Seasonal plastic surgery is one of the best-kept secrets of the rich and famous. Summer is a particularly popular season, thanks to plenty of vacation time to slowly and carefully recover. Plus, coming back to work in the fall looking and feeling like your very best self is transformational.
Come in for a summer consultation with Aesthetx today, and we can help you plan the breast augmentation, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, or Mommy Makeover of your dreams. You’ll be enjoying a new body for years to come.
While the increased freedom of summer is a plastic surgery blessing, there are some unique challenges to recovering during this hot, sunny, and sweaty time of year. Below, you’ll find all the necessary tips, tricks, and info to ensure a successful summertime recovery.
Rest Means Rest
Beach trips, mini-vacays, and cookouts are some of the best parts of summer. If you’re planning on scheduling a summertime procedure, it’s critical to keep your schedule light. Give yourself the time you need to recover, with at least two weeks off from work following surgery. In general, patients should be back to their usual routine within six weeks.
This doesn’t mean you can’t plan to have plenty of fun this summer. Embrace the quarantine vibes, and plan yourself a luxurious staycation. Invest in comfy clothes, some face masks or other pampering products, get out those books you’ve been dying to read, and queue up some Netflix. Keeping yourself mindfully engaged and happy is a critical part of recovery.
Skip the Sun
Protecting yourself from the sun is essential year-round, but even more so after surgery (and especially in summer months). Many procedures and post-op medications can lead to increased sunburn susceptibility. It’s absolutely critical that you keep your incision covered. Scars can take months to fully mature, and sun exposure during the initial healing phase can cause long-lasting hyperpigmentation or skin darkening.
So, stay out of the sun as much as possible. When you are outside, be sure to apply SPF, wear a hat, and cover-up.
Stay Dry
Though pools, spas, swimming holes, and beaches are summer mainstays, they should be avoided following surgery until cleared by your surgeon. Bodies of water are often the perfect breeding ground for pathogens, and swimming can considerably increase your risk of infection.
Missing out on summer swims can seem like a bummer, but staying dry (and healthy) is well worth it in the long run.
Hydration is Key
Maintaining proper hydration is important after any surgery as it increases healing time, ensures proper bodily functioning, and generally makes you feel better. Surgery is already dehydrating, so amidst high summer temperatures, you’ll need to increase fluid intake.
Before surgery, stock up on some of your favorite (non-alcoholic) drinks. Gatorade and other sports drinks are quite useful in replenishing electrolytes. That said, be sure you drink water throughout the day as well.
Keep Cool
Hot days can make all the extra post-op layers like bandages and compression garments slightly uncomfortable (not to mention sweaty). Beat the heat by staying close to the AC and enjoying a cozy summer rest.
While summer does require some unique considerations for plastic surgery recovery, there isn’t any reason why this season can’t be the perfect time for you. If you’re interested in learning more about Aesthetx and our surgical and non-invasive offerings, the next step is to schedule an in-person consultation.
To schedule your consultation, please give our Campbell, CA, office a call at (408) 559-7177 or contact us online today.
