Cosmetic Surgery and the Summer: What to Know before Your Procedure

Summer is the season when most people spend a majority of their waking hours outdoors. When the free time starts, basking in the sun pool or beachside, grilling with friends, and going on walks in the park with pets are by and large the hobbies of choice for most.

This is also the time of year when a lot of us are more committed to looking and feeling better. The self-confidence boost that comes with having the body of one’s dreams can be uplifting, motivating, and extremely rewarding. Therefore, it is hardly a surprise that a vast number of cosmetic surgery patients wait until the summer months to have their procedure.

While it may seem commonsense to wait until the off-season to get a cosmetic operation so as not to be undergoing recovery in the heat of the June, July, and August, there are many benefits to summertime surgeries. An important one is the availability factor: most plastic surgeons have a much more open and flexible schedule in the summer.

If you are planning your next cosmetic treatment for the upcoming season, here are some tips for making the most of it!

Preparing for your Warm Weather Procedure

• • Be ready to stay indoors for up to two weeks

Depending on how sunny it is where you live in the summer, your doctor will likely advise you to stay inside for a couple of weeks. The Sun’s UV rays can be extra damaging to skin that has recently underwent an invasive operation or treatment.

• • Wear plenty of sunblock

No matter what type of procedure you plan to get, taking care of your body should be your number one priority. Although recovery times vary by patient, exposing your skin to direct sunlight is never a good idea.

• • Wait four weeks to swim

The general rule of thumb with any incision-based procedure is to wait at least one month before getting swimming or getting into a hot tub. Most doctors actually recommend six weeks for the latter, as well as for being in lakes, oceans, and rivers. Doing so will greatly reduce your risk of getting a bacterial infection.

There are pros and cons to getting cosmetic surgery during any season. The above are a few things you should expect if having an operation in the summer; remember to stay safe and focus on long-term healing. For details on how a summer surgery can affect your healing process, contact the experts at the McLean Clinic today.