Is There a Season for Facelift Surgery?

Dr. David Stoker

A woman relaxes after her facelift surgery

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, but there are some reasons why women and men schedule their surgeries during certain seasons.

In this blog post, I’ll explain why getting a facelift when the weather is normally mild is a good idea.

Summer Facelifts?

It 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 away from the coast where temperatures may reach into the triple digits, recovery may 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. And if you’re a winter sports enthusiast, it will be 6 to 8 weeks before you can hit the slopes after your surgery. On the other hand, rest and recovery are important and it is best to stay out of direct strong sunlight after any of these operations.

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 in June or early summer, along with class or family reunions. Winter brings holiday parties and family get-togethers. Planning ahead, that makes late winter or spring and early autumn the logical seasons to schedule a facelift. This helps ensure you’ve provided enough time to fully heal after the surgery and provides a bit of a buffer to overcome minor complications. The recovery timeline is an issue I explored in a previous blog post.

As with all elective surgery, the choices are made by patients. 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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