Spring is drawing near here in the Bay Area—and in the world of plastic surgery, that means that the body-focused procedures that accompany warmer times will soon be getting a lot more attention.
Primarily facial procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), neck lifts, and laser skin resurfacing, are especially popular during the winter…mostly because these procedures can require several weeks of healing, and the winter months are a great time for recovery. Not only does the cold weather give you an excuse to wear bulky clothes to cover up any areas that are still mending, it also protects your skin from the damage sun can cause to the treated areas. Plus, the winter tends to be a time of fewer social engagements and more time at home—giving you a chance to get back to normal before going back out in public with your new look.
Once the sun shows its face again, though, it’s time to switch gears. Out go the facial procedures; in come breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Already three of the top five most commonly performed plastic surgeries nationwide, these procedures are especially popular in the months leading up to summer: People are getting ready to dust off their bathing suits, and they want to make sure they look good when it comes time to hit the beach. Breast augmentation can make you more curvy and confident in (and out) of that teeny bikini; tummy tucks can tighten up the midsection and get rid of any excess skin that may be making you feel self-conscious; and liposuction can give you a leaner—and more balanced—silhouette.
“The number of breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction patients I treat skyrockets during the spring,” says Dr. Rajagopal. “It can take a month or two before you really achieve optimal results, though—so if you want to be bathing suit-ready by June, it’s important to think ahead!”