People considering facelifts in Los Angeles may not think it matters what time of year you get a facelift. The optimal time for facial plastic surgery depends primarily on your lifestyle and preferences, of course. And people have good reasons for scheduling their surgeries during certain seasons, including how the weather could potentially affect their facelift recovery, results, and eventual scars.
In this blog post, I’ll explain why getting a facelift when the weather is normally mild (think spring and fall!) is a good idea.
Does Summer Affect Your Facelift Recovery or Scars?
Maybe. Summer often seems like a convenient time for many patients, some of whom may have time off from work during the summer months. But if you live more inland from the coast, temperatures can reach the triple digits and may cause your recovery to take longer than expected. That’s because heat tends to prolong swelling.
You’ll also need to avoid the summer sun because extended exposure could lead to skin damage and scarring. Thinking about recuperating poolside or in the backyard in the shade during the summer months? Not a good idea.
What About Winter?
If avoiding summer heat is a good idea, does that mean winter is best for a facelift? Not necessarily. As I mentioned earlier, winters are relatively mild in Los Angeles, but facelift patients may still find themselves wanting to wear scarves or hats. Those can be quite uncomfortable and irritating if you’re recovering from a facelift.
If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, it will be 6 to 8 weeks before you can hit the slopes at Mammoth or Big Bear after your surgery. Furthermore, rest and recovery are important, and it is best to stay out of strong, direct sunlight after a facelift.
Spring and Autumn Can Be Optimal
Think about the times during the year that you typically want to look your best. Most weddings are held between May and October, along with class or family reunions. Winter brings holiday parties and family get-togethers. If you’re planning ahead for one of these special events and considering the typical facelift recovery timeline, late winter or spring and early autumn are the logical seasons to schedule a facelift.
Timing your facelift for spring and autumn helps ensure you’ve provided enough time to fully heal after the surgery and gives you a bit of a buffer to overcome minor complications. Plus, the weather is usually more moderate during these seasons and the sun isn’t at its strongest—so your recovery and scarring are more protected.
Choosing Your Facelift Timing
As with all elective surgery, you choose the timing of your facelift. If you’re considering a facelift or mini facelift in the Los Angeles area, you can contact us using the online form to request a consultation or call us at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an appointment.
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