When Is the Best Time to Have Cosmetic Surgery?

However long you have thought about having cosmetic surgery, it's likely you've given more consideration to what procedure to have rather than when to schedule the operation. If you are concerned with looking younger or improving certain physical attributes, you probably want to have the surgery as soon as possible, or as soon as you can afford it. It may surprise you to know, however, that certain times of the year are more conducive to having cosmetic surgery than others.

When you speak with a qualified plastic surgeon about the operation you want - be it liposuction or a face lift - you will be advised of certain things that must be taken care of before you have your procedure. Are you required to lose weight first? Is your surgery connected to a certain event, like a reunion or wedding? Here are some things to consider:

The Summer Body: Summer brings days at the beach and, ultimately, days in a bathing suit in public. If you want to show off a stellar bod in a bikini, you should know that breast implants may take anywhere from three to six months to settle post-operation and look more natural. Such a procedure should be planned in the winter if you intend to sun on the French Riviera, or your own backyard.

The Fresh Face: If you want to meet up with old friends at your 25th high school reunion, it is not wise to ask for the face lift or nose job two weeks before the event. Depending on the surgery, you will need those two weeks to recover. For any procedure timed for a reunion, wedding, or other important occasion, have the operation several months beforehand. You wouldn't run right out to the ski slopes a week after having a cast come off, would you? Your body needs time to heal.

For any type of surgery, even something as simple as a Botox injection, you want to give yourself time to let the surgery heal completely. Don't make plans to jet off somewhere a few days after leaving the hospital or clinic, because if something goes wrong you want to have your surgeon close by to handle the situation. The keyword here is "surgery," and even if you are very healthy you will need to rest afterward.

Cosmetic procedures can help you reclaim your youth and your confidence. As you consider how you wish to improve the way you look, take care to make the proper preparations. In time, when you have healed, you'll see it was well worth it.