breast augmentation, by surgical implantation, can provide feminine curves by providing shape and volume. Although sun exposure is not particularly an issue in regards to liposuction and breast enhancement recovery , patients are required to wear post-operative garments while healing. Wearing such garments in the hot summer months can be uncomfortable and difficult to conceal. Even more, patients may not feel comfortable baring their bodies in skimpier clothing until they have fully healed. Cold weather attire allows for easy concealment of compression garments and bandages.

An added benefit to undergoing cosmetic surgery during this time of year, is more ample recovery time. With extra time off from school or work, the holidays allow many patients extra downtime. Many cosmetic surgery procedures require a 1 to 2 week recovery period in which many patients do not feel comfortable being seen in public. To ensure recovery time without having to ask for additional time away from school or work, many individuals book their surgery over Christmas vacation.

If you have been seriously contemplating cosmetic surgery, you may want to consider scheduling your procedure within the next few months. As an added incentive, many cosmetic surgery practices offer holiday specials. Until January 31, 2013, we are offering a discounted rate on silicone breast implants. To schedule your complimentary consultation, call 423-648-4011.