Why Winter is The Best Time For a Tummy Tuck
Plastic surgeries are popular all year long, but the winter season is often the best time to undergo an invasive procedure such as an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. This body contouring procedure sometimes involves liposuction and breast augmentation or a breast lift for a combination procedure called the mommy makeover. The preparation, tummy tuck surgery, and recovery period are time-consuming. It’s essential you give your body the chance to heal before returning to work and activities, which makes winter an ideal time of the year to have a tummy tuck.
There are several reasons why men and women choose to have a tummy tuck during winter, including:
- More Time Off in the Winter Months: Most companies and employees have more time off during the holiday season and into the New Year. This is also a popular time for vacations to warmer places as the cold sweeps through D.C. and Virginia. You can take time away from work without having to disclose the reason, which allows you to recover discreetly without attracting the attention of your coworkers, family, and friends. Our board-certified plastic surgeon typically recommends taking at least one to two weeks off work, which can be timed perfectly for a “staycation.”
- More Layers of Clothing: Between winter coats and thick sweaters, it’s easy to cover up while your body heals and bruising and swelling goes down. You’ll likely need to wear a compression garment to help the recovery process, which can be concealed beneath layers of clothing, so you don’t have to reveal your new body shape until it’s warmer outside. Staying indoors and covering up also helps your body relax, which can aid recovery.
- Less Outdoor Activities: No one will think twice about you cuddling up at home and binge-watching your new favorite show because there are fewer options for outdoor fun. Many of your friends and family will be doing the same thing, so you may even have company during recovery. With fewer outside activities and more vacation time in the winter, families typically have more help around the house. If you have small children at home, you may have more support available as you won’t be able to lift more than five to ten pounds for several weeks.
- Heal in Time for Swimsuit Season: Your tummy tuck results will take time to settle in. You’ll need to limit exercise and activities for six weeks and follow all post-op instructions. It can take three to six months (sometimes longer, depending on the number of procedures and other circumstances) to realize your full results, so an abdominoplasty during winter will give you a better body contour by summer.
Our female plastic surgeon, Dr. Roberta Gartside, performs tummy tucks year-round and can help you determine if this plastic surgery is right for you and the best time to undergo the procedure. Choosing a plastic surgeon is a crucial part of the tummy tuck process so remember to do your research, write down your questions, and read patient reviews before making your decision.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Today
If you’re interested in an abdominoplasty or another type of plastic surgery, please contact New Image Plastic Surgery Associates in Virginia today at (703) 742-8004 to schedule your consultation. Dr. Gartside serves patients in the Washington D.C. and Virginia area including Reston, Fairfax, and McLean.
