One of the questions that I get asked most often by my patients and which I see discussed a lot in the media is whether or not there is a right time for surgery? Honestly, it depends. Living in Hauppauge, Long Island, we are lucky to experience four distinct seasons, one of which requires significantly more clothing. This is why, historically, women, and men, have tended to schedule their surgical procedures in the winter months. It makes sense. More clothes allows you to cover up any tell-tale scars or swelling. However, I am finding that this seasonal surgery trend is changing, at least at our office. This is because I have made it my mission to safely shorten downtime and accelerate recovery in my surgical procedures such as my One Day Recovery Breast Augmentation™. So, now when a patient asks: “Is there a right time for surgery?”, I can answer: “Yes. Anytime that you want”.
Choosing the Right Procedure at the Right Time
Winter Months = Breast Season
Typically, December/January until May/June is what I like to call breast season. With the kids off and settled in school and the holiday celebrations behind them, women can now focus on themselves. And one of the biggest body concerns for many women is the size and shape of their breasts. Depending on your individual anatomy and needs, I may recommend a:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Mastopexy Augmentation
- Breast reduction
But while other surgeons require at least two weeks of recovery following a straight forward breast augmentation with implants, my revolutionary technique means that you can go out to dinner the same night of your surgery. Honestly, the recovery is really that fast. And while a more complex procedure such as a breast reduction will require more downtime, all of my breast surgeries entail significantly less time for recovery than the norm. This gives my patients more flexibility when it comes to scheduling an aesthetic procedure.
Anytime is the Right Time
My patients lead busy lives. Most are juggling work, home, raising kids and maybe even a dog or two. They may not be able to schedule surgery in the winter. Furthermore, many of my patients enjoy sports such as skiing in the winter months and do not want to sacrifice time on the slopes. So, if you can not fit a breast augmentation in until July or August, no problem. You can have surgery and still fill out your bathing suit before Labor Day rolls around.
What about a bigger surgery such as a tummy tuck or liposuction? These body contouring procedures will require more than one day of recovery. However, I apply the same techniques that I use in my One Day Recovery Breast Augmentation™ which means that you will be up and walking the same night as your abdominoplasty. Gone are the days where you need to hide out for a couple of weeks.
Don’t Forget Non-Surgical Procedures
For most women, fall is about back-to-school. Moms are so busy getting their kids settled that they simply do not have time for any kind of downtime. But do not forget about non-surgical procedures. There are so many great options for rejuvenating the face, neck and body today that require zero downtime. In fact, most of these procedures like Botox, fillers and Coolsculpting are so quick that you can easily schedule one for yourself while your kids are at a playdate.
The nice thing about a fast, or no, recovery is it means that you can actually schedule your aesthetic procedure within days of a holiday and still participate in the festivities. In fact, many of my patients even host the event themselves. So, again, the right time for surgery is really whenever it works for you.
To find out more about any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Mark Epstein in Hauppauge, Long Island, contact us today or call 631-689-1100 to schedule a consultation.