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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Moraitis

Whether it’s because people can take extra time off for recovery, or because they want to be in top form for parties, holidays are the time of year when plastic surgeons struggle to keep up with demand.

During the holidays, you often see family and friends that you haven’t seen in a long time. And isn’t it great to hear, “You haven’t aged a bit!” But bear in mind that 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.

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.

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, like Juvederm and Voluma, are great for giving a bit of extra volume to lips, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing contours. Botox can be the perfect solution to wrinkles, crow’s 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.