If you want to look your best sitting around the Thanksgiving table, it is time to book your pre-holiday cosmetic treatments. This guide will give you basic guidelines for scheduling both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, so you can be fully recovered before Thanksgiving. We’re here to help you schedule procedures and to answer questions. You can contact our Birmingham, AL plastic surgery office at 205-408-9787.
Surgical Procedures
Although patients are usually back on their feet and back to work within a few weeks after surgery, it can take additional time for incisions to heal, scars to fade, and bruising and swelling to resolve. Since results from surgical cosmetic procedures can last for years, you can’t schedule them too early. Patients recover at different rates and more time is always better. Schedule early if possible!
Breast Surgery
Breast procedures, including breast lift, breast reduction, and breast augmentation are popular choices for early fall. Bulky sweaters make it easier to hide swelling and bandaging while you heal and getting surgery in the fall ensures you’ll be bikini ready before spring. Since incisions and bandages are easily hidden, you can schedule breast surgeries pretty close to the holidays without missing out on plans. Give yourself at least four weeks to ensure you can comfortably hug Aunt Mabel, but you should be cleared to travel and to return to work within 1-3 weeks of surgery.
Facelift
Facelift patients are often back to work within 10-14 days of their surgery. At this point, incisions will be dark and red, some of which can be covered with makeup. Your appearance will continually improve for many weeks after facelift surgery. We typically recommend giving yourself at least 6-8 weeks after surgery before important events.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck in the fall means a flatter, tighter tummy come spring. The window between back-to-school and Thanksgiving offers many patients ideal timing for this surgery. Many patients are back to office-type work in about two weeks, but to be sure you’ll be holiday party ready, give yourself additional time before Thanksgiving. You’ll need to wear compression garments for four weeks full time and an additional two weeks part-time. These can be hidden under a sweater at your holiday dinner if needed.
Non-Surgical Procedures
Our non-surgical treatments are ideal for a quick-fix before a big event. If you love your results, maintain them with follow-up treatments. If you only have a week or two before the holidays, non-surgical options minimize downtime while providing almost immediate improvement to your facial appearance.
Botox
Botox can smooth lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. It takes a few days for Botox to start working. Side effects are minimal and resolve quickly, usually in a day or two. Schedule this injectable treatment at least a week before Thanksgiving for the best results.
Dermal Fillers
Injectable fillers offer immediate results with minimal downtime. Redness and swelling are common, especially in the first few days after a dermal filler treatment. We recommend scheduling your pre-holiday treatments at least a week in advance. Results last anywhere from 3-4 months to 1-2 years, depending on the product used, your body’s response and the areas treated.
Laser Skin Rejuvenation
Our Hollywood Laser Peel is perfect prep for any of life’s big events, including Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties. No downtime is needed, and results start to appear within 48 hours of the procedure. Even if you’ve waited until the last minute, you still have time to rejuvenate before Turkey Day.
Our other laser procedures require a little more time to obtain good results. Schedule your CO2 laser and 540 AFT treatments at least 4-6 weeks before Thanksgiving.
Partner with Clinton Plastic Surgery to look your best throughout the upcoming holiday season. Call now and schedule your cosmetic treatments in Birmingham, AL.
