The best time for cosmetic surgery is when you have the time and support to recover. Each operation that I perform has different timing in terms of average recovery.   Things that require pulling or stretching of muscles like tummy tucks for example will need a longer recovery than skin tightening procedures such as breast lift.  While each patient is different I offer some general rules of thumb:

1. Give yourself off about a week for all but the most minor procedures:
It is better to be pleasantly surprised and need less recovery time than to need more time and not have it.  I go into detail about the expected average recovery for each procedure in consultation.  Some patients may take less than average amounts of time to recover but some may take more.  Better to be on the safe side and have more than adequate time.

2. Have support at home:
My clientele is made up of healthy people.  As such, I perform most of my surgeries outpatient.  It is my firm belief that hospitals are full of illness and harmful bacteria.  I feel strongly that my patients get better care in a cleaner and healthier environment when they are at home with the support of a spouse or loved one.

3. Plan ahead:
If you want to enjoy your figure in the summer have your surgery in the winter or fall.  I see an influx of breast augmentation patients just before the summer each year.   Implants take 3- 6 months or more to settle post op.  Patients who come in earlier in the year will look more settled and natural by the time summer comes.

4. Don’t do surgery right before a major life event.
Each year I see the bride who wants breast implants two weeks before the wedding or her mother who may want a face lift. While I would love to be the physician for these patients it makes no sense to have surgery just before an important life event. Plan at least six months ahead if you can.

5. Stay in the area for a while:
In a perfect world my patients would live next door for a week following surgery.  While not realistic I at least want to have my patients in the vicinity.  Once in a while I have a patient who plans to hop on a plane and recover in an exotic location.  It is just as important for me to be available to you after surgery as before.  Stick around for a while.

6. Stop Smoking.
Without doubt this is the toughest of the recommendations and the hardest for patients.  Smoking exponentially increases the risks of healing problems or infections. While not everyone is able to stop it is one of my strongest recommendations and requires the most forethought.

7. If you have any medical problems schedule even further ahead:
My goal is to perform your surgery as safely as possible.  For patients with medical issues we need time to get appropriate testing and clearance where necessary. It can take more time to get these evaluations and results.

If you would like help in safely planning the procedure you are considering please don’t hesitate to call my office and schedule a consultation.