What’s The Best Time To Have Plastic Surgery?

Benjamin Maser M.D.

Benjamin Maser M.D.

As plastic surgeons, we are often asked, “What is the best time to have surgery?”  The answer really depends on what surgery is being planned.  No matter what, elective surgery should only be done when one has adequate time to recover.

CLEAR THE CALENDAR

There should be no major life events ongoing, no big trips planned, and no major business ventures being managed at the time of the operation, and for a reasonable period of time thereafter.  Depending on the surgery that is planned, that time will vary.  Allowing yourself to recover with minimal stress is important, and the less you have going on in your life at the time of surgery the better.

IS THERE A ‘SEASON’ FOR SURGERY?

When it comes to the best time of year to have surgery, again, it depends.  We know that sun exposure makes scars darker and more noticeable.  In many instances, scars can be protected from the sun with clothing, such as scars associated with breast and body procedures. For these procedures, time of year is less impactful, because the scars can easily be covered. However, the incisions made for facial procedures are more difficult to protect from the damaging effects of the sun.  Having these done during the fall and winter months, when days are shorter, sunlight is less intense, and we are spending more time indoors, minimizes exposure to harmful UV light from the sun and will allow for better healing.

FOCUS ON YOU AND YOUR RECOVERY

If you are considering cosmetic surgery, timing is important.  Make sure you have set yourself up for success by minimizing life stressors around the time of surgery and during recovery.  And if you are considering facial procedures, such as a facelift, nose reshaping, eyelid lift, or brow lift, now is the time to get them scheduled so that you can take advantage of the lower sun exposure that the winter months bring.

[Dr. Benjamin Maser, Dr. Steven Bates, and Dr. Vincent Lepore are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, serving the greater Bay Area, San Jose, Silicon Valley, Los Gatos, and Saratoga. We invite you to schedule a complimentary cosmetic consultation, in our conveniently-located office and surgery center. Please call; (408) 356-4241.]

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