Autumn and Winter are traditionally the most popular times for people to have plastic surgery. But, why do chillier temperatures outside mean an increase in demand for surgical procedures?
Easier Recovery
One of the main reasons is that recovery can be an easier experience at this time of year. From October through to March, all of us tend to spend more time indoors so if you are out of circulation for a few weeks, people are less likely to question why.
Hiding scars, swelling and bruising or post-surgical dressings is easier when you are wrapped up warm against the weather in scarves, hats and bulky clothing. Also, you will not experience the discomfort associated with having to wear dressings and bandages during the Summer heat.
“A month on from my surgery and it couldn’t have gone better. Although my nose is quite swollen (as Mr Misra explained would be the case) the shape and the level of comfort I feel is 10/10. I can’t thank Mr Misra enough for what he has done for me, and I can now walk confidently without that feeling in the back of mind, that people are staring at my face.” Read more >
Rest
Most types of plastic surgery require you to rest and take it easy for a few days or weeks. It can be hard to do this when the sun is shining outside and everyone is enjoying summertime activities.
But, when it is cold and rainy or when the nights are long, the prospect of spending some time indoors can be very appealing. If you have children, timing your surgery for when they are at school means you are more likely to be able to take some time to yourself to rest and recuperate.
Holiday Time
For some people, Christmas and New Year can be a good time to recover from surgery as many workplaces enjoy an extended shutdown. However, for other people, the stress and social commitments of the Festive season mean this is best avoided.
Some people choose to time their surgery for this time of year as part of their New Years’ Resolutions to themselves to get fitter or look better. This can be great for confidence and self-esteem and makes for a good start to the year.
Less Sun
Plastic surgeons recommend keeping out of the sun in the first few days and weeks after a surgical procedure. This is because exposure to sunshine can sometimes delay wound healing or lead to infection, which can cause scarring.
During the Autumn and Winter months not only is there less sunshine but the strength of the sun is weaker, so you are less likely to experience over-exposure to sunlight during your recovery period.
Planning Ahead
Of course, one the primary reasons that this is such a popular time of year for undergoing surgical procedures is that people generally want to show off their new body or facial features during the Spring and Summer.
By scheduling your surgery during the colder months, you will have completely healed by the time it’s warm enough for more out-there activities or revealing clothes.
Plastic Surgery Trends
Whichever time of year you choose to undergo plastic surgery, it remains hugely popular with both men and women.
According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, more than 28,300 people had surgical procedures in 2017.
The most popular was breast augmentation, up 6% from the preceding year at 8,251.
In second place was breast reduction, also up 6% (with 4,043 procedures).
Eyelid surgery came in third (3,276 procedures) although this saw a drop of 16% on the previous year.
