Shopping malls and airports aren’t the only places that see more action around the holidays. This is also the time of year that merry-makers crowd the offices of plastic surgeons everywhere. Whether it’s because people can take extra time off for recovery, or because they want to be in top form for parties, plastic surgeons struggle to keep up with demand in November and December. However, there’s a few things you should keep in mind before booking your pre-holiday procedure.
Party Perfect
Holiday parties and family gatherings, while fun, can be pretty stressful. You often see people you haven’t seen in a long time or those you’d like to impress. You splurge on new clothes, get your hair done and dissect your appearance in the mirror, your eye immediately drawn to what you don’t like. We’ve all been there. This added pressure leads many to take a proactive approach and seek cosmetic surgery.
It’s common for those considering cosmetic procedures to be motivated by the opinions of others. Though this is an understandable desire, I encourage patients to think about their own perceptions of themselves above all else. Showing up your snobby cousin over Christmas dinner or attracting a cute colleague at the holiday work party might not be the right reason to undergo major surgery. The decision should be about self-perception, with the understanding that a change to one’s appearance is not life-changing in itself.
Realistic Recovery
Another reason many choose this time of year for their surgery is the fact that it may be easier to take time off from work to recover. However, patients should be realistic about recovery times when considering having a procedure done during such a busy period. Though many surgeries only require a few days of rest, it’s important to err on the side of caution when it comes to recuperating in time for important events.