'Tis the season for plastic surgery?

Shopping malls and airports aren't the only places that see more action around the holidays. This is also the time of year that merry-makers crowd the offices of plastic surgeons everywhere. Whether it's because people can take extra time off for recovery, or because they want to be in top form for parties, plastic surgeons struggle to keep up with demand in November and December. However, there's a few things you should keep in mind before booking your pre-holiday procedure.

Party Perfect

Holiday parties and family gatherings, while fun, can be pretty stressful. You often see people you haven't seen in a long time or those you'd like to impress. You splurge on new clothes, get your hair done and dissect your appearance in the mirror, your eye immediately drawn to what you don't like. We've all been there. This added pressure leads many to take a proactive approach and seek cosmetic surgery.

It's common for those considering cosmetic procedures to be motivated by the opinions of others. Though this is an understandable desire, I encourage patients to think about their own perceptions of themselves above all else. Showing up your snobby cousin over Christmas dinner or attracting a cute colleague at the holiday work party might not be the right reason to undergo major surgery. The decision should be about self-perception, with the understanding that a change to one's appearance is not life-changing in itself.

Realistic Recovery

Another reason many choose this time of year for their surgery is the fact that it may be easier to take time off from work to recover. However, patients should be realistic about recovery times when considering having a procedure done during such a busy period. Though many surgeries only require a few days of rest, it's important to err on the side of caution when it comes to recuperating in time for important events.

Many activities associated with the holiday season are physically-demanding. Carrying heavy shopping bags, decorating the house and travelling may seem like low-impact routines, but are significantly more challenging after major surgery. Though you can recover from a breast augmentation or liposuction over a long weekend, it's normal for patients to experience some soreness for a few weeks after these procedures. On the other hand, recovering from more invasive procedures, like tummy tucks, can take up to a month.

What may normally seem like effortless tasks could become challenging or even painful when you're recovering from surgery. Patients may be determined to have a procedure done in time for holiday fun, but they should be realistic about how the surgery will impact their everyday lives for a little while. The last thing you want is to be restricted by a surgery that was meant to increase your enjoyment of the season.

Good options for those who want a beauty boost without the recovery are Botox and dermal fillers. These in-office, non-invasive procedures won't put you out of commission for important holiday events. Dermal fillers are great for giving a bit of extra volume to lips, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing contours. And Botox can be the perfect solution to wrinkles, crows feet and those pesky frown lines. Both procedures have immediate payoff and zero downtime, which may make them a better choice for those with packed calendars.

We all know that the holiday season ends in a new year, full of resolutions. This time causes many to seek change, both inside and out...which can result in packed plastic surgery waiting rooms. It can be tempting to try to squeeze in a procedure in time for that Caribbean cruise or the return to work, but make sure that whatever you decide allows you to enjoy the season to the fullest.