Why the Holidays Are the Ideal Time to Schedule Your Tummy Tuck or Liposuction

If you’ve been thinking about body contouring surgery, the calendar may be working in your favor. Between Thanksgiving, the winter holidays and the end of the year, many of our patients find that November and December offer something that’s hard to come by the rest of the year: time to rest. Here’s why the holiday season can be an ideal time to schedule your tummy tuck or liposuction at our Columbia, MD office.

Built-In Time Off Work

For most people, the biggest hurdle to surgery isn’t the procedure itself. It’s finding the time to recover. Many workplaces slow down or close around the holidays, and some people have vacation days they need to use before the year ends. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that the holidays and the end of the year make winter a natural season for many patients to take time away from work.

This matters because both procedures need a period of rest. After liposuction of a small area such as the chin or knees, 2 or 3 days of downtime may be all you need, while larger areas such as the abdomen or thighs may require at least a week. After a tummy tuck, most patients can stand fully upright, drive and return to a non-strenuous job within about 10 days to 2 weeks.

Cooler Weather Makes Recovery Easier to Hide

Both procedures require a compression garment after surgery. After a tummy tuck, you’ll wear an abdominal binder as much as possible for about the first 6 weeks. In the summer, that can feel hot and be hard to conceal. In the colder months, sweaters, loose layers and coats keep your garment out of sight, and you’ll likely be more comfortable wearing it. Swelling and bruising are also easier to keep private under winter clothing.

Results Ready by Swimsuit Season

Body contouring results take time to fully develop. Liposuction results typically develop within 3 to 6 months as residual swelling fades, and tummy tuck results can take 6 months or more to fully appear. Most tummy tuck patients also wait about 6 weeks before returning to their regular exercise routine. Scheduling your procedure in November or December gives your body the winter months to heal, so you can enjoy your new shape by the time warmer weather returns.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Recovery

The holiday season is busy, so a little planning goes a long way:

• Book your consultation early, since the end of the year is a popular time for surgery.
• Arrange for an adult to drive you home and help care for you for the first day or two. If you have young children, line up help with their care for at least the first week.
• Let someone else handle the holiday hosting, heavy lifting and long shopping trips this year.
• Ask about combining procedures. Liposuction is often paired with a tummy tuck, and both can be included in a mommy makeover during a single surgery.

Start the New Year with a New Shape

If you’d like to begin the new year with a flatter, more sculpted figure, now is the time to plan. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang to discuss your goals by calling our Columbia, MD office at 410-740-9330 or contact us online today.