The talk around the Costhetics water cooler this week is all about summer and swimsuits, and whether it’s too late to start a Bikini Diet. (It’s NEVER too late!)
The initial discussion led to a conversation that was more work and less beach oriented. We wondered if readers like you might enjoy a seasonal guide to cosmetic enhancement.
Think of it as an early Christmas gift!
5 Reasons to Think Ahead for Cosmetic Surgery
Do you have plans for Christmas or New Year’s? Are your school friends holding a reunion? Have you lost a heap of weight and want to get rid of excess skin now that you’ve gotten rid of the fat? Will you be posing for wedding pictures next Spring? If so, Costhetics recommends that you backdate from your special day when scheduling your cosmetic surgery or treatment. Planning ahead allows you to
- Make time for an appropriate recovery period
- Conceal evidence of your procedure with clothing
- Be free of swelling or scars
- Make changes to your hair, make-up, and clothing to reflect the new you or disguise your surgery, if you desire
- Adjust your diet and lifestyle so you’ll be in ideal shape for your surgery
Cosmetic Enhancement for the Summer Holidays (December to February)
The hot, sunny, summer months in Australia are glorious, but not very good for surgery. Schedule a procedure only if you don’t mind hiding out in air-conditioned comfort for a week or two – six weeks for laser skin resurfacing – and/or have vacation time to use for your recovery.
After surgery, you must avoid direct sun and heat. Even lounging poolside or in your backyard under an umbrella is not a good idea. Here’s why:
- Sun and heat contribute to prolonged swelling and possible post-operative bleeding.
- New scars should not be exposed to direct sunlight, which can impede healing.
- An immature scar that tans will stay tanned and look different from other skin.
- Post-operative garments such as abdominal binders are uncomfortable in the heat.
- Laser treatments, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light therapies can make your skin hypersensitive to the sun.
- You may not be allowed to use sunscreen on the treatment area.
Is there nothing you can do over the summer? Of course not. Just stick with non-invasive treatments such as:
- Coolsculpting
- Dermal fillers
- Wrinkle relaxers
- Ultrasound treatments
In fact, it’s always a good time to have these treatments. They are non-invasive and require only a modest recovery time, if any.
Top Cosmetic Surgery Procedures for Autumn (March to May)
Many people find themselves in tip-top shape after a summer of swimming, surfing, and running around. That makes Autumn an ideal time to schedule body contouring procedures. If you have these procedures in the Autumn, you can
- Take advantage of bulkier clothes to hide bandages
- Look good for the coming winter holidays
If you’d like to make some changes, give yourself a lift this Autumn with
- Facelift
- Breast Lift
- Arm Lift
- Rhinoplasty
It’s also a good time for:
- Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck
Winter Is Coming (June through August)
Winter is universally viewed as the best time to have cosmetic surgery from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. Here are Australia’s most popular cosmetic procedures and their average price tags as reported by Harper’s Bazaar:
- Breast implants – $8,130
- Liposuction – $5,067
- Eyelid Surgery – $4,536
- Tummy Tuck – $7,405
- Rhinoplasty – $7,832
Use your cool weather wardrobe to conceal bruising, swelling, redness, and scars:
- Turtlenecks, Scarves, and Hats – conceal the visible after-effects of facelifts, laser resurfacing, eyelid lift, brow lift, and rhinoplasty.
- Bulky sweaters – disguise the healing effects of breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck.
Spring-Loaded (September to November)
When Spring rolls around, it’s time to start thinking about summer clothes, summer loves, summer weddings, and summer swim wear.
Some of the most popular springtime procedures include:
- Liposuction
- Tummy Tuck
- Breast Reduction for Men and Women
- Facial Rejuvenation
Among the advantages that spring has to offer:
- Body contouring in spring allows you to heal and recuperate so you and your beach-ready body can splash in the surf sooner rather than later.
- Kids are still in school, requiring less supervision and leaving you more time to recover.
- Weather is starting to cool and Southern State-ers, in particular, can wear concealing clothing.
Turn, Turn, Turn
“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Whether you know this timeless phrase from Ecclesiastes (written in 450 B.C.) or from the rock and roll hit Turn, Turn, Turn (penned a few years later), the sentiment still rings true. If you’re excited about the prospect of cosmetic surgery, Costhetics recommends that you consult with your surgeon about seasonal scheduling. Start now for a more beautiful tomorrow.